MRSA, or methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, is a type of bacteria that can cause an array of infections and medical complications. This bacteria can be easily diagnosed through a swab test. MRSA starts off as a staph infection, but unlike most staph infections, MRSA can be difficult to treat because of its resistance to antibiotic treatment. MRSA is generally contracted through cuts or openings in the skin where it can come into direct contact with an infected carrier. It is important to utilize proper handwashing techniques when it comes to preventing the spread of the bacteria.
Cellulitus
The presence of cellulitus can be a symptom of MRSA. Cellulitus is a type of infection of the skin. It affects the layer just underneath the skin and affects both the subcutaneous tissue and the dermis. Cellulitus can form on its own and then develop into MRSA. MRSA can enter the body through open blisters on the skin. Signs of cellulitus include skin swelling, redness and blisters. In some cases a low-grade fever may develop.
Sty
A sty starts off as a pimple or infection of the gland that is located on the eyelid. The small area in which the sty has formed can be red and painful. An indication that the sty may be MRSA would be if it did not heal itself within three to five days and the infection appeared to get larger or worse. Swelling and redness that develops around the eye rather than one localized area could be a sign of MRSA.
Impetigo
This type of skin disorder is actually a staph infection where clusters of blister begin to form on the skin. These blisters can have an opening that secretes yellow crusts of discharge and blood. In some cases this could be an indication of MRSA---especially if the blisters spread rapidly and are not containable to one location. This is also an easy way for MRSA to enter the body, even if the impetigo is not a direct result of a MRSA infection. It is important to seek medical care promptly because MRSA can often be resilient to most antibiotics---making impetigo difficult to treat.
Abscess
When someone has a small break or tear in the skin, pus often begins to form and infect the hair follicle under the skin. This can lead to a boil or an abscess. If the cut was exposed to MRSA, the bacteria can rapidly begin to invade the entire area and turn into an infection. The boil may not heal or shrink like it normally would. If a boil or abscess tends to spread, get larger or develops a hard, red area on the skin around it, this could signify MRSA.
Widespread Infection
If MRSA has entered the body and begun invading the bloodstream, it can cause a great deal of harm. MRSA has been known to easily spread to distant organs in the body, which can be life threatening. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms turn into any of the following: shortness of breath, fever over 100 degrees F, rash and joint pain. Severe cases of MRSA can lead directly to septic shock---an infection that invades the bloodstream.
