5 Things You Need to Know About Staph Infection Symptoms

1. Don't Ignore Staph Infection Symptoms

If you have a boil or abscess that continues to get worse after three or four days, see your doctor. Other signs of a serious staph infection, like MRSA, include a high fever, chills and shortness of breath. If the skin around the boil or abscess begins to turn red or becomes painful to the touch, it may be a sign that the staph infection is spreading to other parts of your body.

2. Folliculitis is a Mild Staph Infection Symptom

Folliculitis occurs when the hair follicles become infected. A hair follicle is the tiny opening beneath the skin where hair grows. Symptoms of folliculitis include small whiteheads, which may have a red area around them. Most folliculitis occurs from a staph infection contracted during shaving or other friction that causes the skin to break. Folliculitis usually clears up on its own with proper hygiene.

3. Boils are a MRSA Staph Infection Symptom

Boils are painful staph infections that start as milder folliculitis infections. A boil occurs when the staph bacteria travels deeper into the skin and oil glands (sebaceous glands). A boil may feel like a pimple at first, but over the course of a few days, it swells and becomes painful to the touch. A boil will turn red with a whitish head and can be as large as a golf ball before it bursts and drains. If a boil if particularly painful or if infection has spread to surrounding tissue, antibiotics may be necessary.

4. Kids are Prone to Certain Staph Infection Symptoms

Staph bacteria live naturally in noses and on the skin. Because kids are less likely to wash their hands regularly and more likely to pick their noses, they come in contact will all sorts of staph bacteria. Impetigo is a condition that occurs typically around the mouth and nose in preschoolers and school age children. Symptoms include blistering and itching. Topical ointments may be applied or antibiotics may be in order, depending on the severity of the case.

5. Scalded Skin Syndrome is a Serious Staph Infection

Babies and children under five who present fever, a rash and, possibly, blisters may have a staph infection known as Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSS). SSS begins as minor staph infection. However, staph bacteria have an aggressive toxin that targets the child's skin. The skin blisters and peels away, looking like a burn. Because SSS is prevalent in newborns and very young children, it is important to see a doctor right away. Most kids make a full recovery from SSS.