Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that may exist on the skin or in the nose. Known also as staph, this bacteria can cause everything from minor skin infections to life-threatening illness. The predisposition for acquiring a staph infection is usually a weakened immune system, possibly due to hospitalization or a chronic illness. The main symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus depend on the location and severity of the infection.
Skin Infections
Staph infection commonly involves the skin. Boils, impetigo, cellulitis and scalded-skin syndrome are all symptoms of skin infections caused by staph.
Boils, a soft tissue infection of the skin, can be painful. Boils often take place under the arm or near the groin and buttocks. Pus typically forms in the oil gland or hair follicle. Redness and swelling of the affected area occurs. Bloody or pus-like fluid may drain if the boil is perforated.
According to the Mayo Clinic, impetigo is usually found in infants and young children but can develop in all ages, as the infection is highly contagious. Impetigo generally starts out as a painful rash, and is then followed with the formation of large blisters. The blisters may dispel a liquid, developing a yellowish-brown colored scab. Impetigo typically emerges around the nose and mouth.
Cellulitis may manifest itself with swelling, redness, and warmth of the skin that is involved. This skin infection can expand the hair follicles of the infected area, creating an indentation of the skin. Cellulitis typically occurs in the lower legs and feet of the affected individual.
Newborn babies infected with staph may develop scalded-skin syndrome. The main symptoms are fever, rash and, at times, blisters. The blisters then rupture, causing the top layer of skin to be sloughed off, thus resulting in a reddened, raw appearance that resembles a burn.
Food Poisoning
The symptoms of food poisoning caused by staphylococcus aureus generally occur within one to six hours after the ingestion of tainted food. Gastrointestinal cramping, queasiness, vomiting and diarrhea may ensue. The illness may last up to two days but can carry on longer and be more severe in children and older adults.
Bacteremia
Bacteremia, or blood poisoning, is a staphylococcus aureus infection that has entered the blood stream. The main symptom of this type of infection is an unrelenting fever. Internal organs, such as the heart or lungs, may be involved in this serious and sometimes fatal form of staph infection.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome is commonly associated with tampon usage, but can also occur after surgery and in wounds. The symptoms of this syndrome have a quick onset and can be life-threatening. A high fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle aches and seizures can occur. A rash, similar in appearance to a sun-burn, may appear on the bottoms of the feet and palms of the hand.
