MRSA is a staph infection that is becoming more and more prevalent. The problem is MRSA is not contained to one area of the body. It can be found in almost all areas of the body. MRSA is tough to treat and without treatment, it could turn deadly. Therefore, it is critical that you learn more about the common symptoms and the not so common symptoms of MRSA. This knowledge will help you make the right decisions when it comes to seeking treatment for an infection. Let’s take a look at the various types of symptoms that MRSA can produce.

Boils

A boil is an infection in the skin that will start as a tender, reddened area that becomes very hard. Eventually, the center of the reddened area will soften and become filled with pus. The pus will form a head which can be surgically opened, or it may drain out on its own. If the pus becomes enclosed within the tissue, it is called an abscess. There are several types of boils.

Furuncles or Carbuncles are abscesses within the skin that are caused by a staph infection such as MRSA. A furuncle is a boil that occurs within a hair follicle. A furuncle will become a very tender and red nodule that can produce a considerable amount of pain as it grows into a large abscess.

A carbuncle is a deep skin abscess that infects several hair follicles. This type of infection also causes a hard painful lump under the skin. However, since many hair follicle can be involved it will be larger than a furuncle.

Cystic acne are abscesses that occur when oil glands become clogged and infected. This type of acne will infect deeper tissues than common acne. This is the most serious form of acne. Cystic acne will feel like soft fluid formed lumps underneath the skin. These lumps can become very large measuring several centimeters in diameter, and they can produce a lot of pain.

A pilonidal cyst is an abscess that occurs in the crease of the buttocks. This type of cyst starts with an infection in the base of a hair follicle. Over time the irritation from the direct pressure of sitting will produce a firm pain nodule. A pilonidal cyst makes sitting difficult.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that gets into the deeper layers of the skin and fat tissues. The symptoms of cellulitis are redness, tenderness, swelling and pain at the infection site. Cellulitis symptoms can occur suddenly and become severe rapidly. This infection can occur anywhere on your body. If left untreated, cellulitis can spread into the bloodstream and lymph nodes which could be deadly.

Folliculitis

This is another infection of the hair follicles. However, folliculitis is a more superficial infection than carbuncles. The symptoms of folliculitis will include small, white-headed pimples that appear around the one or more hair follicles. Folliculitis can produce itching and some pain. Sometimes, the infection can move deeper into the hair follicle.

Scalded Skin Syndrome

Scalded skin syndrome is a staphylococcal skin infection that usually only infects children less than six years of age. Infants are most likely affected as staph enters the body through the umbilical stump or diaper area. Once in the baby’s system it can infect the entire skin.

The symptoms of scalded skin syndrome will start as an initial lesion that will be superficial and have a crusty appearance. Within 24 hours the surrounding skin will become very red and painful. This redness will quickly spread to other areas of the skin. The skin will develop a paper like consistency and large fluid filled blisters will arise. These blisters will quickly burst, and the skin will begin to peel away, often in large sections. Immediate treatment with the proper antibiotics is critical.

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but life-threatening infection resulting from bacteria. It most often affects menstruating women but children and men can get it also from open wounds.

The symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are a sudden high fever and low blood pressure. A rash that develops on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. These symptoms may be accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, headaches, seizures, confusion, muscle aches and redness of the eyes and throat. Immediate treatment is necessary to avoid life-threatening complications.

Sty

A sty is a red and painful lump that appears near the edge of your eyelid. It will resemble a boil or a pimple and be filled with pus. Symptoms can include eyelid pain, eyelid swelling and tearing. Sometimes the infection will extend beyond your eyelid to involve your cheek or other areas of your face.

Breast Abscesses or Mastitis

Breast abscesses occur with bacteria gets through a cut in the skin or through the nipple. The fatty tissue of the breast will get infected with staph and swell. This will push on the milk ducts and produce a lot of pain. Breast abscesses most commonly appear in breast feeding women.

The symptoms of a breast abscess include breast pain with a lump. One breast may be larger than the other. The infected individual may develop a fever and other flu-like symptoms, including nausea and vomiting.  There may be discharge from the nipple and the lymph nodes on the affected side may become tender and enlarged.

Wound Infections

Any time there is an open wound on the body it is an invitation for MRSA to enter. Therefore, you need to monitor all wounds carefully and keep them covered. The symptoms of a MRSA wound infection include the wound becoming very red and swollen. You may notice the wound seeping yellowish colored pus.

If MRSA gets into a wound and is not treated it can spread throughout the body via the bloodstream. This can cause life-threatening conditions such as septic shock which can produce a severe drop in blood pressure with fever and breathing problems. Other complications can accompany sepsis. These complications can include blood poisoning, bone infection, meningitis, pneumonia or inflammation of the inner lining of the heart.

As MRSA becomes more prevalent in society, it is critical that you learn how to protect yourself against this deadly infection.