MRSA Disease Symptoms*

Staphylococcus Aureus is a common bacterium found on the skin. It is harmless unless it enters the body through a break in the skin. However, if it does so, it can cause various types of discomfort, ranging from intestinal problems to skin infections and even pneumonia. Staph infections are most common in those with weakened immune systems, such as children, HIV patients, and the elderly.

MRSA is an antibiotic resistant form of staph infection that can be fatal. MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, meaning a version of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that is resistant to the commonly used antibiotic Methicillin. These strains of bacteria are no more likely to cause infection than other strains of staph.

They are, however, more difficult to kill. Treatment of MRSA infections nearly always involves hospitalization, and failure to treat it properly can result in death.

Symptoms of MRSA are the same as symptoms of common staph infections. Often, a topical staph infection begins through a break in the skin, such as a pimple, boil, or cut.  These small wounds, if left untreated, can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses that require extensive treatment and hospitalization.

MRSA infections, if left untreated, can be fatal. The bacteria burrow deeper and deeper into the body, causing life-threatening infections in the bloodstream, organs, surgical wounds, and soft tissue. For these reasons, it is essential that MRSA infections receive proper treatment by qualified professionals in a hospital setting.

MRSA can appear in many forms. If you have a wound or surgical incision that is abnormally swollen, red, painful, or filled with pus, have it examined by your doctor. Even if it is a small break in the skin, such as a scrape, cut, or nick - if these symptoms occur it is essential that your doctor examine the area for staph and/or MRSA infection.

Early detection is key to proper treatment. Many people who are suffering from staph infections mistake these infections for spider bites. Again, if you have any question about small cuts or wounds, be sure to have them examined by your doctor. It is far better to be safe than sorry!

If you have already been diagnosed with a "normal" staph infection - watch it closely for signs of MRSA. Be especially aware of signs that your antibiotic may not be working. Call your doctor if you notice that the infection is not improving after three or four days, or seems to be getting worse. The strain of bacteria infecting your body may be antibiotic resistant.

MRSA infections are often mistaken for regular staph infections or other common ailments such a spider bites. If you develop a swollen, painful abscess on your body, especially if it is in an area where you have broken skin such as a cut, scrape, or pimple, consult your doctor right away. They will be able to simple the area to see if you have a staph or MRSA infection, and begin proper treatment. Getting prompt, accurate treatment is key to healing successfully from a MRSA infection. Be sure to educate yourself and make the right decisions about your health - learn all you can about MRSA today!

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