Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is caused by a type of staph bacteria that’s become resistant to many of the antibiotics used to treat ordinary staph infections. Because it’s hard to treat, MRSA is sometimes called a “super bug.” Infection most prominently begins with a swollen, painful skin rash.
Transmission:
Plenty of healthy people carry staph without being infected by it. However, staph can be a problem if it manages to get into the body, often through a cut. Once there, it can cause an infection. Usually, these are minor and don’t need special treatment, as staph can usually be treated with antibiotics. But over the decades, some strains of staph — like MRSA — have become resistant to antibiotics that once destroyed it.
Symptoms:
Staph skin infections, including MRSA, generally start as swollen, painful red bumps that might resemble pimples or spider bites. MRSA can cause more serious internal issues including fever and pneumonia, however, a skin rash is the most noticeable symptom. The rash will be:
- Warm to the touch
- Full of pus or other drainages
- Accompanied by a fever
