Why does staph infection hurt

This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview 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. Staph infection Open pop-up dialog box Close. Staph infection MRSA infections start out as small red bumps that can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Nov. Mayo Clinic; Elsevier Point of Care. Elsevier; Ferri FF. A number of antibiotics are available to treat staph infections, and your doctor will choose one that will work best based on your infection. In some instances, drains help rid the body of pus and other buildup surrounding the infection.

If an infection surrounds a medical device like a pacemaker or a joint replacement, the device should be removed immediately.

Staph infections are serious, but unless you spend time in a hospital or in-patient healthcare facility, your odds of contracting one are relatively low. Still, awareness never hurts. Looking for a primary care provider? Learn more about Penn Primary Care. Get information on a variety of health conditions, disease prevention, and our services and programs. It's advice from our physicians delivered to you on your time.

The best ways to avoid staph-related food poisoning is to make sure your food is handled at the right temperature, the CDC says. This can cause a blood infection known as bacteremia, which can initially lead to a fever and low blood pressure. Once in your blood, this kind of staph infection can spread to your heart, bones, and other organs—and result in a number of serious or even deadly infections.

Those include pneumonia , and also a type of bone infection called osteomyelitis, which could lead to swelling or warmth in the infected area, according to resources from the Mayo Clinic. Bacteremia could also lead to an infection of the lining of your heart known as endocarditis. Symptoms—like fever, chills, night sweats , joint pain , pale skin, and weakness—can develop very slowly, suddenly, or even come and go, per the U.

When the toxins staph produces accumulate, they can cause a particular type of blood poisoning known as toxic shock syndrome TSS. This could lead to a sudden fever, vomiting or diarrhea, muscles aches , headaches, and a rash resembling sunburn on your palms and the soles of your feet, research shows. TSS is rare, though. The condition affects fewer than one in , people in the U. If a staph skin infection is left untreated, it can eventually enter the bloodstream and lead to sepsis , Dr.

Goldenberg says, which is an intense immune system reaction to an infection that sends harmful inflammatory chemicals into the blood and other internal organs. This can block proper blood flow and potentially cause your organs to shut down, which can be fatal. Someone with sepsis might have one or more of the following symptoms, according to the CDC :. People who may be more likely to get a staph infection include those with:.

Despite vigorous attempts to eradicate them, staph bacteria remain present in hospitals, where they attack the most vulnerable, including people with:. Staph bacteria can travel along the medical tubing that connects the outside world with your internal organs.

Examples include:. Staph bacteria can spread easily through cuts, abrasions and skin-to-skin contact. Staph infections may also spread in the locker room through shared razors, towels, uniforms or equipment. Food handlers who don't properly wash their hands can transfer staph from their skin to the food they're preparing. Foods that are contaminated with staph look and taste normal.

If staph bacteria invade your bloodstream, you may develop a type of infection that affects your entire body. Called sepsis, this infection can lead to septic shock — a life-threatening episode with extremely low blood pressure. Wash your hands. Careful hand-washing is your best defense against germs. Wash your hands with soap and water briskly for at least 20 seconds.

Then dry them with a disposable towel and use another towel to turn off the faucet. If your hands aren't visibly dirty, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, such as before, during and after making food; after handling raw meat or poultry; before eating; after using the bathroom; and after touching an animal or animal waste.

Wash clothing and bedding in hot water. Staph bacteria can survive on clothing and bedding that isn't properly washed. To get bacteria off clothing and sheets, wash them in hot water whenever possible.