What Does a Staph Infection Look Like on the Skin?
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 21st, 2026.
Staph skin infections typically appear as red, swollen, painful bumps that resemble pimples or boils. These infections often start as small, pus-filled lesions that can quickly enlarge and become warm to the touch. Common presentations include impetigo with honey-crusted lesions, cellulitis causing red streaking and swelling, or furuncles (boils) that are deep, painful nodules filled with pus. MRSA infections, affecting over 80,000 Americans annually, may appear as spider bite-like lesions with a central dark area surrounded by red, inflamed skin. The affected area often feels tender and may drain yellow or white pus.
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