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.
Related Questions
Related Articles
Learn how to distinguish between methicillin-resistant staph (MRSA) and regular staph infections. This guide covers the unique characteristics, treatment challenges, and when each type requires immediate medical attention.
Cellulitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Understand this common bacterial skin infection that can spread rapidly through deeper tissue layers. Covers risk factors, warning signs, and why prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications.
When Skin Infections Become Serious
Discover the red flag symptoms that indicate a skin infection needs urgent medical care. Includes guidance on fever, red streaking, and other signs of systemic spread that require immediate treatment.
Learn More