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Dermatitis vs. MRSA

According to the Mayo Clinic, dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin. An MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) skin infection, on the other hand, is a contagious bacterial infection. Dermatitis is usually fairly benign and treatable, while an MRSA infection may be difficult to treat with antibiotics and can progress to a more serious infection.

  1. Symptoms

    • There are different types of dermatitis, but the condition is commonly marked by itching, redness or swelling. Symptoms may only appear occasionally or may be present continuously. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), MRSA skin infections are also marked by redness and swelling, but they may also include skin that feels painful or warm. Pus or fluid may also be present, and some infections are accompanied by a fever.

    Causes

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, dermatitis is not a contagious disease. Instead, it is usually caused by irritants, allergies or stress, or is a symptom of another medical condition. MRSA, on the other hand, is caused by a strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics. MRSA skin infections are contagious; you can contract MRSA bacteria by touching an area of skin infected with MRSA or by touching another surface or object that has been contaminated with MRSA.

    Treatment

    • According to the Cleveland Clinic, depending on the type of dermatitis present, treatment may include identifying and avoiding irritants or allergies and applying cortisone-type creams; taking antihistamines; and moisturizing dry skin. Treatment for MRSA skin infections usually includes draining fluid from the infected area. Your doctor may also give you an antibiotic, although many antibiotics no longer work in treating MRSA. If your MRSA infection progresses to another part of your body, you may need to receive more intensive treatment.

    Seeing Your Doctor

    • As the Mayo Clinic states, you may want to see your doctor about your dermatitis if your symptoms become severe and treatment with home care remedies has been unsuccessful. You may also need to consult your doctor if the area of affected skin becomes painful or infected. For an MRSA skin infection, the CDC advises that you contact your doctor whenever you think you may have such an infection, especially if you are experiencing a fever. Beyond covering the infected skin with a bandage, do not attempt to topically treat the infection, as your actions may simply spread the bacteria to other places or people.

    Prognosis

    • Treatments are usually effective in reducing dermatitis symptoms. Rarely, dermatitis may lead to complications, such as a minor infection that requires treatment. According to MedlinePlus, MRSA skin infections can become life-threatening if they spread to other parts of the body. People with weakened immune systems are more likely to suffer from serious infections.

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