Multiple MRSA Staph Infections

In the past, the bacteria MRSA was only found in hospital settings. More recently, MRSA cases have turned up in people who were never in a hospital setting, causing more instances of multiple, community-associated MRSA infections.

Definition

• MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is a strain of Staph infection resistant to the antibiotics commonly used to treat it.

Symptoms

• MRSA skin infections begin as red bumps that look like pimples. If untreated, they can turn into painful abscesses that require surgical draining. It can also move internally to cause more serious infections in the body.

Causes

• Humans have become increasingly susceptible to MRSA over the years. In the general population, unnecessary antibiotic use and antibiotics in food and water sources have caused the bacteria to become resistant.

Prevention

• To prevent contracting MRSA, whether for the first time or after multiple infections, follow some simple guidelines:
  - Wash hands
  - Keep personal items personal
  - Cover wounds
  - Sit out a physical activity if an infection may be present
  - Use antibiotics appropriately

Treatment

• Doctors use antibiotics that MRSA is not resistant to, although after multiple infections, it could become more difficult to treat. Some doctors prefer to drain an abscess without the use of medicine.