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How to Tell if MRSA is From an Incision Wound

MRSA is Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, or drug resistant bacterial staph infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control, MRSA is highly contagious and can be spread by coming into contact with someone who has the infection. MRSA is a dangerous skin infection because it has built up immunity against the normal antibiotics usually used to treat staph infections. MRSA infections can be fatal if not caught and treated quickly and can occur anywhere bacteria can enter the skin. It is important to know the signs of a MRSA wound infection, as the infection can be life-threatening.

Things You'll Need

  • Doctor's appointment
  • Thermometer
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Instructions

  1. Symptoms

    • 1

      Know the first signs of a MRSA infection. MRSA may start out looking like a regular skin rash or infection, with one small red bump or blisters near the wound. The bump or bumps may look similar to a spider bite, a pimple or a boil. It may even feel itchy.

    • 2

      If you have had a recent injury or medical operation, such as an incision wound, look for symptoms of an infection near or in the wound. Make sure the wound is getting smaller, less red and has the appearance of healing.

    • 3

      Watch for signs that the wound infection is getting worse and not healing, such as red bumps that are getting swollen, painful and hot to the touch. The center of the wound may have an abscess and fill with pus. Watch for a fever by taking your temperature with a thermometer.

    • 4

      Call your doctor and go in to have the incision wound checked if you have any sign of infection. Your doctor will take a sample of the wound and test it for staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

    • 5

      Look for signs that the skin around the wound is turning black or brown. This can mean that the flesh is necrotizing or dying around the wound. This is serious, and you should go to the emergency room or your doctor's office as soon as possible.

    • 6

      Watch for complications of MRSA and know that it can cause serious illness such as pneumonia, and blood, joint and bone infections. The infection can travel through the bloodstream and cause heart and lung problems. Understand that MRSA is very contagious. You can pass it to other people by any type of contact such as a person touching the wound or touching an object that recently touched the wound.

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