MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of staph infection that resists many common antibiotics. It often begins as a skin infection—red, swollen, painful, or filled with pus—but can spread deeper into the body if untreated. Early recognition and treatment are critical.

What Is MRSA?

MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that has developed resistance to methicillin and related antibiotics. While ordinary staph infections are common and treatable, MRSA is harder to manage because fewer medications are effective against it.

How MRSA Appears

Most MRSA infections occur on the skin and soft tissues, showing up as:

  • Red, swollen, or painful bumps

  • Warmth at the site of infection

  • Pus or drainage

  • Fever accompanying the skin changes

These infections can sometimes be mistaken for spider bites. In more severe cases, MRSA can spread to the bloodstream, lungs, bones, or heart, leading to serious complications.

Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk of MRSA if you:

  • Have cuts, scrapes, or open wounds

  • Participate in contact sports

  • Spend time in locker rooms, gyms, or communal living spaces

  • Have a weakened immune system or chronic illness (e.g., diabetes)

  • Use invasive medical devices (catheters, IV lines)

  • Have prolonged hospital stays

For the foot and ankle, MRSA risk increases with:

  • Athlete’s foot or eczema causing skin cracks

  • Ingrown toenails or corns/calluses

  • Walking barefoot in public areas like pools or locker rooms

Diagnosis

Doctors confirm MRSA by testing a sample of tissue, fluid, or swabbing the infected area. Lab cultures identify whether the staph bacteria present are resistant to methicillin.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of infection:

  • Minor skin infections: draining the abscess and prescribing effective antibiotics.

  • Serious infections: hospitalization, IV antibiotics (such as vancomycin, linezolid, or daptomycin), and sometimes surgical removal of infected tissue.

  • Foot infections: prompt medical care is essential to prevent spread, especially in patients with diabetes or circulation issues.

Prevention

  • Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered.

  • Wash hands regularly with soap and water.

  • Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors, or athletic gear.

  • Wear footwear in public areas (locker rooms, pool decks).

  • Seek medical care quickly if wounds become red, swollen, or fail to heal.