MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of Staph infection that has become resistant to many common antibiotics. MRSA symptoms are similar to normal Staph infections and have similarities to other types of bacterial infections. Therefore, the display of MRSA symptoms is not enough to positively identify a MRSA infection. Laboratory testing is required to verify a MRSA infection or other type of infection.

Although normal Staph and MRSA symptoms are alike in many ways, there are some differences between a Staph and MRSA. Because MRSA is resistant to most antibiotics, a person infected with MRSA bacteria can have minimal or no improvement at all after taking antibiotics for two to three days. MRSA does not react to common broad-spectrum antibiotics and therefore the infection can spread and worsen rapidly. Reoccurrence is also more common for MRSA and is a serious problem for people who have previously been infected.

MRSA Symptoms – Skin Infections

MRSA is mostly associated with skin infections. MRSA usually starts with a pimple-like bump that can is often mistaken for a spider bite. MRSA may progress into deeper abscesses and cellulitis. Common MRSA symptoms include cellulitis, boils, abscesses, sty, carbuncles and impetigo. Most of these skin infections involve pus drainage, except for cellulitis and sty. Lumps are often red, tender, itchy and warm to the touch, indicating signs of the inflammation process.

MRSA Symptoms – Internal Infections

As MRSA worsens, the bacteria can burrow deeply into the body and can cause various infections affecting bones, joints, organs and can cause infection in the bloodstream. MRSA symptoms that suggest life threatening condition includes fever, chills, low blood pressure, joint pains, severe headache, shortness of breath and generalized rash found all over the body. These MRSA symptoms should be given immediate medical attention. Severe MRSA infections can lead to complications such as endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart), necrotizing fasciitis (also known as the flesh-eating disease), osteomyelitis (infection of the bone), sepsis (infection in the blood stream), pneumonia (abscess formation in the lungs), or even death.

Given the growing prevalence of MRSA, awareness of MRSA symptoms is prudent, especially for people a weakened immune system, recent exposure to a hospital environment or who have small children. If MRSA is suspected, contact your doctor for proper diagnosis. Only a doctor can perform a test to determine if it’s MRSA or not. MRSA can be challenging to treat using standard antibiotic therapies. There are also many effective natural antibiotics available for MRSA and Staph that don’t have the negative side-effects of antibiotics. Regardless of your approach, early detection can enhance the benefits of your treatment and minimize the risk of complications.