Disease: Staph Infections
Symptoms: Staph infection MRSA infections start out as small red bumps that can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses.

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Staph infection MRSA infections start out as small red bumps that can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses.  Staph infection MRSA infections start out as small red bumps that can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses. MRSA infections start out as small red bumps that can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses. MRSA Staph infections can range from minor skin problems to life-threatening illness. For example, endocarditis, a serious infection of the inner lining of your heart (endocardium) can be caused by staph bacteria. Signs and symptoms of staph infections vary widely, depending on the location and severity of the infection. Skin infections Skin infections caused by staph bacteria include:  Boils. The most common type of staph infection is the boil. This is a pocket of pus that develops in a hair follicle or oil gland. The skin over the infected area usually becomes red and swollen. If a boil breaks open, it will probably drain pus. Boils occur most often under the arms or around the groin or buttocks. Impetigo. This contagious, often painful rash can be caused by staph bacteria. Impetigo usually has large blisters that may ooze fluid and develop a honey-colored crust. Cellulitis. Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of skin. It causes redness and swelling on the surface of your skin. Sores or areas of oozing discharge may develop, too. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Toxins produced by the staph bacteria may cause staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Affecting mostly babies and children, this condition includes a fever, a rash and sometimes blisters. When the blisters break, the top layer of skin comes off. This leaves a red, raw surface that looks like a burn.  Food poisoning Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of food poisoning. The bacteria multiply in food and produce toxins that make you sick. Symptoms come on quickly, usually within hours of eating a contaminated food. Symptoms usually disappear quickly, too, often lasting just half a day. A staph infection in food usually doesn't cause a fever. Signs and symptoms you can expect with this type of staph infection include:  Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Dehydration Low blood pressure  Bacteremia Also known as a bloodstream infection, bacteremia occurs when staph bacteria enter the bloodstream. A fever and low blood pressure are signs of bacteremia. The bacteria can travel to locations deep within your body to cause infections that affect:  Internal organs, such as your brain (meningitis), heart (endocarditis) or lungs (pneumonia) Bones and muscles Surgically implanted devices, such as artificial joints or cardiac pacemakers  Toxic shock syndrome This life-threatening condition results from toxins produced by some strains of staph bacteria. The condition has been linked to certain types of tampons, skin wounds and surgery. It usually develops suddenly with:  A high fever Nausea and vomiting A rash on your palms and soles that looks like a sunburn Confusion Muscle aches Diarrhea Stomach pain  Septic arthritis Septic arthritis is often caused by a staph infection. The bacteria often target the knees, shoulders, hips, and fingers or toes. Artificial joints may also be at risk of infection. Signs and symptoms may include:  Joint swelling Severe pain in the affected joint Fever