6 Surprising Signs of a Staph Infection

Staph bacteria are commonly found on healthy skin and inside the nose without causing any trouble. An infection can develop when the bacteria enter broken skin, a wound or another part of the body where they do not belong. Most staph infections can be treated successfully, but recognising the signs early is important because some infections can spread quickly.

What Is a Staph Infection?

Staph infections are usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus. They can range from small skin infections to more serious infections involving the blood, lungs, heart, bones or other organs.

MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to several commonly used antibiotics. It does not necessarily look different from an ordinary staph infection, so a laboratory test may be needed to determine which treatment will work.

Six Signs to Recognise

1. A Painful “Pimple” That Keeps Growing

One of the most common signs is a red, swollen and painful bump that may be mistaken for a pimple, insect bite or spider bite. It may feel warm, enlarge quickly and develop a yellow or white centre filled with pus. Several smaller blisters or sores may also form, particularly with impetigo.

Do not squeeze, pierce or try to drain a suspicious lump at home. This can push bacteria deeper into the tissue or spread them to nearby skin.

2. Redness That Is Spreading Across the Skin

Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin and may be caused by staph or other bacteria. The affected area can become red, warm, swollen and tender, with redness that gradually expands beyond the original cut, eczema patch or wound. Fever, chills, red streaks or rapidly worsening pain make medical assessment more urgent.

Redness can be more difficult to see on darker skin, so warmth, swelling, tenderness and a change from the person’s usual skin colour are also important clues.

3. Sudden Vomiting and Diarrhoea After Eating

Staph can produce toxins in food that has been handled or stored incorrectly. Symptoms usually begin suddenly, often within 30 minutes to eight hours, and may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Fever is not usually a prominent feature, and many cases improve within about a day.

This is toxin-related food poisoning rather than bacteria growing inside the digestive tract, so antibiotics are not usually helpful. Young children, older adults and people who cannot keep fluids down may need medical assistance because of the risk of dehydration.

4. Fever, Chills or Feeling Faint

When staph enters the bloodstream, it can cause bacteraemia and spread to the heart, bones, joints, lungs or other organs. Possible warning signs include persistent fever, chills, weakness, dizziness, a racing heart or unusually low blood pressure. Symptoms may develop suddenly or more gradually, depending on where the infection has spread.

Bloodstream infections are more likely in people with intravenous lines, artificial joints, heart-valve problems, recent surgery or weakened immune systems. They require urgent medical treatment.

5. A Sudden Fever With a Widespread Rash

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening illness caused by toxins produced by certain staph or streptococcal bacteria. Symptoms may include a sudden high fever, vomiting or diarrhoea, muscle aches, headache, dizziness and a widespread flat red rash. Blood pressure can fall rapidly, and the person may become confused or very unwell.

Toxic shock syndrome can be associated with tampon use, infected wounds, burns, surgery or nasal packing, but it can affect anyone. It requires emergency medical care.

6. Confusion, Breathlessness or Clammy Skin

Almost any serious infection can trigger sepsis, which is the body’s dangerous extreme response to infection. Warning signs can include confusion, shortness of breath, a fast heart rate, extreme pain, fever or feeling very cold, and pale, mottled, clammy or sweaty skin. A person may not have every symptom, and there may not always be an obvious infected wound.

Sepsis is a medical emergency. It should never be watched at home to see whether it settles.

Who Is More Vulnerable?

Anyone can develop a staph infection, but risk may be higher in people with diabetes, HIV, chronic skin conditions, recent surgery or hospital treatment. Dialysis, intravenous catheters, artificial joints, heart-valve conditions and medication that suppresses the immune system can also increase vulnerability.

Close-contact sport, shared equipment, crowded living environments and sharing towels or razors make skin-to-skin spread easier. Cuts, shaving nicks, eczema and athlete’s foot can create openings through which bacteria enter.

How Is It Diagnosed and Treated?

A healthcare professional may diagnose a straightforward skin infection by examining it. Pus, wound fluid, blood or another sample may be sent to a laboratory when the infection is severe, recurring or possibly resistant to antibiotics.

Some abscesses need professional drainage, while other infections require topical, oral or intravenous antibiotics. The correct treatment depends on the location, severity and laboratory results, so leftover antibiotics should never be used.

Protecting Yourself and Others

Wash your hands regularly and keep cuts, grazes and draining wounds clean and covered. Avoid sharing towels, razors, clothing or sporting equipment that touches bare skin, and wash contaminated laundry appropriately.

If a clinician prescribes antibiotics, take them exactly as directed and complete the course unless you are advised otherwise. Repeated infections should be assessed rather than managed indefinitely with home remedies.

Most small skin problems are not dangerous, but an infection that is painful, enlarging or not healing deserves attention.

Please call Midrand Medical Centre on 011 315 2512 to arrange an appointment with one of our GPs.

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