Division of Infectious Diseases
Our clinical experts offer research, training and education in addition to personalized patient care using advanced diagnostics and treatments.
Staph Infections & MRSA
Bacteria on the skin that can cause infections
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About MRSA and Other Staph Infections
If you have methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or any other staph infection of the skin, the experts at Lahey Clinic are here to help.
What is a Staph Infection?
Staphylococcus aureus (often called “staph”) are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the noses of healthy people. If it enters your body through an open cut or wound, it can cause infection. In fact, staph are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States.
Symptoms
Most staph infection of the skin is minor. It may show up as pimples or boils. On occasion, staph bacteria cause more serious infections. MRSA is one type of staph infection that is resistant to some kinds of antibiotics. Once we identify them, we can successfully treat MRSA and other staph infections.
Treatment
Most staph bacteria and MRSA can be treated with antibiotics. MRSA is one type of staph infection that is resistant to some kinds of antibiotics.
Many staph infections can be treated without antibiotics by draining a sore or providing good wound care. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, it is important to take all of the medication exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if the infection does not improve.
Patients who are only colonized with staph bacteria or MRSA usually don’t require any treatment. To be “colonized” simply means the bacteria live on your skin but haven’t entered the body to cause infection and symptoms.
Staph Infections & MRSA Frequently Asked Questions
How is MRSA different from other staph bacteria?
MRSA is different from other staph because only certain antibiotics can effectively treat it. MRSA is similar to other staph in almost every other way:
- MRSA and other Staphylococcus aureus can be carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people and not cause infection or make them sick (called colonization).
- MRSA and other staph can cause minor skin infections that go away without special medical treatment.
- MRSA can spread the same way as other staph.
- The symptoms of MRSA are the same as other staph infections.
How are staph bacteria spread?
Staph, including MRSA, can be spread by direct skin-to-skin contact, such as shaking hands, contact sports or other direct contact with the skin of another person. Staph also are spread by contact with items that have been touched by people with staph, like towels or shared athletic equipment in the gym or on the field.
In the hospital setting, staph and MRSA can spread to others indirectly from contaminated hands, surfaces or equipment. MRSA is almost always spread by direct contact and only rarely through the air by coughing or sneezing.
What will happen if I have MRSA?
If you have MRSA and are in the hospital, you will notice staff taking special precautions. These precautions are taken to prevent the spread of MRSA. Many of our patients are in a weakened state and are susceptible to infection.
Because MRSA can be spread on the hands, your healthcare providers will clean their hands with either alcohol hand rub or soap and water before and after they care for you. Feel free to ask your healthcare providers if they cleaned their hands, reminding them to do so.
If I have MRSA, may I leave my room?
You may leave your room, but you must take precautions. Wash your hands and put on a clean gown or a clean robe. When you are out of the room, do not touch other patients or items around you.
Who needs to know that I have MRSA?
Anyone providing care for you needs to know if you have MRSA. This includes doctors, nurses and anyone providing care in your home. This helps avoid spread and provides you with the best treatment.
May I have visitors? Will they get sick?
Yes, you may have visitors at the hospital. Visitors should wash their hands before leaving your room.
Good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of MRSA. If your visitors take these precautions, it is very unlikely that they will get MRSA. If you have concerns about whether someone should visit, please talk to your doctor or nurse.
What precautions do I need to take at home?
Once you return home, both you and your family members should wash your hands as part of routine hygiene. This is no different than the hand washing most people practice to stay healthy. For example, wash before and after eating and after using the toilet.
Wash your hands well with soap and water, rinse well and dry completely. Clean surfaces in bathrooms, kitchens and other areas on a regular basis using diluted household bleach.
If your family members provide personal care to you while you have an MRSA infection, they should take precautions by wearing gloves and washing their hands often. If clothes or bedding become soiled, wash them in a washing machine with hot soapy water.
