MRSA Slideshow: A Closer Look at MRSA

What is MRSA?

This little purple cluster of bacteria is a magnified version of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which can cause an infection in different parts of the body. It's tougher to treat than most strains of Staphylococcus aureus -- or staph -- because it's resistant to some antibiotics. Because it's harder to treat, MRSA is sometimes called a "superbug." However, there are antibiotics that still treat this infection.

What does a MRSA skin infection look like?

In otherwise healthy people with no recent history of hospitalizations, a MRSA skin infection often looks like a pimple or boil that can be red, swollen, and painful. The lesion, like the one shown here, may also have pus or other drainage. Draining, cleaning, and covering the lesion in the doctor's office may be the only treatment needed, but many physicians also give oral antibiotics when necessary.

Could other skin problems be mistaken for MRSA?

Other skin rashes or conditions may be mistaken for MRSA. A spider bite, a boil or pimple, or any red, warm, and swollen skin lesion may have the same appearance as a MRSA skin infection. Your health care provider will be able to run lab tests to see if you have MRSA. If you have an infection on the skin, your doctor will swab a sample of the infected area to test for MRSA.

How is MRSA spread?

Close skin-to-skin contact, cuts and abrasions in the skin, sharing personal items such as towels, contact with contaminated objects, and lack of cleanliness have all been associated with the spread of MRSA, according to the CDC. MRSA infection is seen most often in people who have undergone invasive medical procedures or who have weakened immune systems, such as those with a chronic medical condition like diabetes or cancer.

What is community-associated MRSA?

MRSA skin infection is beginning to show up more frequently in healthy people without any related risks, such as a recent hospitalization or medical procedure. This type of MRSA is called community-associated MRSA (CA MRSA). These community-acquired infections generally take the form of skin infections.

Outbreaks have been reported among athletes, prisoners, and military recruits, and risk factors include sharing close quarters and personal hygiene products like razors or towels. Infections are increasingly being seen in the general community and have been reported in schools, gyms, and even day care centers.

How can you avoid MRSA infection?

Good hygiene, such as frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water, is one of the best ways to keep from getting an infection. Avoid touching other people's wounds or bandages and do not share personal items like towels or razors. Wipe down surfaces you come into contact with at the gym or in a locker room and shower immediately after sports or any activity where there is frequent skin-to-skin contact.

More Reading on MRSA

• Understanding MRSA Symptoms
• Understanding MRSA: Get the Facts
• Video: Hospitals Combat MRSA
• Learn How to Prevent MRSA Infection
• Video: Preventing Staph Infections