MRSA infection

MRSA infection is diagnosed by finding bacteria in samples of pus, tissue or body fluids. For skin damage, your healthcare professional looks at any skin sores or areas of concern. Other symptoms, such as fever, can help determine treatment.

If the MRSA infection is in the body, imaging tests, such as an MRI scan or a CT scan, may be used to identify complications from a staph infection. An imaging test for your heart, called an echocardiogram, also may be suggested.

MRSA can be treated with certain antibiotics. These medicines may be applied to the skin, taken by mouth or be given by IV. If you're given an oral antibiotic, be sure to take it as directed. Finish all the medicine you are prescribed. Ask your health professional what symptoms you should watch for that might mean your infection is getting worse.

A MRSA infection that causes a large boil, also called an abscess, may need to be drained. In some cases, infected tissue may need to be removed.

Treatments may be used alone or together depending on the infection.

If your infection involves a medical device, such as a urinary catheter, cardiac pacemaker or artificial joint, it may need to be removed. For some devices, removal might require surgery.

For a skin infection, you may see a primary healthcare professional. You also may see a healthcare professional who focuses on skin diseases, called a dermatologist. Other members of your healthcare team may include a health professional who focuses on infectious diseases or a specialist for the heart, called a cardiologist.

What you can do

Before your appointment, you might want to write a list that includes:

• Detailed descriptions of the symptoms.
• Key medical information, including other health conditions.
• All medications, herbs, vitamins and other supplements you take and the doses.
• Questions you want to ask your healthcare professional.

For a MRSA infection, some basic questions to ask include:

• What might be causing my symptoms?
• Do I need tests to confirm the infection?
• What's the best treatment for a staph infection?
• Can I spread the infection to others?
• How can I tell if my infection is getting better or worse?
• What activities should I avoid for now?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
• Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can take? What websites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare professional will likely ask you a number of questions, such as:

• When did you first notice your symptoms? Can you describe them?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• Have you been around anyone with a staph infection?
• Do you have any implanted medical devices, such as an artificial joint or a cardiac pacemaker?
• Do you have any ongoing medical conditions, including a weakened immune system?
• Have you recently been in the hospital?
• Do you play contact sports?

What you can do in the meantime

If you think you have a MRSA skin infection, take extra steps not to spread the bacteria. Wash your hands often. Keep the area clean and covered, and don't pop or touch the sore. Don't share anything that touches your skin and could then touch the skin of others.