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Signs And Symptoms Of Staph Infection
Staph infections are caused by a widespread class of bacteria called Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. Over 30 types of this bacteria can cause symptoms, but Staphylococcus aureus is the most common. Symptoms typically affect your skin and soft tissues, causing swelling and boils. Bacteria can also spread to other parts of your body, including your lungs, digestive system, and blood.
Symptom severity depends on where the staph infection spreads. For example, skin symptoms start mildly, get worse over time, and might require treatment. Food poisoning due to staph can cause gastrointestinal (digestive) symptoms as soon as 30 minutes after eating and often resolve on their own.
Staph infections are common and can lead to dangerous complications. Therefore, it's important to know their signs as well as when to contact a healthcare provider.
A staph infection most commonly affects your skin. Symptoms arise as bacteria enter your body, usually through a cut. This causes inflammation and fluid buildup. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Boils A staph infection usually causes painful, fluid-filled boils (furuncles) to form in hair follicles. Follicles are tiny openings on your skin through which hairs grow. Over time, these boils may break, draining pus. Boils often form on areas like your face, neck, armpits, and thighs. They may also form clusters called carbuncles, often on your back or the nape of your neck. Treatment might include warm, hot compresses or surgery to drain large boils. Wound Infection Staph bacteria are often associated with a wound or surgery-site infection. Treatment might include antibiotics or surgical debridement (thoroughly cleaning the wound and removing all infection tissue). Typical signs of this type of staph infection include: Skin that's hot to the touch Redness and swelling Pus discharge Blisters Gray or black tissue (in more advanced cases) The wound or surgery site not healing Cellulitis Staph infection of your skin can also cause cellulitis, especially around wounds, surgical sites, cuts, or other areas of broken skin. Cellulitis is a common skin condition that causes patches of painful, inflamed, and red skin that feel hot and tender. These areas can become pitted (like an orange peel) or form blisters. Cellulitis often develops on your legs and feet. Treatment includes antibiotics. Impetigo Impetigo is a highly contagious yet usually mild staph infection seen mostly in children 2-5 years old. It causes red, itchy sores to develop, often around the mouth and nose or on limbs. These sores eventually burst and drain fluids before developing into a honey-colored, scabby crust. Treatment includes antibiotics. Scalded Skin Syndrome Also known as Ritter's disease, this skin infection most commonly affects newborns. It's rare in people older than 6 years old. Scalded skin syndrome begins with a fever. Patches of tender red skin form within 24-48 hours, followed by large blisters that break, draining fluid. Skin peels, often in large sections. Treatment includes antibiotics and often burn dressings. Folliculitis Folliculitis is a common and generally benign (not harmful) skin condition that typically involves inflammation of hair follicles, tiny openings on your skin through which hairs grow. Superficial bacterial folliculitis is the most common type of folliculitis. It's typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Symptoms include rashes or tiny bumps called pustules that might resemble acne. It usually resolves on its own. Staph bacteria are a frequent cause of food poisoning, which you contract by consuming contaminated food. Symptoms begin as soon as 30 minutes after you eat and can last anywhere from several hours to several days. They include: A staph infection can become dangerous if it spreads to the blood, a condition known as bacteremia. This can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Sepsis is the body's extreme physical response to infection or injury. It causes a whole-body immune reaction (inflammatory response) with varying symptoms. Possible symptoms include: Staph bacteria can also spread to the breast tissue of a person who breastfeeds. This leads to an infection called lactational mastitis. Breastmilk buildup due to blocked milk ducts is a common cause of mastitis, but bacteria can also enter the breast through a cracked or sore nipple. Mild mastitis might resolve with home remedies, but more severe cases might require medical treatment, like antibiotics. Signs of mastitis include: Swelling Redness or red marks on the skin Pain and tenderness Fever Chills Headache Abscesses (pus-filled bumps or pockets) Staph infection of the bone, also known as osteomyelitis, is an advanced form of the infection. Up to 40% of diagnosed cases are chronic or recurrent. Risk factors include artificial joints, blood infection, chronic disease, and broken bone surgery. The symptoms arise as the bacteria colonize the layers of the bone, causing your immune system to respond. Typical signs of osteomyelitis include: Swelling at the site of the infection A feeling of warmth around the affected area Dull pain with or without movement Fever Chills Fatigue or lack of energy Staph bacteria can also spread joints, a condition known as septic arthritis. This leads to inflammation and causes swelling, stiffness, and pain. Staph bacteria that spread to the lungs cause staphylococcal pneumonia. This severe complication is most often associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a staph strain resistant to certain antibiotics. Lung tissue inflammation leads to a range of symptoms, including: Staph bacteria that spread to your heart can also lead to serious complications. Endocarditis is an infection of the tissue that lines heart valves and chambers (endocardium). It causes severe inflammation as well as organ and tissue damage if it spreads to other parts of your body. The condition requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of endocarditis include: In rare cases, a staph infection can cause an all-system immune reaction known as toxic shock syndrome (TSS). In severe cases, toxic shock syndrome causes organ failure. It's a medical emergency with several distinct symptoms, including: Infants and children are more susceptible to a staph infection because their immune systems are still developing. Rates are particularly high during the first year. Overall, Staphylococcus aureus is the most common bacterial infection in this population. Signs of a staph infection in infants and children resemble those of adults and mostly affect the skin. Young children are also more likely to develop impetigo. Typical symptoms include: Boils Draining fluids or pus Fever Sweaty or clammy skin Chills Headache Signs of dehydration, such as dry or sticky mouth, and no tears when crying Drowsiness and crankiness (infants and toddlers) Most staph infections resolve on their own. However, they can become very serious or even life-threatening. Contact a healthcare provider if you develop pus-filled blisters or have fever alongside other symptoms. Any sign of complications, such as endocarditis or pneumonia, are medical emergencies. Get emergency help if you experience any of the following symptoms: Severe fever or chills Lack of responsiveness, confusion, or other cognitive symptoms Shortness of breath Loss of consciousness Rapid or irregular heart rate Swelling that doesn't go away Staph infections are caused by Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. Symptoms depend on the body part affected. Pain and swelling, blisters, fluid drainage, fever, and chills are among the more common signs of skin infection. A staph infection can become severe or life-threatening if it spreads to the heart, blood, or other parts of your body. This requires immediate medical attention.What Is A Penile Yeast Infection?
Penile yeast infections can cause uncomfortable symptoms. You can treat them with over-the-counter and prescription medications, depending on severity. Certain steps like practicing proper hygiene can reduce the risk.
A yeast infection is often thought of as a female health problem, but it can affect anyone, including people with a penis.
A penile yeast infection can lead to a wide range of painful and uncomfortable symptoms if not treated. It can also lead to serious complications if the infection spreads to your bloodstream.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can often clear up a yeast infection. In some cases, you may need prescription medications. Some basic prevention steps can help you avoid this fairly common condition.
Some of the most common symptoms of a penile yeast infection include:
Redness, itchiness, and pain in the penis can be signs of other more serious conditions, like some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so do not ignore symptoms once they appear.
A urologist or primary care doctor can diagnose the condition, often in a single appointment.
A yeast infection is usually caused by a fungus called candida. A small amount of candida is usually present in the body. All it takes is an overgrowth of candida to develop a yeast infection.
A moist environment is ideal for candida to spread, according to 2018 research.
Having sex with a person who has a vaginal yeast infection without using a condom can also cause a penile yeast infection. However, you can also develop an infection without sexual activity.
Aside from sex with a partner who has a yeast infection, several other factors can increase your risk of developing a penile yeast infection, such as:
Once you make an appointment, a doctor will ask you about your symptoms and likely examine your genitals. They may examine some of the white substance that forms on the penis under a microscope to confirm the type of fungus causing the symptoms.
If you cannot get in to see a primary care doctor or a urologist, consider a visit to an urgent care center or an emergency department. The earlier you receive a diagnosis and can begin treatment, the more likely it is you can avoid complications.
It's not recommended for you to diagnose yourself and start treatment on your own. If symptoms of a yeast infection are present, contact a doctor. If symptoms are allowed to persist, complications can be serious.
In most cases, topical antifungal ointments and creams are enough to clear up an infection. Some of the antifungal creams recommended for a yeast infection include:
Most of these are available as OTC medications, which means you will not need a prescription. More serious or long-term infections may require prescription-strength medication.
A doctor may recommend oral fluconazole (Diflucan) and hydrocortisone cream for serious infections, like those that have developed into a potentially serious condition called balanitis.
Most antifungal creams are well tolerated and unlikely to cause any serious side effects. Check the label, however, and ask a doctor and pharmacist what to look out for in case you have a bad reaction.
Recurrent yeast infectionsYeast infections sometimes return after they seem to have been cured. If this happens, your doctor will likely recommend a few weeks of daily treatments followed by a few months of weekly treatments.
In some cases, treatment for recurrent yeast infections can last up to 6 months.
If your infection does not respond well to an antifungal ointment and you are uncircumcised, a doctor may advise you to have an adult male circumcision, according to 2016 research. Though this procedure is usually done on infants, it can be done safely on people of any age.
Diabetes and yeast infectionsFactors like diabetes and a suppressed immune system may contribute to your yeast infection risk, according to 2019 research.
If you have diabetes, work with a healthcare professional to make sure your blood sugar levels are well-managed. If you have a suppressed immune system, a doctor can recommend ways to help keep your immune system as healthy as possible.
If left untreated, a penile yeast infection can lead to some serious complications.
BalanitisOne of the potential complications of a penile yeast infection is balanitis. Balanitis is an inflammation of the head of the penis (glans). Some people experience inflammation of both the glans and the foreskin, known as balanoposthitis.
Diabetes can increase your risk for balanitis.
Without effective treatment, balanitis can lead to scarring of the foreskin. It can also cause adhesions on the penis. It may prevent you from being able to pull your foreskin back, making proper hygiene impossible. A doctor will likely recommend circumcision in these cases.
Balanitis can be painful and make urinating more difficult. If untreated, it can cause swollen and painful glands as well as weakness and fatigue.
Invasive candidiasisA yeast infection may enter the bloodstream. This is known as candidemia or invasive candidiasis.
This is most common in people who wait to receive treatment until the infection has spread beyond the penis. It is also more common in those with weakened immune systems.
If you've been in a hospital and used a catheter to urinate, you may be more likely to face invasive candidiasis. This advanced form of yeast infection is very serious. Medical staff will closely monitor you for any signs of a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI).
You may need oral antifungal medications for several weeks. In some cases, the drugs are administered intravenously.
If your infection is treated early and responds well to antifungal medication, it can clear up within 7–14 days.
If you are sexually active, your partner should also receive treatment for a yeast infection. This prevents them from contracting the infection or passing it back to you.
If you get repeated yeast infections and can rule out causes like hygiene and sexual contact, talk with a doctor about other possible causes. You may have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes.
You can help prevent a penile yeast infection by avoiding sexual contact with a partner who has a yeast infection.
You should also avoid having sex with anyone while you have an active yeast infection, as you could pass the infection back to your partner. This could cause the two of you to pass an infection back and forth.
To lower the risk of getting a yeast infection or passing one along, do the following:
Penile yeast infections are not as common as vaginal yeast infections, but they do occur. They may result from poor hygiene or sex with a partner who has a vaginal yeast infection without using an external condom.
Symptoms include small white patches and redness on the skin as well as itchiness or burning. If left untreated, it can also cause other conditions and complications.
Topical antifungal ointments and creams can typically treat the infection and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
How To Recognize And Treat An Infected Wound
If bacteria or other pathogens enter a wound, an infection can occur. Symptoms or signs of wound infection include increasing pain, swelling, and redness. More severe infections may cause nausea, chills, or fever.
Treatment will depend on the type of wound and the extent of the infection.
A person may be able to treat minor wound infections at home. However, people with more severe or persistent wound infections should seek medical attention.
This article describes preventing, recognizing, and treating an infected wound. It also covers risk factors, complications, when to see a doctor, and medical treatment.
An infected wound usually gets worse instead of better. Any pain, redness, and swelling will typically increase in intensity.
Redness around the wound is wider than a person's thumb, which may also indicate an infection.
Wound infections can also lead to other symptoms, such as:
Wounds become infected when bacteria enter and colonize the cut or wound. Common bacteria that may cause a wound infection include:
People with a small infected wound may be able to treat the wound at home.
Whether or not a person can determine if their cut is infected, they can begin by following these steps:
These steps will help a person protect the cut or wound from infection.
More severe wound infections require prompt medical attention, particularly those with other symptoms such as fever, feeling unwell, or discharge and red streaks from the wound.
Doctors can treat a bacterial infection with antibiotics. A person must complete the course of antibiotics to treat the infection fully and prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to the drug.
In addition to cleaning, some wounds may require further treatment. If the cut is large or deep, a doctor or nurse may have to use stitches to close it. They can often close smaller cuts with medical glue or strips of the tape instead.
If the wound contains dead or dirty tissue, a doctor may remove this tissue in a procedure called debridement. Debridement should promote healing and prevent the infection from spreading.
People with animal bites or wounds from dirty or rusty objects may be at risk of tetanus and need to get a tetanus shot.
Tetanus is a potentially fatal condition that occurs when certain bacteria enter the body and release toxins that affect the nerves. The symptoms of tetanus can include painful muscle spasms, lockjaw, and fever.
Cuts, grazes, and other breaks in the skin can become infected when bacteria enter the wound and begin to multiply. The bacteria may come from the surrounding skin, the external environment, or the object that caused the injury.
It is important to clean and protect the wound properly to reduce the risk of infection.
The risk of wound infection is higher if:
Certain health conditions and environmental factors can also increase the risk of infection. These include:
Rarely, incision wounds from surgical procedures can also become infected. This occurs in about 2-4% of people who undergo surgery.
If a person does not receive treatment for a wound infection, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, which may lead to serious complications, including:
A person with a wound should seek medical attention if:
A person should seek urgent medical attention if blood is spurting from the wound or if applying pressure to the wound does not stop the bleeding.
How do I tell if my wound is healing or infected?Signs that a wound is not healing properly and may be infected include feeling warm to the touch, swelling, discharge or pus, long lasting pain, or fever.
Can an infected wound or cut heal on its own?Some minor wound infections can heal on their own, but if a wound starts to develop more drainage, the surrounding redness spreads, or if a person develops a fever, a person should seek further medical attention.
How do I know if I have necrotizing fasciitis?When a person has necrotizing fasciitis, they may experience severe pain that worsens with time and experience flu-like symptoms. They may also become dehydrated. A person with these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Without prompt treatment, the wound will swell and may become purple. Later, blisters will develop that ooze dark fluid. This is a sign of dying tissue or necrosis. The infection will then spread beyond the initial wound site and become life threatening.
A wound infection can occur if bacteria enter and multiply inside the wound. Immediately cleaning and dressing cuts, grazes, and other small wounds is the best way to prevent infections. However, people with larger, deeper, or more serious wounds should have a trained healthcare professional treat the injury.
The signs and symptoms of wound infection include increasing pain, swelling, and redness around the affected area. A person may be able to treat a mild infection of a small wound at home by recleaning and redressing the wound.
However, more severe wound infections require prompt medical attention, particularly with fever, feeling unwell, or discharge and red streaks from the wound.
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