MRSA is also known as methicillin – resistant staphylococcus aureus.  It is  a skin infection caused by the bacteria staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus , commonly known as staph is the common cause of skin infections. Some staph bacteria including MRSA are resistant to certain antibiotics. This means infections does not get better after being given medication that would normally treat the infection. About 1 in 50 people may carry the bacteria that causes this infection and may not even show symptoms.
 

What are the signs of MRSA?

 
The infected area may look like a spider bite. There may also be a bump or irritation on the skin which may be

• swollen
• painful
• red
• warm to touch
• full of pus or other drainage
• accompanied by fever

What should i do if think my baby has MRSA ?

 
MRSA is rare but if you think your child may have it, contact your health care provider right away. Do not treat the infection by yourself by picking or popping  the sore. Keep the area covered until your child sees the doctor.

What can you do to reduce the spread of MRSA ?

 
You can take these steps to reduce the spread of MRSA

• wash your hands regularly with soap and water. You can also use hand sanitizer  that contains alcohol
• keep scrapes and cuts clean and cover them with clean, dry bandages until they heal
• throw away dirty bandages and wash your hands after changing bandages
• do not touch other people’s skin infections, cuts or bandages
• do not share personal items such as razors and towels that come into contact with the skin

How is MRSA treated ?

 
Most MRSA  infections are treated with antibiotics taken orally. Be sure to let your child take the full dose of the antibiotics unless your health care provider tells  you to stop. During MRSA treatment, the health care provider may cut open the infected area of the skin, clean and drain it.
 
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