MRSA - Rash on Body

MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) often starts with a small infection on the skin. It can happen from an infection acquired in the community or in a hospital (or other facility with a high population). One of the symptoms of MRSA is a rash on the body. Medical testing is the best way to determine the cause of a rash.

Causes of a rash on the body

There are many causes of rashes on the body; MRSA Superbug is only one of these causes. Diseases like measles and chicken pox can cause a rash. Allergies to medication, foods, insect bites, soap, lotions, plants, latex, metals, and other irritants can also cause a rash on the body. Finding the sources of a rash is important and a healthcare professional can help. Care may include oral or topical medication that is prescribed or bought over the counter.

Types of rashes on the body

Rashes on the body can be from other causes other than MRSA. A rash will put you at risk for a MRSA infection because breaks in the skin, abrasions, and anything else that causes skin weakness may become an entrance point for the bacteria to enter the body and grow. When the skin surface is compromised, it may not be able to fight off the bacterium. These are some of the types of rashes that can be found on the body from MRSA or other causes:

  • Localized rash - confined to one area
  • Widespread rash - found all over the body
  • Scaly patch of skin - may be mistaken for something else
  • Fungal rash - cause by a fungus infection on the skin
  • Bacteria rash - caused by a bacteria infection on the skin
  • Bumps - a rash that has small red bumps
  • Patches - a patch of skin will be red and itchy
  • Itchy rash - a rash that causes itching

A healthcare professional can rule out or confirm whether the rash is caused by MRSA, with tests. Even if the rash is not MRSA, you will want to keep it clean and covered to reduce your risk of a MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) infection developing.

Treating a rash from MRSA

Treatment of MRSA will help keep the rash from spreading. If you are in treatment and a rash develops, you will want to be in contact with your healthcare providers. A rash should be kept clean and covered as much as possible. The source will need to be diagnosed so that it can be treated properly. Depending on the symptoms that are accompanying the rash, you will want to relieve the itching and burning. This can be done with natural treatents, over-the-counter remedies, or prescribed medication. When a rash is from MRSA, it may be a sign that the infection has spread or it may mean there is an allergic reaction or a side affect from a medication being used to treat MRSA. Depending on the severity of the rash, if there are no other effective options for treatment, the rash may only be treated with medication to relieve symptoms instead of stopping treatment.

Rashes on the body for someone with MRSA or at risk of a MRSA infection can be serious. It is wise to be in contact with a healthcare provider to diagnose and treat the rash.

MRSA Symptoms

What are some of the MRSA Symptoms?