All About Staph Infections

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and causing it to appear swollen and red. The infection is commonly caused by the S. Aureus bacteria which enters the tissues when there is a break in the skin. The affected area usually feels warm and tender and can also feel quite painful. Cellulitis usually affects the lower legs but can also affect the face, arms and feet of a person. The infection can spread rapidly through the body and if the bacteria manages to enter the lymph nodes or the bloodstream the infection can turn life threatening. Read more about Cellulitis.

Furuncles:

Furuncles are characterised by red pea sized boils that can appear anywhere on the skin. The boils are formed when a hair follicle is damaged thereby allowing bacteria to penetrate deeper into the tissues. The boils gradually fill in with pus and dead tissues due to the bacterial inflammation. Furuncles will usually burst and drain out on their own but if they are present over an extended period (2 weeks or more) time further medical attention and treatment would be required. Read more about furuncles

Carbuncles:

A carbuncle is made up of several skin boils joined together and the infected area forms a mass of pus, fluid and dead tissues. Carbuncles can be as large as a golf ball and being contagious they can easily spread to other parts of the body (or) even to other family members who are in close proximity. Carbuncles like furuncles will drain out on their own but would require medical attention if they don't drain out within 2 weeks. Read more about carbuncles

Impetigo:

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection that is more common amongst children between the ages of 2 to 6 but is also prevalent among adults as well. The infection is characterised by blisters and sores on the hands and face which eventually turn into a yellowish brown like crust layer. Impetigo can spread through direct contact with the lesions such as in physical sports like rugby, wrestling etc as well througjh nasal carriers. Read more about impetigo

Pneumonia:

 Pneumonia is an inflammatory infection of the lungs and can be caused due to bacteria, virus or other organisms. The lungs airways get inflamed due to the accumulation of white blood cells and pathogens resulting in fluid filling the airways The infection is characterised by a variety of symptoms which  include frequent coughs, chest pains, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever and difficulty in breathing normally. Read more about pneumonia

Meningitis:

Meningitis is a condition in which the cerebrospinal fluid filled membranes (meninges) covering the brain and spinal cord get inflammed. The inflammation is usually  caused by bacteria  such as S. Aureus but can also be caused by viruses and other micro organisms. Due to the close proximity to the brain and spinal cord meningitis can be life threatening and should therefore be treated immediately. Symptoms of meningitis include stiffness of the neck,frequent headaches, uninterested in eating or drinking, high fever, vomiting and intolerance to bright lightor loud noises. Read more about meningitis

Osteomyelitis:

Osteomyelitis is a bacterial infection of a person's bones. The infection which is usually caused by S. Aureus bacteria can infect the bone through the bloodstream (or) by breaking into the body tissues  through an  open wound or fracture to the bone or th soft tissue around it. Symptoms of osteomyelitis include pain around the infected area, redness and swelling of skin over the infected region, abrupt fever and tiredness. Read more about osteomyelitis

Endocarditis:

Endocarditis is a serious condition in which the endocardium which forms the membrane lining the heart valves gets infected. Endocarditis  is caused when bacteria enters the  bloodstream either from other parts of the body or through used needles and catheters and attaches itself to the heart valves. People with heart defects or a damaged heart valve are much more prone to endocarditis than people with a healthy heart. Symptoms of endocarditis include fever, tiredness, pain in joints, dullness, frequent coughs, blood in urine, swelling in feet and legs and sudden weight loss. Learn more about Endocarditis.

Toxic Shock Syndrome:

Toxic shock syndrome is a serious life threatening infection that can occur through the use of super absorbent tampons. This infection is commonly associated with the use of such tampons but can also enter the body through the skin or pharynx. Symptoms of TSS include headaches, bloodshot eyes, redness of mouth, vagina(in women), high fever, abnormal pulse rate, accelerated breathing, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Mastitis: 

Mastitis is a condition in which the breast tissue gets infected. The condition can be caused by stpah bacteria and usually affects women who are breastfeeding. Symptoms of a mastitis infection include  tenderness and redness of the breast, swelling of the breast, pain in the breast and fever as well. Learn more about mastitis