MRSA abscesses are skin infections resistant to most antibiotics. They start as cuts or scrapes and can spread to deeper tissues and the bloodstream. Prompt treatment involves surgical drainage and antibiotics, but hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases.
A MRSA abscess is a type of skin infection that has been shown to be resistant to most types of antibiotic treatment. MRSA is a shortened form of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that commonly lives on the skin. In MRSA infections, this bacterium does not respond to treatment involving many of the more commonly used antibiotics. Without prompt and proper treatment, this type of skin infection can have devastating effects, causing extensive tissue damage and, in severe cases, even death.
It is typical for a MRSA abscess to begin as a simple cut or scrape. If antibiotic resistant bacteria are on the skin, they move into the open wound. This leads to an infection known as an abscess. If the infection is not properly treated, it starts spreading under the skin and into deeper tissues such as muscles. This infection can also spread in the patient’s bloodstream and then travel to various other parts of the body.
If a cut or scratch on the skin starts to look infected, the patient should see a doctor right away. Signs of infection due to a MRSA abscess include a growing circle of redness around the lesion, sometimes with red streaks extending from the site. In some cases, the tissue around the injury will begin to swell and may feel warm or even warm to the touch.
The first step in treating a MRSA abscess involves surgical drainage of the abscess. Your doctor will often apply a local anesthetic to the area, in the form of a topical ointment or an injection with a substance such as lidocaine. A small incision will then be made in the abscess so the doctor can drain the dead tissue and pus from the infected area. A culture will likely be done to confirm the presence of the MRSA bacteria. This will help determine which antibiotics will actually be helpful in treating the infection.
In most cases, the patient with a MRSA abscess will be sent home with antibiotics and instructions on how to properly care for the injured site. However, if the damage has been extensive or if the infection does not respond to the drugs administered, hospitalization may be required. In this case, the patient is given intravenous antibiotics and monitored closely for any signs of complications. You may need more invasive surgery if the infection has spread to other parts of the body.
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