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What is MRSA Cellulitis?

John Markley
John Markley

MRSA cellulitis is a severe inflammation of the lower layers of the skin and lower subcutaneous tissues, the dermis and hypodermis, caused by infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is a staph infection that is frequently contracted in hospitals. Like other Staphylococcus aureus infections, it most commonly infects the patient through breaks in the skin, such as those caused by cuts, bites, or puncture wounds. It is treatable, but due to decades of evolution under the selective pressure created by widespread antibiotic use it has evolved immunity to many common antibiotics, such as penicillin. If left unchecked, a MRSA cellulitis infection can spread beyond the skin into deeper tissues, resulting in potentially fatal organ and tissue damage.

MRSA cellulitis arises most frequently in situations where large numbers of people live in close proximity, such as prisons, nursing homes, and military barracks. MRSA infection is a particular problem in hospitals, as many hospital residents have weakened immune systems and damage to the skin, either from injuries or from medical equipment, such as intravenous needles and catheters. This problem can be greatly mitigated through improved sanitation and MRSA screening, however. Infection risk is increased by physical conditions that affect circulation, such as diabetes, obesity, and pregnancy. Frequent contact with livestock or with communal facilities such as public locker rooms and gyms are also risk factors.

MRSA cellulitis infection risk is increased by physical conditions that affect circulation, such as obesity.
MRSA cellulitis infection risk is increased by physical conditions that affect circulation, such as obesity.

MRSA cellulitis appears as a tender, reddened area that spreads in the vicinity of the small boils that form in the area were the MRSA bacteria originally entered. The reddened area is unusually hot when touched. As the infection advances, the boils become increasingly painful, grow larger, and fill with pus. Unlike more superficial bacterial skin infections in the epidermis, which tend to produce continuous reddened areas with well-defined borders, the reddened area that appears as a result of cellulitis has a patchier and more diffuse appearance. It is possible for both to be present at the same time, however, so visual signs consistent with superficial infection do not necessarily rule out the possible existence of further infection deeper down.

MRSA is an increasingly common hospital-acquired infection.
MRSA is an increasingly common hospital-acquired infection.

Unchecked MRSA cellulitis in deep subcutaneous tissues can cause necrotizing fasciitis, popularly referred to as "flesh-eating bacteria," a condition in which toxins produced by the bacteria begin destroying soft tissue. If MRSA enters the sufferer's bloodstream or lymph system, it can spread through the body and cause conditions such as pyomyositis, infection of the skeletal muscles, and necrotizing pneumonia. In addition, the toxins produced by MRSA can result in fatal sepsis or toxic shock syndrome.

Discussion Comments

fBoyle

@alisha-- Did he receive IV antibiotics? I had MRSA staff infection and needed IV antibiotics, tablet medication wasn't enough.

SteamLouis

@alisha-- It kind of depends on the immune system of the individual and if he or she has developed resistance to antibiotics. But for the most part, MRSA cellulitis will be gone in about ten days. It can take longer if there is antibiotic resistance though.

It's absolutely true that cellulitis MRSA infection can be passed on to other people in the household. This is called "association MRSA cellulitis." The elderly and children are at high risk because they tend to have weaker immune systems.

If your father has a wound/opening, ulcers or boils, make sure it's bandaged. Don't share any personal items with him, wash laundry in very hot water, wash hands often and avoid skin contact.

discographer

How long does it take for MRSA cellulitis to heal once the antibiotic treatment begins?

My dad just returned home from the hospital. He had surgery four days ago and has MRSA cellulitis abscess. The doctors caught it and put him on antibiotics, but the infection still looks very bad. How long does it usually take for this to clear up?

I'm worried because we all live together and I have a nine-year old in the house. The doctor said that we have to be very careful about hygiene or the infection might spread.

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    • MRSA cellulitis infection risk is increased by physical conditions that affect circulation, such as obesity.
      By: olly
      MRSA cellulitis infection risk is increased by physical conditions that affect circulation, such as obesity.
    • MRSA is an increasingly common hospital-acquired infection.
      By: Sam Spiro
      MRSA is an increasingly common hospital-acquired infection.
    • Widespread antibiotic use has led to MRSA cellulitis immunity to medication, including penicillin.
      By: blas
      Widespread antibiotic use has led to MRSA cellulitis immunity to medication, including penicillin.
    • MRSA cellulitis may occur due to bacteria that infects an open wound.
      By: WideAwake
      MRSA cellulitis may occur due to bacteria that infects an open wound.
    • Those with diabetes-related leg ulcers are at an increased risk for MRSA cellulitis.
      By: schankz
      Those with diabetes-related leg ulcers are at an increased risk for MRSA cellulitis.
    • Fever is a potential warning sign of a MRSA infection.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Fever is a potential warning sign of a MRSA infection.
    • Clinics, hospitals and other medical facilities require that workers follow strict hygiene procedures to reduce the risk of MRSA infection.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Clinics, hospitals and other medical facilities require that workers follow strict hygiene procedures to reduce the risk of MRSA infection.