{"id":5885,"date":"2019-04-22T04:18:17","date_gmt":"2019-04-22T04:18:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=5885"},"modified":"2021-03-31T20:19:50","modified_gmt":"2021-03-31T20:19:50","slug":"14-early-signs-of-staph-infection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-early-signs-of-staph-infection\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Early Signs of Staph Infection"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A staph infection can refer to a number of different conditions that are caused by staphylococcus bacteria. About 25 percent of healthy people have some type of staph bacteria present on their skin. The bacteria may reside in the nose, mouth, on the feet, and in the genitals, as well as other bodies and may not produce any type of symptom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In cases where an infection develops the severity of the infection can range from an easy to treat skin condition to a more severe health issue. The bacteria may affect the internal organs and how they function. Typically a staph infection will be treated with antibiotics and may require the infected areas to be drained. The earlier that a staph infection is detected, the better. For this reason, knowing the signs and symptoms of a staph infection is important. Here are 8 of the early signs of a staph infection to watch for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Boils<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common early symptoms of a staph infection is a boil <\/a>that appears on the skin. These boils are the least alarming of the symptoms associated with the staph bacteria. When the infection is mild, a boil or area of pus-filled skin will erupt in the area of a hair follicle or oil gland. These boils may appear on the neck, face, buttocks, groin, or in the armpits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The area that is affected by the infection may become swollen and red as well. It also may become tender to touch. If you notice the appearance of boils on the skin it is a good idea to have them seen by a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help with the infection. In addition, the boil may be drained. Draining the boil can help ensure that the area heals more quickly. Using a warm compress on the boil may help it to drain more quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Sores and Blisters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, a staph infection may cause a person to develop a condition known as impetigo. Impetigo will cause sores and blisters <\/a>to show up on the skin. The areas that are most often affected by impetigo include the mouth and the nose. These blisters may also appear on the trunk area of the body. The blisters and sores that appear on the skin will often burst quite easily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the blisters pop they will leave behind a crust that is yellowish in color. The skin that is affected by the bacteria may also become quite itchy. The blisters and sores may be quite painful, but in some cases, they are not painful at all. If these types of blisters appear on the skin it is important to avoid picking at them or scratching them or they will scar. In addition, picking at the blisters can cause the infection to spread, which can lead to further issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Swelling, Redness, and Skin that is Warm to the Touch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If a localized area of the skin becomes red<\/a>, tender, inflamed, and is warm to the touch, it could be the result of a staph infection known as cellulitis. Cellulitis will typically occur in the legs. This type of staph infection happens when the staph bacteria start to act upon the deeper layers of the skin. If you are experiencing this type of symptom it is important to discuss it with your doctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antibiotics can help prevent the bacteria from spreading further. Cellulitis can become quite serious and ulcers may occur. In addition, these areas may be more prone to dimpling. Other symptoms of cellulitis include chills, fever, nausea, and malaise. If it is left untreated, this type of staph infection can cause many other health issues, which is why it is important to seek treatment for it right away in order to begin fighting off the bacteria as soon as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Burn Like Marks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The appearance of burn like marks is not a very common instance of a staph infection. However, this does occur. In these cases, the staph bacteria <\/a>may start staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. This is referred to as SSSS. In cases of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome the individual that is affected by the bacteria will develop blisters on the skin. When the blisters burst, the top layer of the skin is removed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will leave the area of the skin raw and red and looks like it is burned. This symptom of a staph infection is most common in young children and babies. If you notice that your baby has blisters that appear like a burn mark when they burst it is important to talk to your doctor away so that treatment can be started as soon as possible. If left untreated, the infection can spread even further and cause more health issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Nausea and Vomiting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to symptoms of an infection, nausea<\/a>, and vomiting are quite common. In fact, nausea and vomiting can be caused by any number of bacteria or viruses. One of the common causes of nausea and vomiting is food poisoning. The symptoms of food poisoning are quite common with a staph infection. Eating contaminated food can cause a person to develop nausea and vomiting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A person may also experience low blood pressure during this time. Typically, these symptoms will appear just a few hours after eating food that is contaminated. In minor cases of a staph infection, the symptoms will last for less than a day. However, if these symptoms persist for more than two days it is important to seek medical attention. If the symptoms are persistent and you are not eating or drinking enough it can cause you to become dehydration, which can lead to a host of other problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Fever and Low Blood Pressure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the staph bacteria enter into the bloodstream <\/a>it can cause bacteremia or blood poisoning. This is a very serious condition that can lead to infections occurring in different areas of the body. Most notable, a blood infection can affect the internal organs including the heart, brain, and lungs. In addition, bacteremia can affect the muscles, bones, and any surgical implants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, if a person is experiencing blood poisoning a fever will develop. In addition, blood pressure may drop. This can cause a person to experience weakness. In addition, blood poisoning can also cause other infections, which can produce other symptoms as well. If you notice that you are running a fever and think that you may have a staph infection you need to make sure that you seek medical attention right away to begin proper treatment before further complications arise that can cause a number of health issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. High Fever and Other Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In rare instances, staph bacteria can cause a person to develop toxic shock syndrome. This happens when certain types of bacteria release toxins <\/a>into the bloodstream. This can cause several issues within the body. Most often, when this occurs a person will develop a very high fever. In addition, a person may experience dizziness, confusion, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and muscle pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you develop a high fever and suspect that you have a staph infection it is important to seek medical attention right away. A high fever is not something to mess around with and you want to make sure that you try to lower the temperature as soon as possible. A cool cloth on the head may be helpful. Toxic shock syndrome is very dangerous can be life-threatening. Seeking medical attention immediately is important to help treat the issue so that no further health complications arise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Joint and Bone Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, a person with a staph infection may develop septic arthritis<\/a>. This condition will most often affect the knees but also can affect the shoulders, hips, ankles, elbows, or the spine. Swelling and pain in the joints that are affected are common signs of septic arthritis. In some cases, a fever may develop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Septic arthritis can cause permanent damage to the bones and in some extreme cases, the limb may be lost. In addition, staph infections may cause osteomyelitis or bone infection. Typically it is the long bones, such as the legs that are affected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While this is not a medical emergency, if it is not treated it can lead to chronic osteomyelitis. This is when the condition reoccurs over the course of many years and becomes much more difficult to treat. If you are having these symptoms it is important to discuss it with your doctor so proper treatment can be started. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Chills
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Staph infection causes the onset of a high fever in infected individuals. This symptom is the body\u2019s natural response to infection and its means of defense against the spread of the pathogen. However, patients with fever may notice that they suddenly develop racking chills <\/a>that leave them feeling cold and shivering.
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It\u2019s strange that a person with a high fever should feel cold, so \u2013 what\u2019s causing the chills? When the body experiences an infection, the brain signals the hypothalamus to call for the creation of pyrogen proteins. This inflammatory protein binds to nerve endings, telling the body to turn up the temperature.
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As a result, the patient starts to experience the onset of a fever. However, it takes the body some time to catch up to the new setpoint, and as a result, the patient experiences chills. These chills typically show up when the patient’s fever reaches over 99F, and they subside when the infection starts to clear and the fever lifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Dehydration
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Dehydration <\/a>is one of the most severe complications of Staph infection. Some strains of the bacteria that cause Staph infect the digestive system, resulting in symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Every time the patient expels fluids from their system, they need to replace them with the same quantity of liquids, or they risk dehydration.
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When the patient vomits, they not only lose water during the purge but essential minerals and electrolytes as well. Should the patient fail to replenish those fluids and electrolytes, they run the risk of developing an electrolyte imbalance.
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As a result, the patient may start to experience the onset of seizures. In most cases, the seizures are not severe, but if the patient does not receive medical attention and rehydration immediately, the situation could become life-threatening.
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Medical professionals treat extreme dehydration with IV liquids. In most cases, the patient experiences a rapid turnaround within a few minutes after starting treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Low Blood Pressure
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People who are dealing with Staph infection may find that they start to experience the effects of low blood pressure<\/a>. The patient may begin to feel woozy when standing, and they may feel like passing out after rising from a couch or chair.
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While this may not be a life-threatening situation, the patient may pass out while standing, lose their balance, and collapse on nearby furniture, causing an injury to themselves. The patient may also blackout on their feet, resulting in them falling over and cracking open their skull.
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Doctors consider a blood pressure reading of lower than 90-mmHg for the systolic, and 60-mmHg for the bottom figure, (diastolic.) Patients who experience a sudden drop in blood pressure may be at risk of falling into a coma.
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Low blood pressure occurs due to many different reasons, from reactions to medications to infection. Therefore, your doctor will likely look for other contributing symptoms during your diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Toxic Shock Syndrome
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Toxic shock syndrome describes the effects of a collection of disorders and diseases affecting the body at the same time. When the patient becomes infected with Staph bacteria, it has the potential of reaching the bloodstream where it travels throughout the body.
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Patients that experience the Staph bacteria spreading to the nervous system<\/a>, cardiovascular system, and liver may end up developing \u201ctoxic shock syndrome.\u201d This condition occurs due to toxins overwhelming the immune system, resulting in symptoms of a high fever, nausea, and vomiting, as well as cognition problems and digestive issues that cause abdominal cramping and pain.
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Doctors treat toxic shock syndrome by identifying the cause of the condition, in this case \u2013 a bacterial infection. They then use antibiotics to treat the patient, and the rest of the symptoms associated with the syndrome should begin to diminish as well. If left untreated, the patient runs the risk of developing various other related conditions, some with life-threatening consequences, such as septicemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Septicemia
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One of the more severe complications of Staph infection involves contamination <\/a>of the bloodstream with Staph bacteria. Otherwise known as, \u201csepticemia,\u201d blood poisoning occurs when the bacteria enter the bloodstream through a break in the skin.
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The circulatory system then carries the bacteria to other regions of the body where it infects tissues and organs. As a result, the patient can start to develop other complications as the bacteria colonize in the heart, lungs, or brain.
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This type of infection is typically a nightmare scenario for anyone with a staph infection, and the patient will require immediate hospitalization and treatment with antibiotics. If the patient is experiencing an MRSA, then they could be facing a life-threatening situation.
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When the staph infection reaches the nervous system and brain, it may induce seizures and coma. Staph also infects the skeletal and muscular system, causing pain and discomfort. If the bacteria enter the cardiovascular system, it may result in conditions like endocarditis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Endocarditis
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People who experience Staph infection are at risk of developing severe, life-threatening complications. When the bacteria that cause Staph enters the bloodstream, the circulatory system transports it through the rest of the body. Should the bacteria end up in the cardiovascular system, it may infect the tissues in the heart and lungs.
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The endocardial lining on the inside of the heart valves is vital for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular function. Patients with a Staph infection that spreads to the heart run the risk of the bacteria inflaming the endocardial lining, resulting in a condition known as \u201cendocarditis.\u201d
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Endocarditis <\/a>can have life-threatening consequences for the patient if they do not seek immediate medical help. Symptoms of endocarditis include chest pain, heart murmurs, and feelings of fatigue. Should the patient fail to receive the treatment they need, the inflammation may lead to the development of edema, and the risk of it bursting, resulting in heart failure and death.
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