An MRSA abscess is a type of skin infection that has been shown to be resistant to most types of antibiotic treatment. MRSA is a short form of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that commonly lives on the skin. In MRSA infections, this bacteria does not respond to treatment involving many of the most commonly used antibiotics. Without prompt and proper treatment, this type of skin infection can have devastating effects, causing extensive tissue damage and, in the most severe cases, even death.
It is typical for an MRSA abscess to begin as a simple cut or scratch. If the antibiotic-resistant bacteria is on the skin, it moves into the open wound. This leads to an infection known as an abscess. If the infection is not treated properly, it begins to spread under the skin and into deeper tissues, such as the muscles. This infection can also spread to the patient's bloodstream and then travel to various other parts of the body.
If a cut or scratch on the skin begins to look infected, the patient should seek medical attention immediately. Signs of infection due to an MRSA abscess include a growing circle of redness around the lesion, sometimes with red streaks spreading from the site. In some cases, the tissue around the injury will begin to swell and may feel warm or even hot to the touch.
The first step in treating an MRSA abscess involves having the abscess surgically drained. The doctor will often apply a local anesthetic to the area, either 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 that the doctor can drain dead tissue and pus from the infected area. A culture will probably be taken to confirm the presence of the MRSA bacteria. This will help determine which antibiotics will be really helpful in treating the infection.
In most cases, the patient with an 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 medications given, hospitalization may be necessary. In this case, the patient is given intravenous antibiotics and closely watched for any possible signs of complication. More invasive surgery may be necessary if the infection has spread to other parts of the body.