Staphylococcal skin infections
The symptoms of some common types of staphylococcal skin infections are outlined below.
Boils
Boils are painful, red bumps on the skin that usually occur on the neck, face, thighs, armpits and buttocks. They are usually caused by an infected hair follicle (a small sac in the skin that a hair grows out of).
As white blood cells fight the infection, pus forms inside the boil causing it to grow larger.
Eventually, the boil will rupture (burst) and the pus will drain away.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection. There are two types of impetigo:
- non-bullous impetigo, which causes sores that quickly rupture, leaving a yellow-brown crust
- bullous impetigo, which causes large, painless, fluid-filled blisters
The sores and blisters that are caused by both types of impetigo are usually very itchy. However, it is important not to scratch them because doing so can spread the infection to other parts of the body.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deep layer of skin (dermis) and the layer of fat and soft tissues (the subcutaneous tissues) that lie underneath the skin. The infection can make your skin red, swollen and painful.
Cellulitis can also make you feel generally unwell and cause symptoms such as:
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
- nausea
- shivering
- chills
Staphylococcal food poisoning
The symptoms of staphylococcal food poisoning can develop between 30 minutes to eight hours after eating contaminated food. Common symptoms include:
- abdominal cramps
- nausea
- vomiting
In some cases, these symptoms are followed by diarrhoea. The symptoms of staphylococcal food poisoning usually pass within 24 hours.
Invasive staphylococcal infections
The symptoms of some uncommon but serious invasive staphylococcal infections are described below.
Sepsis
The symptoms of sepsis (also known as blood poisoning) usually develop quickly and include:
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
- fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
- fast breathing
- low blood pressure (hypotension), which will cause you to feel dizzy when you stand up
- a change in mental behaviour, such as confusion or disorientation
- diarrhoea
- reduced urine flow
- cold clammy skin
- pale skin
- loss of consciousness
Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you suspect that you or someone in your care is experiencing sepsis, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Toxic shock syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome is a rare condition that is caused when S. aureus bacteria enter the bloodstream and begin to release toxins (poisons). Most people are immune to the effects of the toxins, but a minority are not. In these people, the toxins can cause a drop in blood pressure, as well as organ and tissue damage.
Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include:
- vomiting
- a skin rash that looks like sunburn
- diarrhoea
- fainting, or feeling faint
- muscle aches
- dizziness
- confusion
Septic arthritis
Septic arthritis is a condition where a joint becomes infected with the S. aureus bacteria. Symptoms of septic arthritis include:
- joint pain and swelling
- red and tender skin around the joint
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
Endocarditis
The symptoms of endocarditis (inflammation of the heart) can develop gradually over many weeks or quickly over a few days.
Symptoms include:
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
- chills
- sweating, including night sweats
- muscular aches and pains
- chest pain
- coughs
- weakness and fatigue
- headache
- shortness of breath
- unexplained weight loss
