First, you should understand that MRSA skin infections can occur anywhere on the body.^†

MRSA grows well in warm, protected areas of the body. Common areas where signs of MRSA skin infection can appear are the thighs, buttocks, groin, armpits and back of the neck. MRSA skin infections cause a red, swollen, and painful area on the skin that has some or all of the following signs:

• red
• swollen
• tenderness
• painful
• warm to the touch
• full of pus
• drainage of pus

Signs of a more serious MRSA staph infection may include:

• Chest pain
• Chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever
• General ill feeling (malaise)
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Rash
• Shortness of breath

Anyone with these signs or symptoms should seek medical attention. The only conclusive way to make the diagnosis of an MRSA infection is for it to be cultured by a medical provider.

It is especially important to contact your healthcare professional if the signs and symptoms are accompanied by a fever.

1. † Sources for this article include the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health [↩]