There are two ways you can have MRSA:
- You can have an active MRSA infection. An active infection means you have symptoms. This is usually aboil, a sore, or an infected cut that is red, swollen, or pus-filled.
- You can be a MRSA carrier. If you are a carrier you do not have symptoms that you can see, but you still have MRSA bacteria living in your nose or on your skin. If you are a carrier, your doctor may say that you are colonized. These words - “carrier” and “colonized” - mean the same thing.
Most people with active infections are effectively treated with antibiotics or drainage of the sore(s), and no longer have MRSA. Sometimes, however, MRSA goes away with treatment but reappears - in some cases, several times. If MRSA infections keep coming back again and again, your doctor can help you figure out the reasons you keep getting them.
While resistant to penicillin and penicillin-related antibiotics, most CA-MRSA infections can be successfully treated with many other antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following antibiotics:
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim®, Septra®)
- Clindamycin (Cleocin®)
- Tetracyclines (such as doxycycline)
- Rifampin (Rifadin®)
If you are a carrier you may not have symptoms that you can see, but you still have MRSA bacteria living in your nose or on your skin. If you are a carrier, your doctor may say that you are colonized. “Carrier” and “colonized” - mean the same thing. About 1% of the population are MRSA carriers, although most of them are not infected. To decrease the amount of staph on your body your doctor may, for a short period of time:
- Tell you to shower daily with antibacterial soap
- Prescribe antibiotic ointment to put in your nose for several days
- Prescribe antibiotic pills (in some cases)
Generally, you will get better if you have MRSA, but much depends on persoanl caare habits. MRSA can cause serious, life-threatening infections if left untreated. But it is important to note that it is rare for any staph infection to become life threatening in a healthy person. Practice good hygiene to take care of yourself including:
- Clean your hands often
- Take care of yourself: eat right, exercise, quit smoking, and avoid stress
- Take good care of your skin
- Keep skin infections covered to avoid spreading MRSA to others
- Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns
