Types ofstaph infections

Staph infections can be broadly classified into two groups: skin and soft tissue infections, andinvasive infections. Examples are given below.

Skin and soft tissue infections

Most infections caused by staph bacteria are relatively minor and only affect the skin or underlying tissue. Common examplesinclude:

• Carbuncles red, painful lumps on the skin that usually develop on the neck, face, armpit or buttocks
• impetigo a highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects children, which can cause sores, blisters and crusts to develop on the skin
• cellulitis an infection of the deep layers of the skin, which can causeaffected areas to quickly become red, painful, swollen and hot
• a skin abscess a collection of pusthat appears as a painful lump under the surface of the skin
• folliculitis an infection of a hair follicle (small sac in the skin that a hair grows from), which causesan itchy pus-filled bump to develop
• wound infections an infection of a cut or graze or surgical wound, causingredness, swelling, pain andpus
• staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) a more serious condition that mainly affects babies and young children, where staph bacteria release a toxin that damages the skin, leading to extensive blistering that looks like the skin has beenscalded

Click on the links above for more information on these conditions, including their symptoms and treatments.

Invasive infections

In a small number of people,a staph skin infection can lead to a more serious, invasiveinfection deeper within the body. Examplesinclude:

• septic arthritis a joint infection that causes pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in affected joints
• osteomyelitis a bone infection, usually affecting one of the legs, causingbone pain, restricted movement, and swelling, redness and warmth in the affected area
• pneumonia an infection of the lungs that causes persistent coughing , breathing difficulties and chest pain ; this often occurs after a viral illness such as flu
• endocarditis an infection of the inner lining of the heart, causing a fever, chest pain, coughing, weakness and shortness of breath
• sepsis an infection of the bloodthatcauses a high temperature (fever), rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing
• toxic shock syndrome where bacteria release toxins into the blood, which can cause a sudden fever, vomiting, diarrhoea , fainting , dizziness , confusion and a rash

Click on the links above for more information about these conditions, including their symptoms and treatments.