What should you know about MSSA cellulitis?

MSSA stands for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that can infect broken skin, a wound or another entry point. Cellulitis commonly causes an area of skin redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness, often on one limb, but it can affect other regions.

Athlete's Foot, cracks, bites, eczema or surgery can give bacteria an entry point. Type 2 Diabetes and reduced immunity may make infections harder to control. A clinician may diagnose cellulitis from the examination and decide whether testing is needed.

Arrange a prompt medical assessment for spreading redness, increasing swelling or painful skin. Treatment usually involves an antibiotic selected for the suspected bacteria, with the route and duration based on severity and your health. Take prescribed medicine exactly as directed and do not share leftover antibiotics.

Keep the area clean, rest the affected limb when advised, and mark the edge of redness only if a clinician suggests it so change is easier to describe. Do not squeeze blisters or apply irritating products over the infected skin.

Seek emergency help for confusion, faintness, severe weakness, fast breathing, difficulty staying awake, or rapidly worsening illness. Fever with spreading redness, severe pain, purple or blistering skin, or swelling near the eye also needs urgent review because infection can extend beyond the skin. Sepsis is a medical emergency.

Ask what makes MSSA likely, whether a wound or swab needs testing, how soon improvement should be reviewed, and which symptoms mean the treatment is not working. Mention diabetes, immune medicines, allergies and any recent hospital or procedure exposure.