Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

It is worth knowing about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) when an infection does not improve as expected: it is a bacterium that has become resistant to several commonly used antibiotics.

How it shows up: it often affects the skin and soft tissues, causing pimples, abscesses, or wounds that are red, warm, and painful; in some cases it can involve other organs.

When to see a doctor? When a skin lesion grows, oozes, or is accompanied by fever and malaise.

Which specialist treats it? The general practitioner performs the initial assessment and the infectious disease specialist steps in for resistant or complicated cases. Because it is a resistant bacterium, avoiding the use of antibiotics on your own and leaving management in professional hands is especially important.