Many people carry staph bacteria either on the surface of their skin or in their nose, and in most cases it does not cause any problems. A staph infection occurs when the staphylococcus bacteria gets inside the body and affects the skin.

Symptoms of staph skin infection

The symptoms of these types of staph infections can range from mild to serious.

Wound infection

Any wound, such as a cut or a graze, might become infected with staph bacteria. Your wound may be infected with staph if it is:

red, swollen and painful

discharging pus or liquid which may be honey coloured and crusty

healing slower than usual

has an unpleasant smell

Read more about wound care here.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a spreading inflammation of the skin and the tissues directly beneath it. It needs to be treated with antibiotics. You may have cellulitis if you have nausea, shivers and chills, along with skin which is:

red

painful to touch

hot

swollen

tender

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS)

SSSS is the most serious staph skin infection. It usually affects babies and children under the age of 5, and occurs when the staph bacteria release a poison that damages the skin. This makes the skin look like it has been burned with boiling water.

Your child may have SSSS if they are feeling unwell with:

a temperature over 38°C

skin which is painful to touch

skin that has a burnt appearance or is peeling off

Impetigo Impetigo is also known as ‘school sores’ and is a very contagious skin infection that affects children and infants. Your child may have impetigo if they have itchy sores or blisters which have a yellow or brown crust after they rupture. The impetigo rash can be anywhere on the body but is quite common around the nose and mouth. Read more about impetigo here. The impetigo rash can often be found on the face near the mouth and nose.

Treatment of staph skin infections

Most staph skin infections are treated with a course of antibiotics.

Simple ones can be treated at home. Serious ones need to be treated in hospital with intravenous antibiotics and other treatments.

It is important to make sure that staph infections are not spread to others.

How do I avoid getting a staph skin infection?

In most cases you can avoid developing a staph skin infection through basic hygiene. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water and dry them with a clean towel, or disposable paper towel.

If you live with someone who has a staph skin infection you may be able to avoid developing the condition by not sharing any personal items with them such as toothbrushes, towels, clothes and linen, washing their towels and bed linen every day, and washing your hands immediately if you come into contact with them.

Children with impetigo should not go to school or pre-school for 48 hours after they have started antibiotics and then only if all the sores are covered with watertight dressings.

When should I get help?

If you suspect that you have a staph skin infection, it's important to see your doctor as soon as possible.

Severe staph skin infections, like staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS), may need to be treated in hospital.

If you are concerned that your child has symptoms of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS), take them to your doctor as soon as possible or call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.