Staphylococcous aureus bacteria are responsible for causing several skin staph infections. These bacteria are normally found on the skin surfaces in most individuals. However they can cause infections when they gain entry into the body through cuts within the skin. The problems caused by these bacteria may be simple like skin infections or severe like blood infection.

Skin staph infections include boils which are also called furuncles and these refer to abscesses occurring within the skin. Other skin infections include cellulitis which is a localized skin infection and in this infection the skin tends to become red, warm and painful. Hair follicle infection may also be observed in this condition and it is called folliculitis.

Blisters which are lesions on skin may also be observed as a part of skin staph infections and this condition is called impetigo. Another infection that may be observed affects the skin folds of nails and this is called paronychia. Some severe infections that may be caused by these bacteria include blood infection, food poisoning, deep abscesses, endocarditis, toxic shock syndrome, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis and lymphangitis etc.

Skin staph infections are diagnosed based on the symptoms along with physical examination. It is not entirely possible to determine if the infection is due to staph bacteria or any other bacteria. To determine definitely if the infection is caused by staph bacteria it is advisable to get a culture done. Treatment of staph infections includes antistaphylococcal antibiotics.

Skin staph infections can be treated through certain topical antibiotic creams and this is particularly relevant for simple impetigo. With respect to abscesses drainage of the abscesses can be done and warm compresses can also be used. Oral antibiotics can also be prescribed for treatment of the infections.

It is important to follow certain hygiene aspects for treatment of skin staph infections. Regular washing of hands and keeping cuts and scrapes covered is extremely important so as to ensure that the bacteria are not transmitted. Folliculitis may affect the hair follicles on regions like the scalp, neck, face, limbs and trunk.

With folliculitis red bumps may be observed and these may eventually fill with pus. Pain and itching are commonly experienced with folliculitis and in some cases low grade fever may also be present. In some cases of skin infections cystic acne may also be observed and this is particularly seen occurring on faces of teenagers.

When the staphylococcus aureus bacteria gain entry within the body through skin wound it can result in cellulitis wherein the skin tissue appears to be red, warm and swollen. The local lymph nodes may also be swollen and fever may also be observed. In some cases skin staph infections like scalded skin syndrome may be observed.

Scalded skin syndrome refers to extensive red rashes similar to scald that are caused by toxins that are released by the staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This condition is often observed in children below 5 years who do not have enough antibodies so as to fight the staph toxins. Initially the infection starts off with impetigo and then skin redness, irritability and fever is observed along with red blisters and skin wrinkling. Treatment for this condition includes oral and intravenous antibiotics.