MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to several antibiotics and can cause skin and other infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
MRSA infection risk increases with crowding, skin-to-skin contact, and shared equipment or supplies.
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The CDC listed the following steps to take to reduce risk of MRSA infection:
- Maintain good hand and body hygiene. Wash hands often, and clean body regularly, especially after exercise.
- Keep cuts, scrapes, and wounds clean and covered until healed.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors.
- Get care early if you think you might have an infection.
Most staph skin infections, including MRSA, appear as a bump or infected area on the skin that might be:
- Red
- Swollen
- Painful
- Warm to the touch
- Full of pus or other drainage
- Accompanied by a fever
Read more at CDC.gov.