A staph infection, also known as a staphylococcal infection, is caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria entering the body through a cut or break in the skin. The severity of the symptoms depends on the depth of the bacterial penetration. Staph infections can range from mild skin and soft tissue infections to more serious invasive infections affecting the bones and blood. While skin infections can be treated with antibiotics or creams, invasive infections often require hospitalization and antibiotic injections. Familiarizing yourself with the following common symptoms of a staph infection can help you identify the condition:
Understanding Itchy White Bumps on the Skin
Dealing with uncomfortable and itchy white bumps or lumps on the skin can be quite bothersome. One possible cause of these bumps is a staph infection in the hair follicles, known as Folliculitis. This condition occurs when the hair follicle, which is the small sac from where a hair grows, becomes infected with the staphylococcus bacteria.
Since the hair follicle is located deep within the skin, the infection also penetrates deep into the affected area. As a result, pus accumulates within the sac, leading to the formation of these itchy bumps. In some cases, these bumps may develop into a boil, eventually bursting to release the trapped pus and relieve the pressure on the hair follicle.
Understanding Boils
Boils are unpleasant and itchy white bumps or lumps that can develop on the skin due to a staph infection in the hair follicles. This condition is known as Folliculitis, which occurs when the hair follicle, the small sac from where a hair grows, becomes infected with the staphylococcus bacteria. Since the hair follicle is located deep within the skin, the infection also starts deep within. Consequently, pus accumulates in the sac, unable to escape. Over time, these bumps may evolve into a boil and eventually rupture, releasing the accumulated pus and relieving the affected hair follicle.