Staph infection

Symptoms of a staph infection 

Symptoms of a staph skin infection can include:

• a painful red lump or bump -  this is often a boil or carbuncle (cluster of boils), it could also be an abscess (build-up of pus) hot, red and swollen skin - this could an infection called cellulitis
• sores, crusts or blisters – this could be impetigo, which often affects the face, it also sometimes affects other parts of the body
• sore, red eyelids or eyes - a red, swollen eyelid could be a stye - if your eye is affected, it could be conjunctivitis

Staph bacteria can also cause more serious infections like blood poisoning and toxic shock syndrome. These are much less common than skin infections.

When to see your GP 

See your GP if you think you have a staph skin infection and:

• it's getting worse or spreading quickly
• it lasts more than a week
• you have a weakened immune system – for example, you have had an organ transplant or you're having chemotherapy

You might need antibiotics to treat the infection, if you have a staph infection.

Also see a GP if you keep getting staph infections.

How staph infections are spread 

The bacteria that cause staph infections live harmlessly on many people's skin. This is often in the nose and armpits and on the buttocks.

They usually only cause an infection if they get into the skin – for example, through a bite or cut.

Staph bacteria can spread to others through:

• close skin contact
• sharing things like towels or toothbrushes
• droplets in coughs and sneezes (less common)

Preventing staph infections 

It can be difficult to prevent staph infections. This is because many people have the bacteria on their skin.

But there are things you can do to help reduce your chances of getting an infection or spreading the bacteria to others.

These include:

• washing your hands with soap and water regularly
• keeping your skin clean by having a bath or shower every day
• keeping any cuts clean and covered
• using disposable tissues to blow your nose
• not sharing towels, washcloths, bed linen, toothbrushes and razors

• Find out more about staph infections on the NHS website

More useful links

• How to use your health services