MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a virulent and dangerous strain of bacteria that is starting to spread throughout the general population. It can cause a variety of infections, many of which pose a serious risk and should be taken to a doctor at once. The most minor types of infections it can cause are skin boils, and these can be treated at home.

Boils

MRSA boils are swollen lumps under the skin caused when bacteria infect hair follicles. They can be found anywhere on the body but often appear in high-perspiration areas, such as the armpits. They are not very dangerous in and of themselves, but they can be exceedingly painful and can lead to more severe infections. Most MRSA boils will clear up on their own in around 10 days, although larger ones might take longer. During this time, the boil will slowly swell up, becoming increasingly painful, before popping and draining pus and blood. The boil's development can be sped up by soaking it in warm water or pressing a warm, water soaked-cloth against it. In addition, regularly cleaning the boil with alcohol can kill some bacteria. Regularly applying an antibiotic ointment can help the infection--although MRSA may be resistant to some of the antibiotics in the ointment, so the effect might be limited. Rubbing an Epsom salt paste on the area can dry out the boil and cause it to heal faster, especially after it has started to discharge pus. Avoid putting pressure on the boil as much as possible, and never squeeze it. Squeezing the boil can push the bacteria farther into the skin, causing the infection to spread or grow worse. Also, always wash your hands after touching the boil to prevent the bacteria from spreading to other parts of your body or to other people.

When To See a Doctor

If you have severe symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible as it might mean that the bacteria is spreading to other parts of your body. These symptoms include a fever, especially a sudden or high fever, the recurrence of boils, the development of multiple boils on different parts of your body at the same time, a large red circle around the boil or a boil that lasts longer than a couple weeks. A doctor will prescribe stronger or systemic antibiotics to deal with the infection.

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A guide to boils

The state of MRSA infections

There is absolutely no home treatment that can cure mrsa if it's in or on your body. If you have mrsa, you need to get on antibiotic asap. Now, you can prevent the spread of mrsa by hand washing and making sure you do not carry it from room to room if someone in the home has it.