Staph Infections: When Is That Skin Bump Something to Worry About?

A red bump on your skin might seem harmless at first, but if it starts growing, hurting, or oozing, it could be more than just an irritation—it could be a staph infection.

Staph infections are common and usually treatable, but some cases can become serious if not addressed early. Here's what you need to know about spotting, treating, and preventing staph infections.

What Is a Staph Infection?

Staph infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which are naturally present on the skin and in the nose of many healthy individuals. Most of the time, they don't cause any harm. But if the bacteria enter the body through a cut, scrape, or hair follicle, they can cause infection.

Common Symptoms of a Staph Infection

Staph infections can appear in different ways depending on where they occur. On the skin, they often show up as:

• Painful red bumps or boils
• Swollen or warm areas of skin
• Pus-filled blisters or abscesses
• Crusting, oozing, or open sores

In more severe cases, staph can cause deeper infections like cellulitis or spread to the bloodstream (sepsis), bones, or internal organs.

Is Staph Contagious?

Yes, staph infections can be contagious. They spread through:

• Skin-to-skin contact
• Sharing personal items like towels or razors
• Contact with contaminated surfaces

This is why staph infections are common in places like gyms, locker rooms, and schools.

Staph Risks for Athletes

Athletes—especially those involved in contact sports like wrestling, football, or martial arts—face a higher risk of developing staph infections. These environments often involve:

• Close skin-to-skin contact
• Shared equipment or mats
• Minor cuts, abrasions, or turf burns
• Limited access to immediate hygiene during practice or games

If mats or equipment aren’t properly disinfected, staph bacteria can linger and infect anyone with broken skin. Even healthy athletes can carry staph on their skin or in their noses without symptoms, potentially spreading it to others.

Preventive tips for athletes include:

• Showering immediately after practice or games
• Wearing clean, dry workout gear
• Disinfecting mats, weights, and equipment regularly
• Covering any wounds or scrapes during activity
• Avoiding the sharing of towels, razors, or personal gear

If you’re an athlete with a painful bump or skin infection, don’t wait—see your Primary Care Provider to prevent complications and protect your teammates.

MRSA: A More Serious Form of Staph

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of staph that doesn't respond to common antibiotics. MRSA infections require different treatments and can lead to complications if untreated.

If a skin infection isn’t improving with typical care, your provider may test for MRSA.

How Are Staph Infections Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the infection:

• Mild infections may be treated with warm compresses and topical or oral antibiotics.
• Moderate to severe cases (such as abscesses or MRSA) may require incision and drainage, prescription antibiotics, or referral to a specialist.

Always complete your full course of antibiotics to prevent recurrence or resistance.

How Long Does It Take to Heal?

With proper care, mild staph skin infections often improve within 7 to 10 days. More serious infections may take longer and require follow-up care.

See your Primary Care Provider if:

• The area is getting bigger, more painful, or pus-filled
• You have a fever or chills
• Redness is spreading quickly
• The wound isn’t healing after a few days of home care

How to Prevent Staph Infections

• Wash your hands often
• Keep cuts clean and covered
• Avoid sharing personal items
• Shower after workouts or contact sports
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Get Expert Wound and Skin Care at BASS Medical Group

If you have a skin infection that isn’t getting better, don’t wait. The Primary Care Providers at BASS Medical Group can examine the area, recommend treatment, and refer you to a specialist if needed. We serve Walnut Creek and the Greater Bay Area with expert, compassionate care.