Quick read
Key points
- 1
MRSA (meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of bacteria that's resistant to several commonly used antibiotics. Many people carry MRSA on their skin or in their nose without any symptoms, a state known as being 'colonised'.
- 2
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
- 3
A wound, cut, or surgical site becomes red, swollen, warm, or increasingly painful
01 · Know
What is MRSA?
MRSA (meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of bacteria that's resistant to several commonly used antibiotics. Many people carry MRSA on their skin or in their nose without any symptoms, a state known as being 'colonised'.
Problems arise if the bacteria enter the body through a cut, wound, or medical device, where they can cause infections ranging from minor skin infections to more serious bloodstream or wound infections, particularly in hospital settings.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Self-care advice
Most people who carry MRSA never become unwell because of it. Treatment is only needed if it causes an active infection or before certain hospital procedures.
03 · Act
When to see a doctor
- 1A wound, cut, or surgical site becomes red, swollen, warm, or increasingly painful
- 2You notice pus or an unusual discharge from a wound
- 3You develop a fever alongside a skin infection
- 4You've been told you're colonised with MRSA and are due to have surgery or a hospital procedure
- 5An existing skin infection isn't improving with standard treatment
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Take these self-care steps
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
- 1Keep wounds clean and covered.Cover cuts and grazes with a clean, dry dressing until they've healed, and change dressings as advised.
- 2Wash your hands regularly.Good hand hygiene, especially before and after touching a wound, helps prevent both catching and spreading MRSA.
- 3Don't share personal items.Avoid sharing towels, razors, or bedding with others while you have an active infection.
- 4Follow decolonisation treatment if prescribed.If you're found to be a carrier before surgery, using prescribed antibacterial body wash and nasal cream as directed helps clear the bacteria.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: MRSA ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
MRSA colonisation on its own isn't an illness and doesn't need treatment, but any signs of an active infection should be checked promptly, especially around wounds.
Good hand hygiene and proper wound care are the most effective ways to prevent MRSA infections from developing or spreading.