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Symptoms of a staph skin infection can include:
Redness affecting the skin or eyelids may be harder to see on brown or black skin.
A painful red lump on the skin. It could also be an abscess (a build-up of pus).
Hot, red or swollen skin. This could be an infection called cellulitis.
Sores, crusts or blisters on the skin. This could be impetigo, which often affects the face.
Impetigo also sometimes affects other parts of the body.
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.
You think you have a staph infection and:
You might need antibiotics to treat the infection.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Staph infections usually get better on their own, but you may need treatment from a GP if your symptoms do not get better after a week.
You may need:
Some people may be referred to a specialist if treatment from a GP does not help.
The bacteria that cause staph infections live harmlessly on many people's skin, often in the nose and armpits and on the buttocks.
They usually only cause an infection if they get into the skin, such as through a bite or cut.
Staph bacteria can spread to others through:
It can be difficult to prevent staph infections because many people have the bacteria on their skin.
But there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting an infection or spreading the bacteria to others.
wash your hands with soap and water regularly
keep your skin clean by having a bath or shower every day
keep any cuts clean and covered
use disposable tissues to blow your nose
do not share towels, washcloths, bed linen, toothbrushes or razors
