What are the symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus infection?
Dec 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus infection may include redness, swelling, and pain in the skin, fever with chills, skin pustules or abscesses, respiratory discomfort, and local tissue necrosis. In the early stages of infection, localized redness and swelling of the skin are common, accompanied by noticeable pain that worsens upon touch. The affected red and swollen area may gradually expand, typically with relatively well-defined borders, and often occurs around skin breaks or wounds.
Under normal circumstances, symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus infection may include redness, swelling, and pain of the skin, fever and chills, skin pustules or abscesses, respiratory discomfort, and local tissue necrosis. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Skin redness, swelling, and pain: In the early stage of infection, localized redness and swelling of the skin commonly occur, accompanied by significant pain that worsens upon touch. The affected area may gradually enlarge with relatively clear boundaries, often developing around skin breaks or wounds.
2. Fever and chills: Once bacteria enter the bloodstream, they may trigger a systemic infection response, leading to fever with body temperature frequently exceeding 38.5°C. Some patients may experience chills—sudden feelings of coldness and whole-body shivering. Chills may subside after the onset of fever.
3. Skin pustules or abscesses: As the infection progresses, yellow or white pustules may appear on the skin surface. These pustules can rupture and discharge yellow pus. Deep tissue infections may lead to abscess formation, presenting as localized raised lumps with a fluctuant sensation upon palpation and notable tenderness.
4. Respiratory discomfort: If the respiratory tract is involved, symptoms such as coughing and sputum production may occur. The sputum is typically yellow and viscous. Some patients may also experience chest pain and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, pneumonia may develop, causing rapid breathing and chest tightness.
5. Localized tissue necrosis: In severe infections, toxins produced by the bacteria may destroy local tissues, resulting in tissue necrosis. This manifests as darkening of the skin at the infected site (appearing brown or black), hardened texture, and a clear demarcation between necrotic and healthy tissue, often accompanied by severe pain.
Immediate medical attention is necessary following a Staphylococcus aureus infection. Do not attempt to squeeze pustules or abscesses manually. Keep the infected area clean and dry, avoiding contact with contaminated water. Follow medical instructions for antibiotic use; do not discontinue medication or adjust dosage arbitrarily to prevent infection spread or development of drug resistance.
