University of North Texas 
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of Staph that is resistant to some antibiotics. MRSA can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, contaminated surfaces, or personal items that touch the skin, such as towels, razors, clothing, or athletic equipment.
Symptoms and Medical Care
Staph and MRSA skin infections may look like a pimple, bump, boil, or area of skin that is red, swollen, painful, warm to the touch, full of pus, or draining. A fever may also occur.
If you suspect you have a Staph or MRSA infection, contact your primary care provider. Students may also contact the Student Health and Wellness Center. Do not try to treat, squeeze, drain, or pop a suspected infection on your own.
How to Help Prevent Staph and MRSA
Staph and MRSA infections can often be prevented through simple hygiene and wound care practices:
Wash hands often with soap and water.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Keep cuts, scrapes, and wounds clean, dry, and covered until healed.
Do not share personal items such as towels, razors, clothing, uniforms, or personal care products.
Clean shared equipment and surfaces that contact bare skin.
Athletics and Contact Sports
Athletes, especially those in contact sports, may have a higher risk of Staph and MRSA infection because of close physical contact, shared equipment, skin injuries, and shared locker room or training spaces.
Athletes should follow trainer and medical provider instructions, report suspected skin infections promptly, shower after practices and competitions, use a clean towel, keep wounds covered, and avoid sharing towels, razors, uniforms, or personal care items.
An athlete with a draining wound or suspected infection should be evaluated by a medical provider and should follow all instructions from medical staff, athletic trainers, or coaches before returning to participation.
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