What Does a Facial Staph Infection Look Like? Visual Identification Guide
What does a facial staph infection look like?
The Quick Answer
Appears as **red bumps resembling pimples or spider bites** that rapidly evolve into pus-filled lesions with yellow crusting, surrounding warmth/swelling, and possible honey-colored drainage. Unlike acne, staph lesions are tender (not just painful when pressed), may cluster near nose/mouth, and often lack comedones (blackheads/whiteheads).
Why We Ask This
Patients dismiss early staph as 'bad acne,' delaying care until lesions coalesce into cellulitis—particularly dangerous on the face where cavernous sinus thrombosis risk exists with nose/mouth infections.
The Practical Science
Staphylococcal aureus triggers intense neutrophil recruitment causing rapid pus formation. MRSA variants often present with central necrosis ('spider bite' appearance) and disproportionate pain versus lesion size—key differentiators from viral or fungal mimics.
In Clinical Practice
A cluster of tender red bumps at the nasal ala developing yellow crusts within 48 hours warrants culture and empiric coverage for community-acquired MRSA (e.g., trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) while awaiting results—preventing orbital spread.
References & Context
Staph Infection (Non-MRSA) - UMass Memorial Health"It may appear as small red bumps. They may look like pimples or spider bites. These sores can turn into pus-filled infections (abscesses). Staph infections can spread deeper into your body."