OpenHealth Q&A

Navigating Ongoing MRSA Challenges: Seeking Guidance

Hello, fellow Redditors. I'm reaching out (anonymously to protect my privacy) to gather insights regarding a persistent MRSA colonization issue I’ve been facing. Allow me to provide a chronological account of my experience, followed by a brief summary. On July 7th, 2025, I discovered a peculiar, slightly inflamed mark on my right buttock while getting ready for work as a registered nurse at an outpatient surgical facility. Initially, I dismissed it as a minor skin irritation, possibly from a scratch or a pimple. However, when my shift ended, I noticed that the redness had escalated significantly, covering nearly half my buttock and feeling warm to the touch. Suspecting cellulitis, I sought medical attention immediately. The urgent care physician concurred and prescribed Doxycycline, noting my penicillin allergy. Within a few days, the redness started to diminish, and four days later, a small abscess formed and drained on its own. I took great care to keep the area clean and covered until it healed completely. Fast forward to August 15th, 2025; I spotted a similar scab on my left buttock, mirroring the earlier issue closely. Despite practicing good hygiene and cleaning the area diligently, it began to worsen over a few days. I suspected this was a more stubborn issue, not just the previous cellulitis. Again, I was prescribed Doxycycline, but this time, the abscess drained slowly. My doctor recommended a DermaStent to facilitate drainage after lancing the area, and a culture was taken. After about three weeks of treatment, the area healed up. Then came September 27th, 2025—yet another small lesion appeared, this time looking more like a pimple. Soon, I noticed another one forming nearby. Despite my efforts to avoid touching these areas—only examining them to take photographs—the scab eventually opened on its own. Convinced it was time for another check-up, I returned to urgent care. My doctor recommended switching to Bactrim, and I raised concerns about possible MRSA. While she acknowledged the possibility, she hesitated to lance the pimple because I had already begun taking the antibiotics, which could affect the culture results. Instead, I was sent home with a swab to collect drainage when it eventually occurred. On October 1st, 2025, I started feeling unwell—experiencing a rapid heartbeat and fatigue—that led to a trip to the emergency room where I was instructed to have the abscess lanced immediately. The experience of receiving lidocaine injections in an inflamed area was excruciating. After proceeding with the lancing, a culture was obtained. Unfortunately, it seemed there was an issue with the previous culture taken during my last visit as it went missing. Nevertheless, once the abscess was lanced, I felt immediate relief. Following a normal level of lactic acid test, I was discharged with instructions to complete my Bactrim course. Two weeks later, the culture revealed moderate MRSA presence, which explained my recurring issues. By October 28th, 2025, I discovered another troubling spot located in my upper right groin. Frustrated with the ongoing situation, I reached out to a newly assigned primary care physician (as I had changed insurance) who could only meet with me in January 2026. I urged for an appointment with an infectious disease specialist and was soon scheduled. In the meantime, the new abscess opened and started draining on its own. During my appointment, my concern about being colonized was confirmed; my doctor recommended a two-week regimen involving daily chlorhexidine gluconate showers and mupirocin nasal swabs. Following this treatment, my infection seemed to clear, restoring some hope. However, on January 9th, 2026, a new spot emerged. Taking initiative, I treated it intensively with chlorhexidine gluconate, which managed to prevent it from escalating into a larger issue. Now, on February 8th, I'm dealing with yet another inflamed area. My primary care physician expressed uncertainty about next steps and noted my trend of infections seems linked to post-exercise and long-distance travel. I’m feeling overwhelmed and desperate for a solution. I recognize my colonization status and am committed to maintaining strict hygiene, but I refuse to surrender my ability to exercise just because of this bacteria. I’m uncertain if I should consult my infectious disease doctor again, especially since I sensed a lack of experience in his approach. Are there specialists focusing on MRSA whom I might consult? Am I destined for a cycle of treatment every month? Could my boyfriend be a silent carrier? He might need testing for MRSA and possibly participate in the decolonization process with me. I just don’t know how to move forward, and I’m weary of this incessant battle. To summarize: Since July 2025, I've dealt with recurring skin MRSA infections—four required antibiotics, two needed to be drained. After a decolonization process last November, I face new lesions reappearing. Where can I turn for further assistance?

Answers (1)

2/8/2026, 4:40:55 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about the persistent challenges you have faced with MRSA colonization and the subsequent skin infections. It can be overwhelming to manage these recurring issues, especially when your lifestyle, like exercise, is impacted. Let's address your concerns and provide you with some actionable steps moving forward.

Main Points:

1. You have been managing recurring MRSA infections.
2. You are considering re-evaluation from your infectious disease specialist and testing for possible carriers in your household.
3. You want to maintain your exercise routine while handling this situation.

Explanation:

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of bacteria resistant to many antibiotics, leading to challenging infections. Colonization means MRSA is present on your skin without causing an infection. The fact that you've faced multiple infections suggests a need for a comprehensive approach. Recurring skin lesions often link back to various factors, including hygiene, possible transmission among close contacts, and underlying health conditions.

It's crucial to assess both environmental and personal health factors when addressing MRSA, including ensuring your partner is tested and involved in decolonization if necessary.

Next Steps:

1. Consult Your Specialist Again: Consider making an appointment with your infectious disease doctor sooner than the next scheduled visit if possible, expressing your concerns about the frequent infections and seeking a second opinion if you feel your current physician is not addressing your needs adequately.

2. Partner Testing: Discuss testing your boyfriend for MRSA with your healthcare provider. If he's a carrier, implementing decolonization measures together can significantly reduce your risk of re-infection. This may include using mupirocin nasal ointment and chlorhexidine body washes.

3. Strict Hygiene Practices: Continue practicing strict hygiene:

   • Shower with chlorhexidine gluconate, especially after exercise.
   • Keep all wounds clean and covered.
   • Wash workout clothes, towels, and sheets regularly.

4. Avoid Triggers: Since you mentioned that the infections may be linked to post-exercise or travel, try to minimize contact with shared equipment and be vigilant in public spaces. Consider using your own gear and cleaning communal gear before and after use.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of any new lesions, their size, treatment methods, and recovery patterns to discuss with your healthcare team. This information can help identify patterns or triggers.

6. Consider Psychological Support: Feeling overwhelmed is common, and it might be worthwhile to explore counseling to help cope with the stress of living with chronic health issues.

7. Stay Informed: Research specialists who focus heavily on MRSA or infectious diseases. Look for someone with extensive experience and consider reaching out to academic medical centers or specialized clinics that treat MRSA specifically.

Conclusion:

You are not alone in this battle, and taking proactive steps is key to managing your MRSA challenges effectively. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help as you navigate this situation, and take care of both your physical and emotional well-being during this time. Please keep me updated on how things progress or if you have further questions.