Staph infections on the skin typically look like red, swollen, and painful bumps that resemble pimples or boils. They often start as small red bumps that may quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses or pus-filled sores. The affected skin can be warm to the touch, tender, and may leak pus or other fluid. The redness often appears angry and can spread, sometimes forming open wounds or blisters. Common forms include boils (painful red bumps developing in hair follicles or oil glands), cellulitis (red, hot, swollen skin), impetigo (red, itchy sores that fill with pus and form yellow crusts), and styes near the eyes (warm, red bumps)

. In some cases, the infection can cause fever, chills, and general feelings of being unwell, especially in children. The redness may expand beyond the initial area, so monitoring by drawing a circle around the affected area is advised to see if it grows

. If the infection worsens, it can form painful lumps filled with pus that require medical draining. MRSA, a resistant form of staph, can cause similar symptoms but may be more severe, with hard, painful red lumps that worsen over days and may have red streaks spreading from the infection site

. In summary, a staph skin infection usually looks like:

• Red, swollen, warm, and painful bumps or lumps
• Pimple-like lesions or boils filled with pus
• Possible leaking or drainage of fluid
• Redness that may spread and worsen
• Sometimes blisters, sores, or crusty patches
• Fever and systemic symptoms if severe

Medical evaluation is recommended if the redness spreads, the lesion worsens, or systemic symptoms develop