Health Tip of the Week, sponsored by Baton Rouge General: Is it a spider bite or staph infection?

People show up to Urgent Care with red, swollen and painful areas that they believe are spider bites. Usually,  it’s not actually a spider bite but a staph infection. Staph infections, specifically MRSA, can look very similar to a spider bite, but require a different course of treatment. Staph infections are more likely to be full of white or yellow pus and are often warm to the touch. MRSA and other types of staph infections can be tricky to treat, so contact your physician right away if you notice a spot that appears to be infected or is accompanied by a fever.

Learn more about the difference in bites and infections