Protect Your Health by Avoiding Toxic Shock Syndrome
Protect Your Health by Avoiding Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious and fast-moving condition that requires emergency medical care. It’s most commonly associated with leaving a tampon in for too long, but TSS can happen to anyone, including people who do not menstruate.
“The reason TSS is considered an emergency is because it can come on so quickly,” says Howard Sharp, MD, an OB/GYN at University of Utah Health. “It can make a chain of events occur where patients get very sick very fast, and the organs become damaged to the point where sometimes patients will need to go to the intensive care unit and be on life support.”
What Causes TSS?
A tampon itself does not cause TSS—bacteria do.
TSS happens when certain types of bacteria, most commonly staphylococcus aureus or group A streptococcus bacteria, grow and release toxins. When these toxins enter our bloodstream, TSS occurs and symptoms appear quickly.
TSS can also develop with the use of menstrual cups or pads, although it’s less common.
TSS has also been associated with:
- Nasal packing
- Infections after childbirth
- Surgical wound infections
- Skin infections, burns, cuts, or insect bites
Bacteria can enter your body through these wounds, causing TSS to develop.
“Any kind of soft tissue disruption that harms the barrier of the skin can cause TSS,” Sharp says.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
TSS does not go away on its own. Fast medical treatment is essential to increase the chances of a positive outcome.
Symptoms often appear suddenly and include:
- High fever
- Chills and body aches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness or fainting
- Confusion
- Low blood pressure
- Conjunctivitis in the eyes or throat
- A rash on your skin that looks like small, red dots
If you have any of these symptoms, especially if you know you left a tampon in for too long—or you’ve recently had surgery, given birth, or had a skin wound—go to the emergency room immediately.
Without treatment, TSS can lead to:
- Shock
- Organ failure or damage
- Amputation of limbs
- Death
“If a patient goes to the ICU, we may have to give them what are called vasopressors in order to keep their blood pressure up to maintain function to the internal organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys,” Sharp says. “However, you can’t always perfuse the extremities, and that’s when patients can lose fingers, arms, and legs.”
How to Reduce Your Risk
While TSS is rare, there are many ways to lower your risk.
Menstrual Safety Tips
- Choose the lowest absorbency tampon that meets your needs.
- Follow the provided directions on how often you should change it (typically four to eight hours).
- Choose a period product with a lower risk of TSS, like a pad, for overnight use or when you know you may not have a chance to change it for long stretches.
- Wash your hands before and after changing any menstrual product.
Protecting wounds and surgical sites
- Keep all wounds clean and covered.
- Wash your hands often.
- Follow all post-surgical instructions closely
- Watch for signs of infection, such as pain, redness, swelling, or drainage, and contact your health care provider immediately.
TSS is a serious, life-threating illness. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and ways to prevent it can help keep you safe and healthy.
My Breast is Tender, But I Don't Feel a Lump—Am I Normal?
Many women who experience uncommon breast pain immediately think of breast cancer. Learn what can cause breast pain in women of different ages, and the most important thing to do if one or more of your breasts feels tender.
