One of the hallmark symptoms is a rash on the hands and feet that looks like sunburn.
Other symptoms include fever, fainting, headache, and seizures.
While toxic shock syndrome is often associated withtampon use, tampons are not the only cause.
Illustration by JR Bee, Verywell
The condition also affects people who are not menstruating, including people of all genders and ages.
This article explains TSS symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
The symptoms also depend on the bang out of bacteria responsible for the infection.
Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening infection and requires immediate medical attention.
Left untreated, it can lead to shock, coma, permanent organ damage, and death.
That is why people who menstruate should avoid tampons to limit the risk of recurrence.
Usually, yourimmune systemprotects you by identifying and destroying pathogens in your body.
This immune system over-activation leads to the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome.
Untreated, the response overwhelms the body to the extent that multi-system organ failure and even death can occur.
Toxic Shock Syndrome Rash
Toxic shock syndrome rash appears like sunburn on the palms and soles.
When TSS is due tostreptococcalbacteria, a rash might not be present.
In addition, when TSS is caused bystreptococcalbacteria,it is often linked to skin infections.
On the other hand, infections fromstaphylococcalbacteria usually have a rash and are more commonly associated with tampon use.
Link to Tampon Use
Toxic shock syndrome is linked to tampon use.
The most considerable risk associated with tampons and TSS is how long they are left in.
Super-absorbent tampons present a higher risk because they are typically worn for longer periods of time.
Thus, you should avoid super-absorbent tampons, if possible, and use the lowest absorbency possible.
Look for the right absorbency for your flow rather than the one that will last the longest.
Toreduce your risk of TSSfrom tampon use:
Tampon use itself does not cause toxic shock syndrome.
Can Menstrual Cups Cause Toxic Shock Syndrome?
Although it is rare, it is possible for a menstrual cup to cause TSS.
To reduce the risk, ensure your menstrual cup is sanitized properly between uses.
Diagnosing Toxic Shock Syndrome
People of all ages can develop toxic shock syndrome.
While it’s rare, the condition can be life-threateningeven in previously healthy people.
The initial symptoms will depend on the bacteria causing the infection.
Symptoms of TSS can set in within 12 hours.
Instead, a healthcare provider will assess your clinical symptoms and risk factors.
Several tests can confirm the presence of infection and identifystreptococcalandstaphylococcalbacteria.
People with TSS often require hospitalization and may spend time in theintensive care unit(ICU).
People with the illness will require hospitalization.
Healthcare providers must determine the cause and source of the infection to provide proper treatment.
However, the exact medications will depend on the bacteria causing the infection and its location.
For example, FDA-approvedoritavancin(Orbactiv) treats bacterial infections in skin wounds.
The standard treatment course is at least ten days.
There is no vaccine or specific treatment that will prevent toxic shock syndrome.
The best prevention course is to avoid known risks of developing the condition.
It can also result from an infected wound following childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion.
Sometimes, there is no apparent cause.
Symptoms, including fever, rash, and low blood pressure, can escalate to shock quickly.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial because TSS can be fatal.
Healthcare providers diagnose the condition using blood tests, cultures, and lumbar punctures.
First-line treatment is antibiotics and other supportive care.
If you have TSS, you will be hospitalized while you receive treatment.
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