How can toxic shock syndrome be prevented

Treatment for TSS may include:. For Patients. Contact the Division of Infectious Diseases Fax Toxic Shock Syndrome. What is toxic shock syndrome? What causes toxic shock syndrome? TSS caused by staphylococcus aureus : can occur after a tampon is left in too long, although manufacturing changes in tampons have reduced the incidence of tampon-induced TSS significantly may occur from another infection such as pneumonia, sinusitis, or osteomyelitis infection in the bone may occur in the setting of a skin or soft-tissue infection from a wound, burn, or surgical cut TSS caused by streptococcus pyogenes : is most commonly seen in people who have recently had chickenpox, bacterial cellulitis infection of the skin and underlying tissue , or have recently given birth, had surgery or suffered a minor cut or wounds can sometimes can present like a severe flu with nausea and high fever and chills with body aches What are the signs and symptoms of toxic shock?

For staphylococcal TSS: high fever chills malaise uneasiness and despair headache fatigue a red, flat rash that covers most of the areas of the body low blood pressure vomiting diarrhea muscle pain increased blood flow to mouth, eyes and vagina, making them appear red decreased urine output and sediment in urine decreased liver function bruising disorientation and confusion eventual sloughing of the skin especially the palms and soles one to two weeks after the onset of symptoms For streptococcal TSS: low blood pressure decreased kidney function bleeding problems bruising red, flat rash that covers large areas of the body decreased liver function decreased urine output and sediment in urine difficulty breathing eventual sloughing of the skin especially the palms and soles one to two weeks after the onset of symptoms Is there a specific test to diagnose TSS?

These symptoms will develop quickly and are severe. Other symptoms may include pain at the site of a wound, vomiting and diarrhea, signs of shock including low blood pressure and light-headedness, shortness of breath and sunburn-like rash. In general, TSS symptoms can develop as soon as 12 hours after a surgical procedure.

Symptoms usually develop in 3 to 5 days in women who are menstruating and using tampons. If you experience the above symptoms after using tampons or after a surgery or skin injury, contact your health care provider immediately. Toxic shock syndrome requires immediate emergency care in a hospital.

Call or go to the nearest emergency department right away if you think you have TSS. If you experience any of the symptoms of TSS while using a tampon, remove the tampon and see your health care provider right away.

Inform them that you were using a tampon when the symptoms started. TSS cannot be treated at home. Washing hands well and often can help prevent the bacteria that cause toxic shock syndrome from spreading. Between menstrual periods, store tampons away from heat and moisture, where bacteria can grow for example, in a bedroom rather than in a bathroom closet.

Clean and bandage all skin wounds as quickly as possible. Call your doctor if a wound gets red, swollen, or tender, or if a fever begins. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome come on suddenly. Call your doctor right away if you get a sudden high fever, feel faint, or have any other signs of TSS.

Reviewed by: Marcella A. Escoto, DO. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome? Toxic shock syndrome TSS. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome TSS and risks of tampon use Treatment for toxic shock syndrome Reducing the risk of toxic shock syndrome Where to get help Things to remember. Toxic shock syndrome TSS is a rare and potentially life-threatening illness that is thought to be caused by infection with certain types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Women who have their period are menstruating are most likely to get TSS, as it is thought to be associated with tampon use. The underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, but one theory is that the bacteria naturally present in the vagina can over-grow in the presence of a blood-soaked tampon. However, one third of women who get TSS when they have their period are found to have no causative bacteria in their vaginas. TSS can occasionally develop as a complication after surgery or childbirth.

A few cases of the syndrome have been reported in men who were also found to have staphylococcal infections of the skin. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome The symptoms of TSS include: fever vomiting diarrhoea a skin rash that looks like sunburn peeling patches of skin on the feet and hands muscular aches headaches a sore throat red eyes confusion a drop in blood pressure joint pains sensitivity to light kidney failure collapse.

TSS and risks of tampon use It is the toxin made by the bacteria that causes TSS, rather than the actual presence of the bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus is a common type of bacterium that lives on the skin and inside the nose. In most cases it is harmless, but it can cause a wide range of infections if it enters the bloodstream.