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Women's Health
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a form of blood poisoning. It rarely occurs, but it can be fatal.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms come on fast and are often severe.
• High sudden fever. Sore throat.
• Flat, red, sunburn-like rash on the trunk of the body that spreads. The skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet peels. Redness of the lips, eyes, and tongue may also occur.
• Muscle aches. Extreme fatigue and weakness.
• Abdominal pain. Diarrhea. Vomiting.
• Rapid pulse.
• Dizziness. Confusion. Fainting.
Causes
Toxic shock syndrome is caused when certain bacteria release toxins in the blood. It can result from wounds or an infection in the throat, lungs, skin, or bone. Most often, though, it affects women who use super absorbent tampons. These trap and allow bacteria to grow and spread. Though not common, TSS can also occur after surgery, including a C-section.
Treatment
Toxic shock syndrome requires emergency medical care.
Questions to Ask
Question
01
Are signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome present?
Get medical care without delay. If symptoms are life threatening go to the ER or call 9-1-1. Don’t call 9-1-1 or use the ER if symptoms do not threaten life. Ask your doctor ahead of time where you should go for a problem that needs prompt care, but not emergency care.
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Question
02
Are any of these signs and symptoms present?
• Vomiting, then abdominal pain, and profuse, watery diarrhea.
• Muscle aches, headaches, sore throat, and “pinkeye” with a discharge that is clear.
• High fever without a skin rash, but with any other symptom listed in this question.
You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.
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Question
03
Does a wound have increased redness, swelling, and/or pain? Does puss or other fluid drain from the wound?
You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.
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Self-Care / Prevention
• Practice good hygiene.
• Keep wounds clean. See your doctor for signs of an infection (increased redness, swelling, and/or pain, pus, and/or fever).
• Don’t use tampons if you’ve had TSS in the past.
• Change tampons and sanitary pads every 4 to 6 hours or more often. When you can, use sanitary napkins instead of tampons. Alternate tampons with sanitary pads or mini-pads during a menstrual period. Lubricate the tampon applicator with a water-soluble (nongreasy) lubricant, like K-Y Jelly®, before insertion.
Resources
National Women’s Health Information Center
Download an offline pdf file.
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