Toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare complication of certain types of bacterial infections. It can be fatal. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, also called staph bacteria, often cause toxic shock syndrome. But toxins produced by group A streptococcus bacteria, also called strep bacteria, also can cause the condition.

Toxic shock syndrome can affect anyone. Risk factors for toxic shock syndrome include skin wounds, surgery, and the use of tampons and other devices, such as menstrual cups and birth control sponges or diaphragms.

Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are sudden. They may include:

• High fever.
• Low blood pressure.
• Vomiting or diarrhea.
• Rash that looks like a sunburn, most often on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
• Confusion.
• Muscle aches.
• Redness of the eyes, mouth and throat.
• Seizures.
• Headaches.

Call your healthcare professional right away if you have symptoms of toxic shock syndrome. This is most important if you use tampons or if you have a skin or wound infection.

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, also called staph bacteria, most often cause toxic shock syndrome. Group A streptococcus bacteria, also called strep bacteria, also can cause it.

Toxic shock syndrome can affect anyone. About half the cases of toxic shock syndrome linked to staph bacteria happen to people who menstruate. Strep toxic shock syndrome happens to people of all ages.

Toxic shock syndrome has been linked to:

• Having cuts or burns on the skin.
• Having had recent surgery.
• Using birth control sponges, diaphragms, extra-strength tampons or menstrual cups and leaving them in for a long time.
• Having a viral infection, such as the flu or chickenpox.

Toxic shock syndrome can progress rapidly. Complications may include:

• Shock.
• Kidney, failure, also called renal failure.
• Damage to other organs, such as hearts and livers.
• Death.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviews tampons for safety and how well they work. They're also tested to see if they help harmful bacteria, which can cause toxic shock syndrome, grow.

If you use tampons, read the labels. Use tampons with the lowest absorbency, which means they hold less fluid. If you can wear a tampon without changing it for eight hours, you might need a lower absorbency.

Change tampons often, at least every 4 to 8 hours. Switch between tampons and sanitary napkins. Use mini pads or panty liners when your flow is light.

People who've had toxic shock syndrome can get it again. If you've had toxic shock syndrome or other serious staph or strep infections, don't use tampons.