Toxic Shock Syndrome: The Ugly Side of Tampons

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare yet potentially fatal condition and we know very little about it. Here we shed some light on this illness and give some tips on prevention.

What is TSS?

TSS is an infection that is caused by exposures to toxins from two types of bacteria Staph and strep. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, is linked to tampons and certain types of birth control as they provide the warm moist conditions for these microbes to thrive. A streptococcus infection in the body due to a badly treated cut or bruise can also cause toxic shock syndrome.

Photo courtesy mag3737

Who does it affect?

Due to its links to tampons and birth control, many believe that it only affects young women, but it also affects others whose cuts, skin injuries and surgeries were not well healed and became infected.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms alone don’t automatically mean you are suffering from TSS but keep an eye out for them.

1. Sudden high fever - at least 102 Fahrenheit [38.8° Celsius].

2. Unexpected drop in blood pressure.

3. Vomiting or diarrhoea.

4. Headaches and seizures.

5. Rash that looks like sunburn, especially on your palms and soles followed by peeling of the hands and feet.

6. Redness of eyes, mouth and throat.

7. Muscle aches and weak and rapid pulse.

8. Pale, cool and moist skin.

9. Confusion and disorientation.

10. The area around a wound may be swollen, red and have areas of severely damaged or dying flesh.

How can it be prevented?

1. Minimise the use of tampons especially if you have had an infection as TSS can recur.

2. If you do use tampons, change them frequently and use in conjunction with sanitary napkins which you should change at least 2-3 times a day if not more.

3. Since this bacterium can be transferred easily, wash your hands at regular intervals especially before and after inserting a tampon.

4. If you sense that you have been at risk and see these symptoms developing, contact your doctor immediately.

5. Clean and bandage all skin wounds as soon as possible.

6. Check with a doctor if you have had soar throat with a high fever and they are not going away regardless of the symptoms.

How is TSS diagnosed and treated?

Since there is no single test to diagnose TSS, the diagnosis would be based on a combination of the above symptoms and when three or more organs are under attack from the syndrome. This can be seen by a series of blood and urine tests.

The main course of treatment is to get rid of the infection through IV antibiotics and fluids to sustain the organs that are under attack from the infection.

In most situations, young people are able to overcome this disease with the right course of treatment, but it must be diagnosed early. If treated right, it will clear up in a week or so.