Definition

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a group of symptoms throughout the body. This illness can progress rapidly. It can lead to a failure of multiple body systems. Toxic shock syndrome can be fatal.

There are two types of TSS:

• Menstrual type —associated with menstruation and tampon use
• Non-menstrual type—can occur in men, women, and children

Causes

TSS is caused by toxins released from specific bacteria.

Bacteria infects the body through cuts or sores. The bacteria can create toxins as it grows. These toxins are harmful to many of your body’s systems. The damage to your body is what causes the range of symptoms.

TSS was originally associated with tampon use. It was common in women who used a particular type of highly absorbent tampons. As a result, these tampons were removed from the market. The number of TSS infections due to tampons has since significantly decreased.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your risk of TSS include:

• Tampon use
• Birth control devices placed in the vagina
• Chickenpox
• Skin lesions such as burns
• Wound packing—done after certain surgeries or procedures such as sinus or nasal surgery
• Surgical wounds
• Recent childbirth
• Alcohol abuse
• HIV infection

Symptoms

A person with TSS often appears very ill. Symptoms usually come on suddenly. Fever, chills, and body aches may start up to 4 days before other symptoms develop such as:

• Fever of 102ºF (39ºC) or greater
• Sunburn-like rash
• Lightheadedness
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Sore throat
• Red eyes
• Headache
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Sleepiness
• Joint or muscle pain
• Vaginal discharge that may be watery or bloody
• Swelling in the face and eyelids
• Skin peeling off, especially palms of hands and soles of feet

Symptoms of severe TSS include:

• Fainting, severe lightheadedness
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Fluid retention

The infection can lead to severe complications such as:

• Kidney failure—little or no urine production
• Gangrene
• Pancreatitis
• Heart problems
• Liver failure
• Low platelet count

Diagnosis

A physical and pelvic exam will be done. The diagnosis is most often based on fever, rash, low blood pressure, and problems affecting multiple body systems.

Your bodily fluids and tissues may be tested. This can be done with:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Biopsy

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to support life and reverse the process of organ decline. You may need to be monitored in the intensive care unit.

Treatment includes:

Prevention

You can decrease your risk of menstrual-associated TSS with the following steps:

• Do not use tampons continuously when menstruating.
• Alternate using a tampon with a sanitary pad.
• Switch to sanitary pads at night.
• Do not use super absorbency tampons.
• Change tampons frequently during the day.
• Store tampons in a clean, dry place.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you put in or take out a tampon.
• Use a lower absorbency tampon if you find the tampon is irritating or hard to pull out.
• Use tampons only during menstruation.
• Seek medical care for infected wounds.
• If you have had TSS, do not use tampons or place birth control devices in your vagina.

Most other forms of the disease are not currently preventable.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov

Women’s Health Matters http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca

Tampons and asbestos, dioxin and toxic shock syndrome. United States Food and Drug Administration website. Available at:
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/PatientAlerts/ucm070003.htm
Updated March 20, 2013. Accessed January 22, 2015.

Toxic shock syndrome. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/toxic_shock.html
Updated June 2014. Accessed January 22, 2015.

Tyner HL, Schlievert PM, Baddour LM. Beta-hemolytic streptococcal erythroderma syndrome: a clinical and pathogenic analysis. Am J Med Sci. 2011 Aug 11.