Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, often life-threatening illness that develops suddenly after a bacterial infection. It quickly can harm several different organs, including the lungs, kidneys and liver. Since toxic shock syndrome gets worse quickly, it requires medical treatment right away.
The most familiar cases of TSS are related to tampons kept in too long, but TSS may also be a rare complication of chickenpox, influenza and other respiratory infections, and of wounds or injuries to the skin.
What causes toxic shock syndrome?
An infection caused by strep or staph bacteria can lead to TSS:
- TSS caused by strep most often occurs after childbirth, the flu (influenza), chickenpox, surgery, minor skin cuts or wounds, or injuries that cause bruising but may not break the skin.
- TSS caused by staph can occur after a tampon is kept in too long (menstrual TSS), or after surgery, childbirth or skin wounds (nonmenstrual TSS).
What are the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome?
Symptoms of TSS get worse quickly and can be deadly within days. Symptoms include:
- Sudden fever.
- Signs of shock, including low blood pressure and rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, fainting or feeling lightheaded, restlessness or confusion.
- A rash that looks like a sunburn. The rash can be on several areas of your body or just in certain places, such as the armpits or the groin.
- Severe pain in an infected wound or injury.
Other TSS symptoms may include:
- Severe flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches, stomach cramps, headache or a sore throat.
- Redness inside the nose and mouth.
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis).
- Scaling, peeling skin, especially on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Having sudden, severe symptoms is one of the most important clues that you may have toxic shock syndrome. If you think you have TSS, get medical care right away.
Doctors usually diagnose TSS based on your symptoms. Tests can help show whether staph or strep bacteria are causing the infection. These can include:
- Blood tests
- Tests on bodily fluid or tissues
- A chest X-ray to look for signs of damage to the lungs
- Tests to rule out other infections, such as sepsis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, leptospirosis and typhoid fever
How is toxic shock syndrome treated?
Treatment for TSS almost always takes place in a hospital. Treatment includes:
- Removing the source of the infection or cleaning the wound.
- Treating complications, such as shock or liver, kidney and lung failure.
- Using antibiotics and other medicines to fight the infection.
Sometimes surgery is needed if TSS developed after surgery or if the infection is destroying the skin and soft tissue (necrotizing fasciitis).
How can you prevent toxic shock syndrome?
You can take steps to prevent toxic shock syndrome (TSS), including:
- Keep all skin wounds clean to help prevent infection. This includes cuts, punctures, scrapes, burns, sores from shingles, insect or animal bites, and surgical wounds.
- Help keep children from scratching chickenpox sores by managing itching.
- After childbirth, talk to your doctor before you use tampons or some barrier forms of birth control.
- Follow the directions on package inserts for tampons, diaphragms and contraceptive sponges.
- If you have had menstrual TSS, do not use tampons or barrier contraceptives.
If you suspect that you might be suffering from TSS, seek care immediately.
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
