Signs, Symptoms, and Prevention

Flat Rash of Toxic Shock Syndrome

Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome can range from mild to severe. Typically, personages with TSS will experience mild symptoms for a few days before they fully develop the disease (EMedicine). However, onset can be sudden and serious. The following indications can occur in men, women, and children. The likely-hood that it is TSS increases if you have recently given birth, had surgery, or have an open wound. Oftentimes, a sharp drop in blood pressure will deprive the organs of oxygen and can affect any organs system in the body such as skin, lungs, liver, kidneys, blood and pancreas.

Those who are suffering from TSS always have a fever, rash, and symptoms in at least 3 other organs systems (emedicine).

According to Mayo Clinic, other possible signs and symptoms include:

• -          A sudden high fever
• -          Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• -          Vomiting or diarrhea
• -          A rash resembling a sunburn, particularly on your palms and soles. This is a flat, not bumpy rash. Bumpy rash could indicate Scarlet Fever.
• -          Confusion
• -          Muscle aches
• -          Redness of your eyes, mouth, and throat
• -          Seizures



Bumpy Scarlet Fever Rash

• -          Headaches

If you have any of these signs and symptoms, call your doctor immediately. If you have a tampon, cervical cap, sponge, or diaphragm then remove immediately.

References:

EMedicine. (n.d.). Toxic Shock Signs and Symptoms. EMedicineHealth: experts for everyday emergencies. Retrieved 25, Oct. 2015 from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/toxic_shock_syndrome/page3_em.htm

Mayo Clinic Staff. (8, May. 2015). Symptoms. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 25, Oct. 2015 from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toxic-shock-syndrome/basics/symptoms/con-20021326

Prevention

Using tampons increases your risk of toxic shock syndrome. When purchasing tampons, use the lowest absorbency products available. Also, do not leave tampons in for more than 4 hours. If your flow is light, opt for sanitary napkins instead. Luckily, manufacturers of tampons that were associated with toxic shock syndrome have pulled their toxic products from the market which decreases your risk. Because your chances of getting TSS increase if you have had staph or strep one time, tampons should be avoided altogether. Fortunately, there are also alternatives to the traditional sanitary products that you may or may not have heard of. In the next posting we will discuss the feminine hygiene product called menstrual cups.

References:

Mayo Clinic Staff. (8, May. 2015). Prevention. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 25, Oct. 2015 from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toxic-shock-syndrome/basics/prevention/con-20021326

WebMD. (2015). Understanding Toxic Shock Syndrome—Prevention. Web MD; Women’s Health. Retrieved 10, Oct. 2015 from http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/understanding-toxic-shock-syndrome-treatment