Library of Frequently Asked Questions
Toxic shock syndrome
Toxic Shock Syndrome, or T-S-S, is a disease caused by a staphylococcal (staff-il-o-COCK-ul) infection somewhere in the body that releases a toxin into the bloodstream. Toxic Shock Syndrome was widely publicized in the early nineteen eighties because of an epidemic caused by using super-absorbent tampons. It may also occur with infected wounds, surgery, or other staphylococcal infections, but these are less common.
Women who use tampons exclusively during menstruation are considered to be at highest risk because the tampons provide a breeding ground for bacteria. In addition, small scratches on vaginal walls from tampon fibers may provide an avenue for the bacteria to enter the blood stream. Symptoms of toxic shock include the sudden onset of high fever, severe vomiting and diarrhea, aching muscles, and a rash that resembles a sunburn.
The syndrome may progress rapidly, with skin peeling in layers from the palms and the soles of the feet. Women can help protect themselves from toxic shock syndrome by avoiding use of super-absorbent tampons, by changing tampons frequently, and by rotating tampon use with napkins.
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