BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuToxic shock syndromeStaphylococcal toxic shock syndrome; Toxic shock-like syndrome; TSLSToxic shock syndrome is a serious disease that involves fever, shock, and problems with several body organs.ShockShock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Toxic shock syndrome is caused by a toxin produced by some types of staphylococcus bacteria. A similar problem, called toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS), can be caused by toxin from streptococcal bacteria. Very few staph or strep infections cause toxic shock syndrome.The earliest cases of toxic shock syndrome involved women who used tampons during their menstrual periods. However, today less than one half of cases are linked to tampon use. Toxic shock syndrome can also occur with skin infections, burns, and after surgery. The condition can also affect children, postmenopausal women, and men.Risk factors include:Recent childbirth Infection with Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus), commonly called a staph infection Foreign bodies or packings (such as those used to stop nosebleeds) inside the body Menstrual period Recent surgery Tampon use (with higher risk if you leave one in for a long time) Wound infection after surgery Symptoms Symptoms include:Confusion Diarrhea General ill feeling Headaches High fever, sometimes accompanied by chills Low blood pressure Muscle aches Nausea and vomiting Organ failure (most often kidneys and liver) KidneysAcute kidney failure is the rapid (less than 2 days) loss of your kidneys' ability to remove waste and help balance fluids and electrolytes in your b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Redness of eyes, mouth, throat Seizures Widespread red rash that looks like a sunburn -- skin peeling occurs 1 or 2 weeks after the rash, particularly on the palms of the hand or bottom of the feet Exams and Tests No single test can diagnose toxic shock syndrome.The health care provider will look for the following factors:Fever Low blood pressure Rash that peels after 1 to 2 weeks Problems with the function of at least 3 organs In some cases, blood cultures may be positive for growth of S aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Treatment Treatment includes:Removal of materials, such as tampons, vaginal sponges, or nasal packing Drainage of infection sites (such as a surgical wound) The goal of treatment is to maintain important body functions. This may include:Antibiotics for any infection (may be given through an IV) Dialysis (if severe kidney problems are present) Fluids through a vein (IV) Medicines to control blood pressure Intravenous gamma globulin in severe cases Staying in the hospital intensive care unit (ICU) for monitoring Outlook (Prognosis) Toxic shock syndrome may be deadly in up to 50% of cases. The condition may return in those who survive. Possible Complications Complications may include:Organ damage including kidney, heart, and liver failure HeartHeart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptom...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Shock Death When to Contact a Medical Professional Toxic shock syndrome is a medical emergency. Seek medical help right away if you develop a rash, fever, and feel ill, particularly during menstruation and tampon use or if you have had recent surgery. Prevention You can lower your risk for menstrual toxic shock syndrome by:Avoiding highly absorbent tampons Changing tampons frequently (at least every 8 hours) Only using tampons once in awhile during menstruation Open ReferencesReferencesEckert LO, Lentz GM. Genital tract infections: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.Kroshinsky D. Macular, papular, purpuric, vesiculobullous, and pustular diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 410.Que Y-A, Moreillon P. Staphylococcus aureus (including staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 194.Rapose A. Toxic shock syndrome. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2022. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier 2022:680-682.AllVideoImagesTogNormal uterine anatomy (cut section) - illustration The uterus is a muscular organ with thick walls, two upper openings to the fallopian tubes and an inferior opening to the vagina.Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)illustrationBacteria - illustration Bacterial infections can lead to the formation of pus, or to the spread of the bacteria in the blood.BacteriaillustrationIntensive care unit (ICU) - illustration An intensive care unit (ICU) is a section of a hospital or health care facility that provides care for patients with life-threatening health problems. These patients need constant monitoring and treatment, which may include support for vital functions. Common types of equipment used in the ICU include cardiac monitoring, mechanical ventilation, feeding tubes, intravenous lines, drains, and catheters. The ICU may also be called an intensive therapy unit or critical care unit.Intensive care unit (ICU)illustrationNormal uterine anatomy (cut section) - illustration The uterus is a muscular organ with thick walls, two upper openings to the fallopian tubes and an inferior opening to the vagina.Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)illustrationBacteria - illustration Bacterial infections can lead to the formation of pus, or to the spread of the bacteria in the blood.BacteriaillustrationIntensive care unit (ICU) - illustration An intensive care unit (ICU) is a section of a hospital or health care facility that provides care for patients with life-threatening health problems. These patients need constant monitoring and treatment, which may include support for vital functions. Common types of equipment used in the ICU include cardiac monitoring, mechanical ventilation, feeding tubes, intravenous lines, drains, and catheters. The ICU may also be called an intensive therapy unit or critical care unit.Intensive care unit (ICU)illustrationRelated Information Acute kidney failure(Condition)Heart failure(Condition)Shock(Injury)Heart failure - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 4/9/2022 Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. 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Toxic shock syndromeStaphylococcal toxic shock syndrome; Toxic shock-like syndrome; TSLSToxic shock syndrome is a serious disease that involves fever, shock, and problems with several body organs.ShockShock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Toxic shock syndrome is caused by a toxin produced by some types of staphylococcus bacteria. A similar problem, called toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS), can be caused by toxin from streptococcal bacteria. Very few staph or strep infections cause toxic shock syndrome.The earliest cases of toxic shock syndrome involved women who used tampons during their menstrual periods. However, today less than one half of cases are linked to tampon use. Toxic shock syndrome can also occur with skin infections, burns, and after surgery. The condition can also affect children, postmenopausal women, and men.Risk factors include:Recent childbirth Infection with Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus), commonly called a staph infection Foreign bodies or packings (such as those used to stop nosebleeds) inside the body Menstrual period Recent surgery Tampon use (with higher risk if you leave one in for a long time) Wound infection after surgery Symptoms Symptoms include:Confusion Diarrhea General ill feeling Headaches High fever, sometimes accompanied by chills Low blood pressure Muscle aches Nausea and vomiting Organ failure (most often kidneys and liver) KidneysAcute kidney failure is the rapid (less than 2 days) loss of your kidneys' ability to remove waste and help balance fluids and electrolytes in your b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Redness of eyes, mouth, throat Seizures Widespread red rash that looks like a sunburn -- skin peeling occurs 1 or 2 weeks after the rash, particularly on the palms of the hand or bottom of the feet Exams and Tests No single test can diagnose toxic shock syndrome.The health care provider will look for the following factors:Fever Low blood pressure Rash that peels after 1 to 2 weeks Problems with the function of at least 3 organs In some cases, blood cultures may be positive for growth of S aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Treatment Treatment includes:Removal of materials, such as tampons, vaginal sponges, or nasal packing Drainage of infection sites (such as a surgical wound) The goal of treatment is to maintain important body functions. This may include:Antibiotics for any infection (may be given through an IV) Dialysis (if severe kidney problems are present) Fluids through a vein (IV) Medicines to control blood pressure Intravenous gamma globulin in severe cases Staying in the hospital intensive care unit (ICU) for monitoring Outlook (Prognosis) Toxic shock syndrome may be deadly in up to 50% of cases. The condition may return in those who survive. Possible Complications Complications may include:Organ damage including kidney, heart, and liver failure HeartHeart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptom...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Shock Death When to Contact a Medical Professional Toxic shock syndrome is a medical emergency. Seek medical help right away if you develop a rash, fever, and feel ill, particularly during menstruation and tampon use or if you have had recent surgery. Prevention You can lower your risk for menstrual toxic shock syndrome by:Avoiding highly absorbent tampons Changing tampons frequently (at least every 8 hours) Only using tampons once in awhile during menstruation Open ReferencesReferencesEckert LO, Lentz GM. Genital tract infections: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.Kroshinsky D. Macular, papular, purpuric, vesiculobullous, and pustular diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 410.Que Y-A, Moreillon P. Staphylococcus aureus (including staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 194.Rapose A. Toxic shock syndrome. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2022. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier 2022:680-682.