Toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by an infection. It can happen when using a tampon or menstrual cup, or from an infected wound. Symptoms develop quickly and you need urgent treatment.

Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) can come on quickly.

Symptoms include:

• a high temperature
• muscle aches
• a raised skin rash that feels like sandpaper
• flu-like symptoms

Call 112 or go to A&E if:

A baby or young child has any of these symptoms:

• blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
• difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), breathlessness or breathing very fast
• a weak, high-pitched cry that's not like their normal cry
• not responding like they normally do, or not interested in feeding or normal activities
• being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake

They may not have all these symptoms.

Call 112 or go to A&E if:

An adult or older child has any of these symptoms:

• acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense
• blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
• difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast
• large areas of peeling skin

They may not have all these symptoms.

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

What causes toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare infection.

It's possible to get TSS:

• from using tampons or menstrual cups
• from a contraceptive diaphragm or cap
• after a vaginal birth or caesarean section
• from a cut, wound, boil or burn that has become infected

Your chances of getting TSS are higher if you've had it before.

Treatments for toxic shock syndrome

You'll need urgent hospital treatment for toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

Treatment can include:

• antibiotics to treat the infection
• fluids to rehydrate you, usually through a drip in your arm
• medicine to help control your blood pressure
• oxygen
• surgery to remove infection from cuts or wounds

How to prevent toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare, but there are things you can do to reduce your chance of catching or spreading a bacterial infection.

Do

• wash your hands and follow the instructions when using tampons, menstrual cups, contraceptive caps and diaphragms, and do not leave them in longer than needed or recommended

• keep cuts and burns clean, and look out for signs of infection, such as a rash, swelling or pain

If you've had TSS before, your doctor may advise you not to use tampons, contraceptive caps or diaphragms.