Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious illness caused by certain types of bacteria (germs). The germs make chemicals called toxins (poisons) that cause the immune system to overreact and make the whole body sick. Toxic shock syndrome is more likely to happen in people who:
- Have had surgery, a skin wound, or an infection
- Have recently given birth vaginally
- Use tampons or menstrual cups
- Use a diaphragm, IUD (intrauterine device), or contraceptive sponge for birth control
Your child was treated in the hospital and is now ready to go home. Many of their serious symptoms have gotten better, but some symptoms that affect the skin, hair, and nails take a few weeks to show up.
Follow your health care provider's instructions for:
- Giving your child any medicines as prescribed
- Any specific treatments for hair, skin, or nail changes
- When your child can return to all activities, including school and sports
- When to follow up
General Care
- Let your child rest as needed. They may feel tired for a while until fully better, which can take several weeks.
- To lower the risk of getting toxic shock syndrome again, your child should:
- Avoid using tampons or a menstrual cup for periods and use pads instead.
- Avoid IUDs, diaphragms, and contraceptive sponges.
- Clean cuts, scrapes, and other wounds well to prevent infections.
- If your child has peeling skin:
- Remind them not to pick or scratch. You can use small scissors to gently trim any peeling skin that is hanging and getting caught on clothing.
- Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer or petroleum jelly as often as needed.
- Have your child take oatmeal baths to soothe dry, peeling areas. Use warm (not hot) water.
- Be sure to tell all your child's health care providers, including dentists, that your child had toxic shock syndrome, so they can keep this in mind when caring for your child.
Your child seems very sick, has a seizure, or passes out.
What causes toxic shock syndrome? Two types of germs that cause toxic shock syndrome are called staph and strep. Some people are very sensitive to the toxins these germs release into the body during an infection. A person with toxic shock syndrome may get:
- Sudden high fever and chills
- Vomiting or watery diarrhea
- Dizziness or a lightheaded feeling
- Low blood pressure
- Red skin rash all over the body that looks like sunburn
Many systems in the body can be affected, including blood vessels, blood cells, skin, muscles, kidneys, liver, digestive system, and nervous system.
What are late symptoms of toxic shock syndrome? Symptoms that usually don't start until later in the illness include:
- Skin peeling, 1 to 3 weeks after the illness starts.
- Loss of hair and nails, 1 or 2 months after the illness starts. (They usually grow back within 6 months.)
