Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare infectious disease but potentially fatal caused by certain strains of bacteria and the release of harmful toxins in the blood. This can lead to serious failure of vital organs, such as the liver, lungs or heart. Toxic shock syndrome was first identified in 1978. In the early 80s, first cases of toxic shock syndrome have been reported in women using super absorbent tampons during their rules. Since then, we now know that toxic shock syndrome can affect anyone.
Causes of Toxic Shock Syndrome
It's here release of toxins produced by bacteria in staphylococcus aureus (staphylococcus aureus) and group A streptococcus (streptococcus) which are likely to cause the toxic shock syndrome. Under certain conditions, several strains of bacteria can begin to grow rapidly and produce toxins. Infection usually occurs when these bacteria enter your body through a cut or wound. These bacteria being present in the vaginal microbiota, improper use of a internal periodic protection (tampons or menstrual cup) can increase the chances of developing a toxic shock syndrome. Tampons, for example, can cause tiny cuts inside the vagina through which bacteria can enter the blood.
Risk Factors for Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome occurs in people of all ages and can touch anybody. About half of TSS cases associated with staph bacteria occur in women of childbearing age, the remainder occur in men, children and postmenopausal women. Risk factors include:
- Skin sores, cuts or burns on the skin
- surgery recent
- intravaginal devices such as the use of contraceptive sponges, diaphragms, super absorbent tampons or menstrual cups
- A viral infection like the flu or chicken pox
Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome
The onset of symptoms is usually sudden. The symptoms of toxic shock syndrome may vary depending on the type of bacteria producing the toxins. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome typically include: high fever, headache, sore throat (pharyngitis), inflammation of the whites of the eyes (conjunctivitis), muscle aches and pains (myalgia), and/or some digestive disturbances, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
The achievement of central nervous system is also common and may be characterized by listlessness, dizziness, confusion, and/or disorientation. A skin rash sunburn-like feature usually develops within a few hours of onset. In severe cases, the arterial pressure may drop dangerously (hypotension), with insufficient blood supply to body tissues.
How to Prevent Toxic Shock Syndrome
A recent study conducted by INSERM and CNRS researchers identified certain risk factors leading to toxic shock. The researchers suggest several simple measures to put in place for better use tampons and cups during menstruation. These recommendations complement those already issued a few years earlier by Public Health France. These precautions aim in particular to reduce the risks associated with the use of sanitary protection to prevent the onset of toxic shock.
- Change your tampons at least every four to eight hours
- Use external sanitary protection during your period like our period panties
- Wear tampons less absorbent or sanitary napkins
- wash your hands frequently to eliminate bacteria, especially before inserting or removing a tampon or a menstrual cup
- Clean your wounds and change your bandages often
Is there a risk of toxic shock associated with wearing Period Panties?
In contrary tampons or menstrual cup, period panties is a external hygienic protection since it is worn outside the vagina. Period panties effectively absorb period blood without risk to your health. Moreover, they are washable, durable, economical and do not contain no chemicals. A way healthy and natural to live its rules in all serenity.
