Toxic Shock Syndrome is a very serious condition experienced by individuals. Many people have died because of Toxic Shock Syndrome in the past. This article is being written in hopes of raising awareness about Toxic Shock Syndrome and to education people everywhere. The good news about Toxic Shock Syndrome is that it is preventable and is not very common. The bad news is that any woman who uses tampons and birth control methods such as the diaphragm and the sponge puts herself at risk. There have also been cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome that has occurred immediately following a surgical procedure. In even less known cases, Toxic Shock Syndrome has also resulted from an infected injury site. Many people do not realize that Toxic Shock Syndrome can result from more than simple tampon use.
It is very important for people to understand that Toxic Shock Syndrome can affect anyone. This condition is no longer associated with women only. There are documented medical cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome affecting men and children of both genders as well. If you are reading this article, it is vital that you pass this information on to everyone that you know. No one should be left not knowing the information contained in this article. Please, share this information with your friends, family, and coworkers before it is too late.
The first thing that we will discuss is the tampon use that is normally associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome. It is important for women to understand that they should only use a tampon if it is necessary. If it is necessary for a woman to use a tampon, she should stay away from the ones that are marked “super”. It is also suggested that if tampons are going to be used that they are changed every two to four hours. While this may pose an inconvenience, it reduces your chances of developing Toxic Shock Syndrome. If you use tampons that have not been bleached as far as the cotton is concerned, you stand a high risk of developing Toxic Shock Syndrome.
When using birth control methods, such as a diaphragm or a sponge, you should use them as directed by your doctor. Improper use of these methods of birth control can increase your risk for developing Toxic Shock Syndrome. Do not leave the devices in your body for longer than described in your medical instructions that came with the product. You should ensure that these items are cleaned appropriately.
If you have any type of open wound on your skin, you should take the proper steps to keep the area clean. If you are unsure of the types of treatments that you can perform with the type of open wound that you have, you should contact a physician or a pharmacist. The open wound may be as simple as a scrape, or as serious as a surgical incision, but it is still advised that the injury or wound be cared for to avoid the possibility of developing Toxic Shock Syndrome. Many physicians will suggest cleaning skin wounds and surgical incisions with peroxide, and/or alcohol. Once the area is clean, you may administer polysporin or Neosporin to the area to help the healing process and prevent possible infection.
It should be noted that Toxic Shock Syndrome has been associated with internal illnesses and infections. Infections of any type can result in further infection and can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome. If you are ill, you should immediately consult a physician for treatment and follow the treatments as prescribed.
If you have a wound on the skin and notice that the wound is changing, your doctor should be notified immediately. Changes that are cause for concern include the area becoming inflamed, red, and if you see pus developing in the wound. If you are feeling well, have an open wound, and develop a fever, you should also consult your doctor. This could be a sign that your body is fighting an infection, even if you feel fine.
I would like to make a special note regarding fevers. Fevers are not always a bad thing. If you have a fever that means that your body is fighting an infection. There are cases where a person is ill, or their body has an infection, and they do not develop a fever. In fact, the overall temperature of a person may lower. If this is the case, this means that the body of the infected person is not fighting the unknown agents in the body. This is often very common in people who have autoimmune diseases, or are developing one. If you find this to be the case, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Many signs and symptoms are associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome. The following signs and symptoms are very general. Anytime that you experience any sort of symptoms that are not common for you, you should seek medical advice. Please refer to the following list for some signs that you may be experiencing Toxic Shock Syndrome:
-Vomiting is very common
-A fever that exceeds that of 102 degrees is a good indication of Toxic Shock Syndrome
-A headache often accompanies other symptoms
-A rash that resembles that as if the person has been in the sun for too long
-If the person experiences dizziness or faints, it could indicate that they have experienced a drop in their blood pressure
-Persistent and often violent diarrhea
-overall weakness that occurs throughout the whole body
-the person may experience confusion and lethargy
-lack of the need to urinate
-the person’s breathing may change
-clammy skin
-visible signs other than those listed above, such as blood vessel breakage along the skin and redness or turning pale
If you exhibit any of the above symptoms, seek medical advice immediately. If you are unable to transport yourself and find yourself alone, do not wait on someone to arrive, call 911 as soon as possible.
There are some simple hygiene steps that you can take to avoid developing Toxic Shock Syndrome. I have mentioned some in this article, but I will outline those and a few others once more:
1) Be sure to wash your hands on a consistent basis. Especially when you are dealing with food, cuts, surgical incisions, and the changing of feminine products.
2) Clean all wounds as soon as you receive them and cover them with sterile bandages to ensure that you keep all foreign agents away.
3) After going through surgery, follow your doctor’s orders regarding the proper cleaning of the area.
4) If you fall ill, ensure that you visit your doctor for treatment. If he or she prescribes medication, take it as directed.
5) Try to avoid using tampons, specifically ones that are marked “super”.
6) If you decide to use tampons, do not store them in warm areas.
