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Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection that has been most often associated with the use of superabsorbent tampons and occasionally with the use of contraceptive sponges.

In 1980, an outbreak of toxic shock syndrome occurred that mostly involved young women who had been using a particular brand of superabsorbent tampons. The cause of the outbreak seemed to be toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria.

While the infection often occurs in menstruating women, it can also affect men, children and postmenopausal women. Other risk factors for toxic shock syndrome include skin wounds and surgery.

Signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome develop suddenly, and the disease can be fatal. You can reduce your chances of getting toxic shock syndrome by changing your tampon frequently.

The signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome may include:

• A sudden high fever.
• Vomiting or diarrhea.
• A rash resembling a sunburn, particularly on your palms and soles. After a week or so, the skin on your hands and feet generally begins to peel.
• Confusion.
• Muscle aches.
• Redness of your eyes, mouth and throat.
• Seizures.
• Headaches.

Staph bacteria often are present in and on your body and typically cause no problems. Researchers don't know exactly how tampons may cause toxic shock syndrome. Some believe that when superabsorbent tampons are left in place for a long time, the tampons become a breeding ground for bacteria. Others have suggested that the superabsorbent fibers in the tampons can scratch the surface of the vagina, making it possible for bacteria or their toxins to enter the bloodstream.

The brand of tampons associated with the original toxic shock syndrome epidemic in the 1980s was voluntarily taken off the market by the manufacturer. After that, the number of cases of toxic shock syndrome declined dramatically.

It's not just young, menstruating women who can develop toxic shock syndrome. Older women, men and children also can become infected. Toxic shock syndrome has occurred in women who had been wearing a diaphragm or a contraceptive sponge. It's possible for anyone to develop toxic shock syndrome in the course of a staph infection. The syndrome may occur because of skin wounds or surgery.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience the signs or symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, especially if you're menstruating or have just finished menstruating and have been using tampons. Tell your doctor what your symptoms are, how long you've had them and when your period started.

You may need to provide blood and urine samples to test for the presence of a staph infection. Samples from your vagina, cervix and throat may be taken for laboratory analysis by using cotton swabs.

If you develop toxic shock syndrome, you'll likely be hospitalized and need antibiotics. Doctors will try to determine the source of the infection. Along with antibiotics, you'll receive supportive care to treat the signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome. If your blood pressure begins to drop (hypotension), you'll need medication to stabilize it and fluids to prevent dehydration. The toxins produced by the staph bacteria may result in kidney failure. If your kidneys fail, you may need dialysis.

You can reduce your chances of getting toxic shock syndrome by changing your tampon frequently, at least every four to eight hours. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can and try to alternate using tampons and sanitary napkins whenever possible.

Toxic shock syndrome can recur. People who've had it once can get it again. If you've had toxic shock syndrome or a prior staph infection, don't use tampons at all.