Toxic shock syndrome is condition that is caused by rare but serious bacterial infections. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus has been linked to the use of tampons, while the bacteria group A streptococcus has been associated with a variety of contagious medical illnesses such as chicken pox and strep throat. People with toxic shock syndrome may experience a high fever, fainting, watery diarrhea, persistent headaches and/or unrelenting muscle aches.
Tampons
Women who wear tampons are at risk of developing toxic shock syndrome, according to MayoClinic.com. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus has been linked to the use of tampons, according to the KidsHealth.org. It is unknown exactly how tampons contribute to toxic shock syndrome, but some believe that it occurs when women wear super-absorbent tampons too long, creating a moist and warm environment that allows harmful bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream, or when super-absorbent tampon fibers scratch the surface of the vagina.
Chickenpox
In severe cases, a chickenpox complication can cause toxic shock syndrome. Chickenpox is a contagious condition that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, a member of the herpes virus family that is spread through direct contact, droplets or the air. People with chickenpox usually exhibit itchy, red blisters on their skin. Toxic shock syndrome occurs when the skin gets infected with group A streptococcus, the bacteria responsible for chickenpox, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Group A streptococcus is usually quite mild, but if it enters the muscles, fat or bloodstream, it can be fatal. People with chickenpox who develop toxic shock syndrome may experience a persistently high fever, redness, pain and/or swelling within the layers of the skin.
Strep Throat
Strep throat can contribute to the development of toxic shock syndrome when the bacteria group A streptococcus enters the throat through the nose, mouth or skin lesions. The group A streptococcus is commonly found on the skin and in the throat. This type of bacteria infection usually clears up on its own, but it can develop into toxic shock syndrome if the infection spreads throughout the body, triggering a drastic drop in blood pressure, shock and/or injury to the kidneys, liver or lungs.
