About Us | Privacy | Site Map
Font Size
A
A
A


Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic Shock Syndrome Overview

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, life-threatening illness that is caused by toxins (poisons) that circulate in the bloodstream. Bacteria that have infected some part of the body release these toxins. People with toxic shock syndrome develop high fever, rash, low blood pressure, and failure of multiple organ systems in the body.

Toxic shock syndrome was first found in children in 1978. However, toxic shock syndrome did not become familiar until an epidemic in 1981, linked to women using tampons.



Next: Toxic Shock Syndrome Causes »

Share | | | | | More

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Are You Depressed? Take the Quiz

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Skin Rashes in Children Introduction

A rash is a reaction of the skin. It can be caused by many things, such as a drug reaction, an infection, or an allergic reaction. Many different agents can cause similar rashes because the skin has a limited number of possible responses. Very often the associated symptoms in addition to the rash help make the diagnosis, such as a history of tick bites, exposure to other ill children or adults, recent antibiotic use, environmental exposures, or prior immunizations.

Most rashes caused by viruses do not harm your child and go away over time without any treatment. However, some childhood rashes have serious or even life-threatening causes. As a parent, you should be familiar with these rashes. Many rashes can look the same, making it difficult to know the exact diagnosis. Whenever you have a concern, see your doctor immediately.

Bacterial and Viral Rashes

Many childhood diseases...

Read the Skin Rashes in Children article »



Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Toxic Shock Syndrome »

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a toxin-mediated multisystem disease precipitated by infection with either Staphylococcus aureus or group A Streptococcus (GAS), also called Streptococcus pyogenes.

Read More on eMedicine »

Medical Dictionary