Toxic shock syndrome (or buffer disease) is a rare, but serious infectious disease, caused by a golden staphylococcus or a group A. Symptoms, risks of a forgotten stamp, alternative to cup, how to avoid it …
Toxic shock syndrome or STC is an infection caused by a bacteria, most often by staphylococcus a golden. It usually occurs during rules when using vaginal devices (stamps, menstrual cuts) in women carrying the bacteria responsible for the STC. But also suites to Invasive Invasive Infections with Group A Streptococcus which can be associated with a Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (SCTS), Indicates Public Health France. How do you know that you are making a toxic shock? When is a toxic shock? Is it possible to have a toxic shock with a hygienic towel? How to treat a toxic shock?
Definition: What is toxic shock syndrome (STC)?
Toxic shock syndrome (STC) is a infectious disease caused by a bacteria: The staphylococcus agar (Staphylococcus aureus). This bacteria manufactures a toxin, which enters the blood circulation, before reaching one or more organs. Note that this bacteria is naturally present in our environment and remains safe if it remains for example on our skin. On the other hand, when she manages to introduce her toxin into the blood circulation, she can then reveal her pathogenic potential.
What is a toxic staphylococcal shock?
A staphylococcal toxic shock is caused by the staphylococcus gorn (Staphylococcus aureus) It is characterized by a high fever, a rash followed by a skin scam, hypotension, vomiting, diarrhea and potentially leads to multisystem organic insufficiency.
What is a toxic Streptococcal shock?
Streptococcal toxic shock is caused by group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). It can be manifested by hypotension, renal, pulmonary or respiratory involvement.
What are the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome?
Toxic shock syndrome is first characterized by symptoms resembling those of a fluassociated with digestive symptoms:
- An impression of discomfort and/or vertigo with headaches,
- Digestive disorders, such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting,
- Sometimes fever (38.9 ° C or more),
- Muscle and joint pain,
- A red rash that looks like a sunburn.
Secondly:
- Very low blood pressure
- An acceleration of the heart
- A confusion
Only women carrying the bacteria responsible for the STC are affected, or 4%.
Risk factors: What are women likely to make a STC?
Only women carrying the bacteria which produces the toxin responsible for the STC are affected, or less than 4 % of French women. But conversely, all women carrying the bacteria do not necessarily make a toxic shock. “”It is therefore that there must be something else, undoubtedly present in the vaginal flora of women carrying the bacteria, which causes the STC. But what exactly, we don’t know. We are precisely doing research to find out more“, Specifies Anne Tristan.
Toxic shock and forgotten stamp: what risk?
On January 20, 2020, ANSES published the results of its expertise on the safety of internal intimate protections (Tampon and menstrual CUP). These trials revealed the presence of chemicals in stamps and menstrual cutsbut without exceeding health thresholds. Nor would there be a direct link between the physico-chemical properties of the materials of these intimate protections and a risk of increasing toxic shock syndrome. For the Doctor Tristan, in any case, It is improper use of stamps that is responsible for toxic shock. In fact, when the stamp is too absorbent and/or not changed regularly, bacteria have more time to multiply. So, should you be afraid of the stamps? Toxic shock syndrome remains very rare As Anne Tristan confirms: “At the Staphylococcus reference center, We identify 20 to 30 cases maximum each year“. And to add that”in normal time, even if the SCT is serious and requires admission to the resuscitation service, The evolution is always favorable and without sequelae“.
Can we make a toxic shock with a hygienic towel?
Indeed, the risk is less with hygienic towels because they are less obstable to blood flow compared to stamps and therefore less promote the development of staphylococcibut the problem is that women, especially the youngest, often reluctant to wear them. As of menstrual cuts, they do not protect the risk of STC. “”We had cases of women who wore“, she underlines. As with the stamps, it is improper use that triggered the infection. Because although the cups are natural,”We must respect the instructions for use and hygiene, namely: Do not keep them too long and clean them well.“” Especially since as our interlocutor points out: “We have less perspective with the cups.“”
In the event of the occurrence of symptoms, it is necessary Immediately remove the stamp or cup And go to the hospital. Doctors will be able to take care of you as soon as possible, give you intravenous treatment to maintain your blood pressure, then consider setting up a antibiotic treatmentto prevent toxin from spreading to vital organs. In the case of Lauren Wasser, a American model amputated from both legs in 2012 following a toxic shock, Bacterial toxin had reached the heart And trained a gangrene in the legs, that is to say the necrosis of the tissues. This is why doctors had no choice but to amputate it.
Public Health France issued its recommendations to limit the risk of toxic shock:
► It is essential to Change tampon or menstrual cut regularlyeither Every 4 hours, even at night.
► During the night, favor external protections such as hygienic towels.
► Well adapt the type of stamp to its flow. “”The more absorbing the buffer, the more it hinders blood flow, the more the bacteria have the possibility of multiplying“, Underlines Anne Tristan. Besides, if the SCT mainly affects young girls, on average they are around 20 years old, it is because they too often carry protections adapted to their flow.”They use tampons for abundant flows, for fear of having leaks, which is not indicated“.
► Also think about washing your hands with soap (or with a hydro-alcoholic solution) before inserting a buffer or a cup and removing them.
► Avoid using stamps in the event of an antecedent of toxic staphylococcal toxic.
► Wait for the start of the rules before using a stamp. Do not use a buffer as a precaution, even if you wait to have your period, or to absorb other losses.
Thank you to Doctor Anne Tristan, co -director of the National Staphylococcal reference center, a unit attached to the Institute of Sanitary Monitoring (InVS),
