Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a condition attributed to Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that are found on the human body. While they are mostly harmless, in rare cases they produce a toxin leading to toxic shock syndrome. TSS has usually been linked to the use of tampons, though they can also be caused by bacterial infections of wounds or surgical incisions. Toxic shock syndrome has also been linked to other staph infections such as pneumonia, septicemia and osteomyelitis. TSS has also been noticed in women using a diaphragm or a contraceptive sponge.

Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include high fever, headache, diarrhea and aching muscles. Other symptoms of TSS include vomiting, rapid drop in blood pressure and unusual redness under the eyelids. A person suffering from toxic shock syndrome is likely to feel dizzy and confused and have difficulty in breathing. Women may notice unusual vaginal discharge that is smelly.

All wounds and cuts must be treated with clean bandages. Women can reduce the risk of TSS by alternating between tampons and sanitary napkins. Ensure that you wash your hands before you touch them. Change tampons regularly and always remove the tampon at the end of the period. Treatment for TSS includes antibiotic medications and drugs to maintain normal blood pressure. If there is an infected site, the area must be drained clean and any foreign bodies must be removed from the body. It is imperative to consult a doctor at once if the patient becomes pale and has a rapid pulse. Toxic shock syndrome can lead to severe multi-organ dysfunction and can be life-threatening.

Stye

A stye or hordeolum is a small lump that often makes an appearance on the inside or underside of the eyelids. A stye results from a bacterial infection of the glands at the eyelids. Styes or hordeolums are caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. A stye can also occur due to clogged oil glands around the eyelashes. In some cases, styes can spread and become serious infections. Typically a stye causes discomfort while blinking and sensitivity to light. But a stye normally does not affect vision.

Styes can affect children and adults alike. They appear as painful red pustules on the eyelid. They may water and cause tenderness and pain. Typically a stye drains after a few days. Application of warm compress hastens the healing process. A particularly stubborn stye must be examined by a physician to check if it needs to be lanced. Often a chalazion - an enlarged blocked oil gland is mistaken for a stye. A chalazion tends to appear on the edge of the eyelid and may remain for months on end. Do not touch anyone or anything after you have touched your infected eye. Avoid sharing towels and eye makeup. Do not try and break the stye on your own. Antibiotic ointments can provide relief.