Toxic Shock Syndrome

An illness to which women are susceptible that is characterized by a fever of at least 102 degrees Fahrenheit, a sunburn-like rash on the body, dangerously low blood pressure and a peeling of the skin particularly on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet which occurs one to two weeks after the onset of the disease. Other symptoms include vomiting; diarrhea; severe muscle pain; disturbances of the mucous membranes in the vagina, mouth, eyes and throat; malfunction of the kidneys or liver; blood anomalies and disturbances of the central nervous system including disorientation and alterations in consciousness. The illness is thought to be caused by an ingredient in some tampon products that leaches magnesium from the body thereby providing an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria.