7 Natural Remedies To Treat Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an incredibly rare condition, but it is highly serious and can affect a number of systems in the body at once. It’s caused by an immune reaction to bacterial toxins. Thankfully it can be treated, but you should always see a doctor if you notice any of the symptoms as it can be fatal if left untreated. While it is difficult to treat at home, there are a number of home remedies for toxic shock syndrome and its prevention.

# Keep Wounds Clean

If you get an open wound, you should keep it clean, dry, and bandaged. This will prevent bacteria from getting into the wound and thus reduces your risk of developing TSS. You should also make sure that you change your bandages or dressing regularly as this will further reduce the risk of infection. Should you notice any signs of infections, such as redness, pain or swelling, you should speak to your doctor immediately. Make sure to change your bandages regularly.

# Take Care During Menstruation

Be careful when using tampons, diaphragms, or contraceptive sponges. Inserting these devices can increase your risk of developing TSS as you make yourself more vulnerable to bacterial infection. Ideally, you should avoid over-using tampons at all as they are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. You should especially avoid using tampons if you have suffered from TSS in the past as recurrences are common.

With improvements made to the design of modern tampons, they present less risk now than with older tampon designs, but you should still take caution when using them.

# Alternate Tampons and Sanitary Pads

To avoid over-using tampons, you should make sure you alternate between using them and using sanitary pads. Use a sanitary pad on days when your flow is lighter. Lighter flows often have less need for a tampon, so by using a pad instead you can help to lower your risk of infection.

# Change Your Tampon Frequently

To reduce your risk of bacterial infection and therefore your risk of TSS you should make sure you change your tampon frequently. Changing every four to six hours is the recommended ideal. If your flow is particularly heavy you may want to change your tampon more regularly.

# Only Use Tampons When Needed

If you’re not on your period, don’t use tampons at all. If you do, you could be exposing unnecessarily exposing your body to bacteria.

# Store Your Tampon Correctly

The way you store your tampons is key to reducing the rate bacteria may grow in them. Keep them in a cool and dry place to stop bacteria from growing and spreading. This will reduce the risk of bacteria getting into the body and causing TSS.