A series of tests and studies determined that the victims suffered from acute staph infections. The cause was believed to be tampon use in female patients, a bit of news that caused worldwide attention and panic because of their widespread use.
Eventually, it was determined that it wasn’t tampon use of that caused the problem – it was misusing them. The women who fell victim to what was now called toxic shock syndrome had all used super-absorbent tampons and left them in overnight. Upon removal, the tampons, often dry or caked with blood, had torn small openings in the vaginal walls. This allowed opportunistic staph germs present in those regions to enter the bloodstream, wreaking havoc in internal organs and the bloodstream.
It was later determined that toxic shock syndrome was not just a women’s problem. Cuts and wounds on the arm or other, more sensitive areas could cause problems for men and boys, too. Staph germs commonly are found in the mucous membranes of the body and wait for the chance to enter through wounds, cuts or abrasions. Once in the bloodstream, their toxic effects can be deadly and sometimes fatal.
The discovery of toxic shock syndrome symptoms had been noted as long ago as the 1920s, although the formal recognition of the syndrome only came in the 1970s, thanks to the uproar over its connection with tampons.
Today, medical professionals recognize toxic shock syndrome as something that can be acquired not only through tampons, but also through contraceptive devices and sponges, as well as injuries to the skin or mucous membranes that allow germs to enter. Nasal plastic surgery in particular may make patients more vulnerable.