Toxic shock syndrome and Streptococcus pyogenes

Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacterium that can cause throat, skin and soft-tissue infections. In some cases it enters deeper tissue or the bloodstream and releases toxins. The resulting illness can cause low blood pressure and injury to organs, making it a medical emergency.

Possible early features include fever, intense pain at an infected area, redness or swelling, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle aches, dizziness and confusion. Severe pain that seems greater than the visible skin changes is especially concerning for a deep soft-tissue infection.

Contact a clinician promptly for a rapidly worsening wound, spreading redness, severe tenderness, pus or fever. Keep the area covered with a clean dressing, avoid squeezing it, and share any recent injury, surgery or childbirth history.

Suspected toxic shock syndrome needs emergency assessment. Clinicians may examine the infection, take samples, give fluids and antibiotics, and involve surgery if infected tissue needs urgent treatment. Do not rely on leftover antibiotics or wait for a routine appointment.

Call emergency services for fever with faintness, confusion, breathing difficulty, a racing heartbeat, severe weakness, vomiting or diarrhoea, or rapidly worsening pain and swelling. These signs can progress quickly, even if the original wound looked small.

Ask what infection is suspected, whether a sample is needed, how to monitor the wound, and which changes mean you should return immediately. Ask how to take the prescribed antibiotic and what to do if you cannot keep tablets down.