This sunburn-like rash usually covers large body areas and involves skin peeling.
This article discusses the toxic shock syndrome rash, including how it’s treated and how to prevent it.
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What Does a Toxic Shock Syndrome Rash Look Like?
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A telltale sign of TSS is experiencing a widespread, flat rash that covers much of the body.
The peeling may be especially noticeable on the palms of the hand or the soles of the feet.
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Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
Sunburn
A TSS rash may look most similar to asunburn.
However, a sunburn rash usually only occurs on skin exposed to the sun.
It also comes with flu-like symptoms that wouldn’t be seen with a sunburn.
People with darker skin tones may not experience visible redness with either condition.
Heat Rash
Aheat rashis skin irritation with small bumps that make your skin feel itchy and tingly.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitisoccurs when your skin is exposed to an irritating substance.
It causes an itchy, dry rash that may appear red or discolored depending on your skin tone.
Rosacea
Rosaceais an inflammatory skin condition that causes a rash, usually on the face.
Experts believerosacea flaresare triggered by external factors like ultraviolet (UV) light or other environmental sensitivities.
Unlike TSS, the rosacea rash is the main symptom.
However, like TSS, rosacea can come witheye irritation and redness, leading to bloodshot eyes.
Cellulitis can come with serious complications if not treated withantibiotics.
Like TSS, asevere cellulitiscase can require emergency care with intravenous (IV) antibiotics and other intensive treatment.
A healthcare provider will give you IV fluids to replace lost fluids.
Anyone who has previously experienced a case of TSS should avoid tampon use altogether to prevent a repeat occurrence.
You’d also notice flu-like symptoms like fever and muscle aches with TSS, along with the telltale rash.
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American Academy of Family Physicians.Heat rash.
InformedHealth.org [Internet].
[Updated 2024 Feb 1].
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Rosacea.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cellulitis.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Toxic shock syndrome.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Your changing body: puberty in girls.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Toxic shock syndrome.
