![Quantcast](http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-GS-HF4BKvzCmv.gif)
![These Facts About Toxic Shock Syndrome Might Make You Rethink Using Tampons](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNzAxMjk0Mi9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc3MzA2MzE2Nn0.uLg4IXiN1yNZyVWH6keVtDDaXM1UWy_5IyvHkWy-6Hg/img.gif?width=1200&height=600&quality=90&coordinates=0%2C120%2C0%2C120)
These Facts About Toxic Shock Syndrome Might Make You Rethink Using Tampons
The moment tampons entered my life (no pun intended), my feelings towards my period changed forever.
I never knew the women closest to me to use anything other than pads, but when a college friend got my life together about what I was missing out on, I opted to give tampons a shot. Instantly, I fell in love with them. They are super discreet, I can move more freely, and, to top it off, I don't feel like I'm walking around with a wet diaper on. I chucked the deuces to pads with the quickness. In fact, I can count on one hand how many times I've used pads since.
What my dear friend nor any tampon user cared to share with me was the one health risk associated with tampon use that pad users don't have to worry about: Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Toxic Shock Syndrome is rare condition caused by bacterial toxins that enter the bloodstream and cause a life-threatening infection.
While the chances of getting TSS are very rare, it is possible and potentially fatal if not caught early on. In a recent essay with InStyle, model Lauren Wasser recounted how she fell victim to the condition and literally had to fight for her life. The infection took over rather quickly, leading to gangrene (dead tissue caused by an infection or lack of blood flow) settling into her right leg. In order to save her life, Lauren's right leg had to be amputated at the time of her hospital admission. Five years later, she is faced with the possibility of her left leg having to be amputated as well due to the damage that the bacterial infection caused years prior. Developing this condition is literally a life or death situation so it's best we educate ourselves about it.
Here are a few things that every woman should know about TSS.
Size Matters... When It Comes To Tampons & TSS
Tampon, anyone?
While tampon usage overall puts you at risk for the condition, super-absorbent tampons put you at an even greater risk. The extra absorbency is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria looking for a home. If you tend to use super-absorbent tampons, try using regular tampons and changing them more often.
TSS Can Affect Anyone, Including Men & Children
Say what?
Though TSS is primarily associated with menstruation, men can still get it by way of open wounds. This can happen as a result of cuts, burns, or bites. The same bacteria affiliated with TSS in women can enter wounds and cause a serious bacterial infection.
There's A Good Reason For The Expiration Date On A Tampon Box
As with most products intended for consumption, be wary of usage after the expiration date. For tampons, it usually takes about five years to expire and using one past its expiration date may put you at a greater risk of bacterial infection. Can tampons technically be used after their expiration date? Yes. However, tampons are not sterile and may potentially grow mold if not stored properly.
The Symptoms Are Not Easy To Connect Back To TSS
Some of the symptoms are very similar to what a woman may experience during her cycle, or even when having the flu. So, it's important to be knowledgeable of the many symptoms that TSS can lend itself to.
Some of the symptoms most commonly affiliated with TSS include:
- A sudden high fever
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- A rash resembling a sunburn, particularly on your palms and soles
- Confusion
- Muscle aches
- Redness of your eyes, mouth, and throat
- Seizures
- Headaches
Lastly, It Is Preventable & Treatable
If you ask me, prevention is always your best bet. The best ways to prevent TSS are:
- To shy away from super absorbent tampons
- Change tampons regularly (every 4-8 hours)
- Opt to sleep with pads rather than tampons
- Switch it up between tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and other sanitary items during your cycle
Alongside prevention methods, it is important that we are more particular of the things that they put in our bodies. Just like Lauren penned in her essay, "It is time that we, as consumers, demandsafer products and more transparency about what is going into our bodies."
For more on TSS and how to prevent it, click here.
Featured image gif
- Understanding Toxic Shock Syndrome -- the Basics ›
- Toxic Shock Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment ›
- Toxic shock syndrome - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic ›
- Everything you know about toxic shock syndrome is probably wrong ... ›
- Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) Symptoms & Prevention | Tampax® ›
- 6 Myths About Toxic Shock Syndrome ›
- Toxic Shock: Why This Woman Is Suing a Tampon Company After ... ›
- Toxic shock syndrome, infections: What if I leave a tampon in for too ... ›
- Model Lauren Wasser's warning about tampons and toxic shock ... ›
How This New Bond Repair Line Transformed One Mother's Postpartum Shedding Into The Ultimate Curl Comeback
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture
For Crystal Obasanya, her wash day woes came shortly after her son did. The beauty and lifestyle content creator had been natural for years, but during postpartum, she quickly learned about one reality many mothers can relate to experiencing: postpartum hair loss. “Sis had thinning hair. Sis had split ends,” she shared about her hair changes in a Reel via xoNecole.
Over a year into her postpartum journey, Crystal explained she also had dry, brittle hair, noting that keeping it hydrated before pregnancy had already been “a task.” The 4C natural recalled going from thick hair during pregnancy to a thin hairline due to postpartum shedding as “devastating.” When it came to strengthening and revitalizing her hair, the new SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection was just the thing she needed to elevate her damaged coils to revive and thrive status and get them poppin' again.
SheaMoisture is providing us with the cheat code for transforming dry and damaged strands into thriving and deeply nourished crowns. By unveiling their 4-step hair system, the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is equipping you with the tools to reverse signs of hair damage caused by protective styling, heat, and color and is uniquely formulated for Type 3 and 4 hair textures.
The haircare system revives damaged natural hair by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds through a game-changing combination of HydroPlex Technology and AminoBlend Complex, a unique blend of fortifying amino acids formulated specifically for curly and coily hair. Scientifically proven to reduce breakage by 84% and make your hair six times stronger (vs. non-conditioning shampoo), the collection infuses your hair with the nourishment it craves and the strength it deserves.
All five products of the SheaMoisture Bond Collection are infused with natural strengthening ingredients like Amla Oil and fair-trade shea butter. The collection consists of the 4-step breakage-fighting Bond Repair system, as well as the Bonding Oil.
“When trying it out, I quickly noticed that my hair felt revived and renewed, and my curls were so hydrated,” Crystal said while using the Amla-infused Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. “I also felt my hair strands were stronger.” So much so that the influencer felt brave enough to get her hair braided shortly thereafter. “I can definitely say that I will be keeping it in my hair wash routine,” she added in the caption of her Reel about her positive experience using the products.
SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is making bond-building a key player in your wash day routines and the purveyor of life for thirsty manes. Because who doesn't want stronger, shinier, happier hair?
Step One: Bond Repair Collection Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with SheaMoisture Bond Repair Shampoo, your go-to solution for luscious locks. Packed with hella hydration power, this shampoo adds moisture by 60% while removing buildup without stripping your strands. This shampoo gently cleanses impurities while significantly enhancing shine, smoothness, and softness.
The Bond Repair Collection Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are powered by the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex, SheaMoisture’s technology that rebuilds hair strength at its core.
Step Two: Bond Repair Collection Conditioner
Tailored to repair styling damage, this creamy conditioner locks in 12x more moisture than standard non-conditioning shampoos, boosting damaged hair strength by 1.5x with significantly less breakage. The creamy SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Conditioner deeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Collection Masque
This Ultra Moisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Masque delivers 13 times more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, ensuring your hair feels nourished and soft. Designed to repair and rejuvenate, this masque significantly strengthens damaged hair — making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner. Lightweight and hydrating, the Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner provides 12x more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos and tames frizz with 24-hour humidity control. Designed to define curls and coils, the leave-in conditioner enhances softness and shine allowing you to detangle effortlessly.
Bonding Oil
The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Bonding Oil is a multitasking all-in-one formula that acts as a heat protectant and provides the hair with moisture, strength, shine, damage protection, and intense nourishment. This lightweight oil not only offers 24-hour frizz and humidity control but also fortifies your tresses, making them up to 5 times stronger with significantly less breakage.
Featured image courtesy
This Carnival Queen's Beauty Secret To Clear Skin Is Good Health
In About Face, xoNecole gets the 411 on IGers who give us #skincaregoals on a daily. Here they break down their beauty routines on the inside and out, as well as the highly coveted products that grace their shelves and their skin.
Xenia Douglas knows all too well what it’s like to keep up with beauty and skincare routines. In 2022, she became Miss Saint Lucia Carnival Queen and proudly represented what it means to be a true beauty inside and out. Although she confidently wears her crown while encouraging others, she also has had her ups and downs with skincare.
Douglas struggled with adult acne during the pandemic. “I spent about six months researching and trying to figure it out on my own, and given how I was eating at the time, I soon discovered that there was a relationship between food and how it affects my skin,” Douglas said. This discovery leads her to change her eating habits. Opting for healthier food options and finding balance with non-healthy options.
In what seemed like no time, she began seeing a major change in her skin and taking her skincare more seriously. This led to her reflecting on how she cared for her skin growing up. “There was a time when I used to go to bed with makeup, like every day, and my skin suffered because of it."
“There was a time when I used to go to bed with makeup, like every day, and my skin suffered because of it."
Like many of us, Douglas had no education in skincare, and she put her skin through the ringer by trying too many different skincare products. Reflecting on her mistakes helped to form a better relationship with caring for her skin. “Now that I’m older, I understand the importance of finding the right products for my skin type. I love using sunscreen and products that protect my skin barrier. That experience assisted me in garnering youthful-looking skin,” Douglas added.
Courtesy
These days, Douglas' morning routine is as realistic as it gets. She’s rushing to get ready for a long day at work. Still, she always finds time to fit in a glass of water and her skincare routine. Even amid morning stress, her routine never becomes tiresome. As she prepares for the day, her mother’s wisdom runs through her mind: “'Looking young never gets old,' my mom always said to me!”
Douglas enjoys indulging in Korean skincare products that hydrate the skin. Some mornings, she will combine her skincare routine with a workout. “I love going on runs and Pilates. I’ve always preferred a more toned and slender look, so the strength training and cardio combo is a 10 out of 10.”
“I love going on runs and Pilates. I’ve always preferred a more toned and slender look, so the strength training and cardio combo is a 10 out of 10.”
Douglas' journey to clear skin has become a health transformation. She’s changed her eating habits, worked out, and prioritizes caring for her skin on her busiest days. It’s no wonder she is now a representation of beauty. To her, beauty isn’t just about the products we use but the daily habits we implement to feel good.
Here are the products Douglas uses day and night to keep glowing all day long:
Xenia's Morning Skincare Routine:
Step 1: CeraVe Cleanser
CeraVe
"I use the CeraVe cleansers (either the Salicylic Acid, foaming, or Hydrating Cleanser). I pretty much rotate between these three depending on what my skin is calling for that day.”
Step 2: Innisfree Green Tea Toner
Amazon
"In 2020, I started learning more about Korean skincare, and it propelled me to begin using water-based toners as opposed to alcohol-based toners. Given that alcohol-based toners are more of an astringent and can cause more harm than good, the switch to a water-based toner, specifically my Innisfree Green Tea toner, has done wonders in hydrating and supporting my skin."
Step 3: Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream
Soon Jung
"When I moisturize, I don’t just use a basic moisturizer. I use a moisture barrier cream! As I mentioned before, I am an advocate for Korean skincare, as it is quite hydrating. So, I use moisturizers that shield my skin from irritants, friction, or drying out. My favorite is the Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream. It’s amazing!”
Step 4: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Supergoop!
“I try not to miss a day when it comes to my sunscreen. I use the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen, particularly on the days I’m on the road or outside."
Xenia's Nighttime Skincare Routine:
Step 1: COSRX Snail Mucin Serum
COSRX
“I normally use a hydrating serum on days when my skin feels dry, or I notice some texture. It’s extremely moisturizing."
Step 2: COSRX Snail Mucin Moisturizer
COSRX
"I follow up with this moisturizer when I use the COSRX Serum. They’re quite the dynamic duo.”
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image courtesy