Lauren Wasser at the Met Gala. (Source: Instagram/@laurenwasser)Lauren Wasser’s life changed “utterly and completely overnight” at the age of 24. The model and activist, who was close to death when she was admitted to hospital, was diagnosed with toxic shock (TSS), a condition that is commonly associated with the use of tampons. Wasser, who had lost both legs a decade earlier, made her Met Gala debut wearing golden prosthetics feet to bring attention to TSS. The medical accessory was a perfect match for the two-piece Prabal Gurung gold lame suit that Wasser chose for the event. Her signature look, she paired it with diamond chains, chunky earring, and a bold bracelet accessory. She also wrapped an embellished sash around her platinum blonde locks. She also attended Friday’s pre-Met party at Madame Tussauds wearing a “spliced-sequin Area dress” with slick-backed, straight hair and a compact Judith Leiber bag”, according to Vogue.
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Understanding the conditionDr Swati Rajagopal explains that Toxic Shock Syndrome, a rare, but serious condition, is caused by toxins released from certain bacteria. These bacteria are mainly Staphylococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. It can occur suddenly and spread rapidly in the body. It is sometimes linked to tampons, wounds or infections. When blood pressure drops, blood flow to vital organs or limbs is reduced. This can lead to tissue damage from lack of oxygen – a condition known as gangrene. In severe cases, such as with Lauren Wasser’s case, doctors may have to amputate fingers or toes to stop the infection spreading and save the patient’s life. Once a limb has been amputated, the damage cannot be reversed. From 24k gold breastplates, metallic ear, to sleep paralysis demons: Wildest Met Gala 2026 accessories that stole the showAs for treatment, she mentions that this condition can be clearly construed a medical emergency and usually includes “hospital care, intravenous antibiotics to kill bacteria, fluids to maintain blood pressure, and sometimes surgery to remove infected tissue”. Patients may need intensive care. Story continues below this ad. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.
