In a recent survey, more than 19 million American adults suffer from substance abuse. While many people are familiar with the signs and symptoms of drug use, common skin conditions associated with it are less well-known.
Along with mental, behavioral, and other physical side effects, it's important to also spot the common skin problems. It may be the only visual clue a loved one is suffering from addiction.
Let's look at 5 drug abuse skin problems to watch out for.
1. Skin Sores
Drug use causes a wide variety of skin sores, from chronic ulcers, puss pockets, and itchy hives. Even red spots that can bleed from inflamed blood vessels.
These skin sores will occur from reactions to ingredients, how the drug is administered, or from poor hygiene caused by drug use.
A key skin condition for meth users is sores created by picking at the skin or constant scratching. This is due to the fact many meth users have the sensation of insects crawling on their skin and they try to "pick" them off.
2. Track Marks
One of the common drug abuse skin problems of those who use needles is track marks. These marks happen when a user repeatedly punctures the skin with a needle, trying to find a blood vessel to inject their drugs into.
When this happens, scarring of the veins (also called venous sclerosis) creates round red marks or red wounds that trace the vein.
Track marks can remain visible even long after drug use stops.
3. Dry Skin and Premature Aging
Many drugs, such as heroin and alcohol, deplete moisture from the skin. This causes itchy, dry, flaky skin and also aids in premature aging.
This is why you see many drug users seemingly add years to their appearance in a short period of time. Without moisture, skin becomes rougher. It loses its elasticity and begins to form wrinkles.
Pot smokers will even experience dark circles under their eyes and graying or thinning hair.
4. Skin Infections
When skin sores and lesions form on the skin, it increases the risk of chronic infections. This is because skin sores open up the skin barrier, easily letting bacteria and pathogens inside.
Since skin sores are common for drug users, skin infections pose a real threat to their health.
Cutting agents used in drugs also contribute to the risk of skin infections. Ingredients in these agents can cause the number of infection-fighting white blood cells in your body to drop. This only makes skin infections more dangerous.
5. Death of Skin Cells
Without seeking help from organizations such as Inspire Malibu, skin conditions of drug users will only worsen. Repeated sores, infections, and poor hygiene can cause skin cells to start rotting and dying.
Again, cutting agents contribute to the rot and death of skin cells. Reactions to different ingredients in these agents can open the skin up to ulcers and lead to eventual necrosis or death of skin cells.
Know the Signs of Drug Abuse Skin Problems
A loved one may not tell you they're suffering from addiction, but their skin might say it. By knowing the common drug abuse skin problems to watch out for, you can help get them the treatment they need.
Want to know how to deal with skin concerns? Be sure to check out the articles on our Skin Concerns blog!
