Injecting drug use and skin lesions

Aust Fam Physician. 2004 Jul;33(7):519-22.

Abstract

Background: Many illicit drugs can be injected, with this mode of administration associated with a range of skin morbidities.

Objective: This article illustrates a dermatological presentation associated with injecting drug use.

Discussion: Track marks, injection site marks and skin abscesses are well known to be associated with injecting drug use. However, there are other dermatological manifestations that are less commonly known. Signs may be more subtle, particularly when drug use is recreational and patients do not fit commonly held stereotypes of injecting drug users.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / diagnosis
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / therapy
  • Exanthema / diagnosis
  • Exanthema / etiology*
  • Exanthema / therapy*
  • Family Practice / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods
  • Self Care / methods
  • Skin Care / methods
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / diagnosis
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / therapy
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / therapy