Meth is a highly addictive and potent nervous system stimulant. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration classifies it as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it has some medical use but also a high potential for meth use and addiction. Despite how tightly controlled it is, meth use is still prevalent in the United States.
Meth can come in several forms. It can appear as pills, as a white powder, as a clear colorless liquid, and as a crystalline substance known as crystal meth. Meth users can suffer consequences as a result of their meth abuse, some of which can be physical in nature.
Luxe Recovery is a world-class treatment center based in Los Angeles that can help people overcome meth addiction, and in doing so, a person can mitigate or even reverse some of the damage caused by meth.
What Can Cause Meth Sores?
Meth use can cause someone to experience hallucinations. These hallucinations are not limited to sights and sounds that aren’t there; a person can have tactile hallucinations as well. They may feel things that aren’t there, and a common tactile hallucination is meth mites.
When a person experiences meth mites, they will feel the sensation of bugs or mites. This can lead to intense scratching, resulting in scabs and open sores.
Meth sores may also be caused by dry skin. Using meth can lead to dehydration. This can cause dry, cracked skin that is more injury-prone, making sores more likely to occur. Many people who use meth can also find themselves neglecting their personal hygiene, which also increases the risk of skin sores.
The use of meth may also weaken a person’s immune system. This makes it more likely for minor cuts and scratches to develop into sores. Meth can also constrict a user’s blood vessels, which can lead to poor circulation, which can affect the skin’s ability to repair itself and cause meth sores.
Physical contact with meth can also cause burns and other skin irritations, which can progress into sores.
What Do They Look Like?
Meth sores generally appear around the mouth, cheeks, and arms. However, they are not limited to these areas and can appear anywhere on the body. They can initially appear as small red bumps, unlike a pimple or insect bite. Over time, they can progress into open sores or ulcers.
They’re usually red and have a crusty scan at the center. The area around them can also be swollen if they’re infected. An infection can also cause yellow or green pus or discharge.
These sores are often rough and scabbed over, and the surrounding skin can be dry or flaky. They can also be painful to touch. Meth sores also appear in clusters, especially in the areas where people often pick at their skin.
Health Risks Associated with Meth Sores
Meth sores are not just unsightly; they can also come with many health risks. These health risks can include;
Infections
One of the biggest risks of meth sores is that they are vulnerable to infection. Open meth sores are susceptible to bacterial infections like staph. Infection can then cause other complications, such as cellulitis and abscesses, and the infections can even affect other parts of the body if the bacteria reaches the bloodstream.
Severe infection can also lead to sepsis, which is a potentially life-threatening condition.
Scarring and Pain
A less severe but still undesirable effect of meth use is that sores can lead to scarring. The scars, especially the ones that come from face sores, can be unpleasant to look at and can cause emotional distress and impact a person’s self-esteem.
The sores themselves can also be rather painful, itchy, or uncomfortable. This can be a distraction that can impact day-to-day activities.
Treatment for Meth Sores
Treating meth sores will generally require treating the underlying condition, which is the affected person’s drug use. As such, treating meth sores can often be integrated into a patient’s treatment program.
The first part of treating meth sores is to clean them. This will involve cleaning the sores with water and mild soap. Abrasive chemicals or facial cleansers should be avoided as they may irritate the skin further. After they’ve been cleaned, an antiseptic solution will be applied to prevent infection.
After that, clean dressings are applied on the sores to protect them from further injury and lower the risk of them getting infected again. These dressings should be changed regularly.
A gentle moisturizer can also help dry skin and aid in dermal recovery. The best moisturizers contain aloe vera or petroleum jelly.
If the sores are infected, a patient may be prescribed oral or topical antibiotics to address the infection. The sores should also be regularly monitored in case the infection gets worse.
A patient should also be instructed to drink more water, as adequate hydration can fix dry skin and help heal sores. Meth users can also be encouraged to practice proper hygiene to help prevent sores from occurring in the future.
If the sores are painful, a non-prescription painkiller such as ibuprofen can help relieve pain.
How Does Medical Detox Help with Meth Sores?
Meth detox can help with meth sores because by ceasing meth use, a person can avoid some of the effects of meth. For example, because a person has stopped taking meth, they no longer have meth-induced hallucinations, including meth mites. This means that a person may no longer have the compulsion to scratch and pick at their skin.
Signs of Meth Addiction
Other physical signs may indicate meth addiction other than sores and scabs. Another set of problems that can be caused by meth is a set of oral and dental problems known as meth mouth. These problems include tooth decay, gum disease, cracked or broken teeth, and loss. Meth mouth happens because meth can weaken the teeth’s protective enamel as well as cause dry mouth.
Another physical indication of meth use is significant weight loss which often goes unexplained to the people around the use. This is because meth can suppress a person’s appetite and increase their metabolism. People who are addicted to meth may also divert time and resources away from eating and redirect them towards meth use instead, further exacerbating weight loss. This weight loss can lead to malnutrition and organ damage.
Meth addiction can also cause a person to have marks or tracks on their bodies, as some may inject meth. This can also increase the risk of transmissible diseases such as HIV or hepatitis because some users may share needles.
Get Meth Addiction Treatment at Luxe Recovery
Meth-related sores are just one effect of meth addiction. The condition can have profoundly devastating effects on a person’s life. It can affect a person’s mental health, their relationships, and so many other aspects of their lives.
But the damage that meth does can be mitigated, and in some cases, it can even be reversed. With proper treatment, a person can reclaim their lives from meth addiction.
At Luxe Recovery, we can provide the support and care that can help people overcome meth addiction and rebuild their lives. Contact us now to help you or a loved one get your life back on track.
