Under the Controlled Substances Act, methamphetamine is a Schedule II stimulant. This means that it has some medical value, such as treating ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity. However, it also has a high potential for misuse, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that the misappropriation of meth is quite prevalent.
Meth is a drug whose use can come with severe consequences. One of the most serious effects of meth addiction is psychosis, which is when some meth users may see or hear things that aren’t there.
Using meth can also cause other problems. Some of these problems are treatable and even reversible with the proper support.
At Luxe Recovery, we can provide the support needed to overcome meth addiction and recover from its effects.
What Are Rashes or Sores And What Causes Them?
Meth can lead to a number of problems, such as wounds, scabs, and skin sores. These meth skin conditions can have several causes, such as:
Meth Mites
As previously mentioned, meth can cause hallucinations in some users. But these hallucinations are not limited to seeing or hearing things that aren’t there. In certain instances, the use of methamphetamine can lead to hallucinations, causing individuals to perceive things that do not actually exist.
A shared tactile hallucination is when a person feels bugs crawling on or under their skin, leading to intense picking and scratching. This sensation is known as ‘meth mites’ or formication.
Weakened Immune System
Using meth may weaken a person’s immune system. This can make their skin more vulnerable to infections and rashes. This can cause a small cut to lead to a skin infection or open sores.
A weakened immune system also means that sores may heal slower and may be more prone to complications.
Poor Hygiene
Meth users can sometimes cause some people to neglect their personal hygiene. This can lead to extended periods without bathing, leading to clogged pores, dirty, and exacerbating existing skin problems.
Meth Mouth
A side effect of meth abuse is a series of oral health problems known as ‘meth mouth.’ This is due to meth disrupting saliva production and wearing down the teeth’s protective enamel, leading to gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
Dehydration
Meth often causes dehydration. This can dry out the skin, making it more vulnerable to sores and infections.
Contact with Meth
Meth is sometimes made with toxic chemicals. This means that physical contact with meth, not the use of it, can irritate the skin and lead to sores and rashes.
Injections
Some users who take meth inject the drug. This can cause complications such as spreading diseases such as HIV or hepatitis. The act of injecting a needle into the skin can also cause sores, especially if the injection site becomes infected.
Infection
Open sores from skin picking can become infected, leading to more painful and severe sores.
What Do Meth Sores Look Like?
In the beginning, meth sores can look like red, inflamed spots. They may resemble pimples or bug bites. However, because many people who use meth pick at the skin, these sores can open and turn into sores or ulcers. These sores and ulcers will then heal and form yellow-brown scabs.
Sores caused by meth often appear in clusters, especially around the arms, legs, and face. The skin around these sores may also be discolored and become darker than the rest.
If the sores get infected, they may swell and ooze pus. The skin around the infected sores may also be warm to the touch. As these sores heal, they may leave scars, which can be permanent.
Treatment for Meth Sores
The most potent way to address meth sores is to address a person’s meth addiction. However, treating the sores can be done relatively quickly and is similar to wound care. Here’s how to treat meth sores:
Cleaning
The first part of treating meth sores is to clean them with soap and water. It’s recommended that a gentle soap be used so as not to irritate the skin. It’s also best to avoid harsh scrubbing. Once the sores are cleaned, an antiseptic solution can be applied to prevent infection.
Antibiotics
A topical antibiotic can address or prevent bacterial infections. If the sores are severely infected, a doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic to help fight the infection from within.
Bandaging
Sores can be covered in sterile bandages to help protect them from further irritation and inflammation, such as what happens when they are picked at.
Anti-inflammatory Cream
You can apply an anti-inflammatory cream to soothe the skin. This will also help to prevent itching.
Hydration
Being adequately hydrated can help the skin and support the body’s natural ability to heal.
Health Complications from Meth Sores
Meth sores can often cause a number of health issues beyond the sores themselves. These issues may include:
Infections
Because meth sores are often open wounds, they are vulnerable to bacterial infections. A particularly dangerous infection is MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a staph infection resistant to antibiotics.
Sepsis
If the infection from meth sores reaches the bloodstream, it can lead to sepsis, which is when the body’s response to an infection causes widespread inflammation. Sepsis can cause organ damage, organ failure, or worse. The condition will require immediate medical attention.
Mental Health Impact
Even if the sores heal, they may leave behind scars that can impact a person’s self-esteem. This can lead to a lack of self-confidence, which may cause them to become socially isolated. The scars themselves can also serve as a reminder of meth addiction, which may be a source of shame for some people,
We Provide Treatment for Meth Addiction at Luxe Recovery
The side effects of meth use can often be devastating. They can persist even after a person recovers from being addicted to meth, but these side effects can be reversed in some cases. Meth sores are one of the effects that can be reversed, but to do so requires overcoming meth addiction.
At Luxe Recovery, we can help people overcome meth addiction so they can heal their physical and psychological wounds. We can help you heal your wounds as well. Contact us today and let us help you find out how.
