Lesions and scabs on the face of drug abusers can be caused by several factors, depending on the specific drugs and methods of use involved. Here are some common reasons for these skin issues:
Injection Drug Use: People who inject drugs intravenously may develop skin infections at the injection sites. Sharing contaminated needles or using unsterile injection equipment can introduce bacteria or viruses into the bloodstream, leading to abscesses, cellulitis, or other skin infections. Constant picking at the injection sites can also cause scabs and lesions.
Methamphetamine Use: Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that can lead to a condition called "meth mites" or "crank bugs." This condition is a form of delusional parasitosis, where users believe that insects or parasites are crawling under their skin. They may pick at their skin to try to remove these imaginary bugs, causing sores, scabs, and lesions.
Cocaine Use: Cocaine users may experience a condition known as "cocaine bugs" or "cocaine-induced psychogenic excoriation." Similar to meth mites, this involves delusions of insects crawling under the skin, leading to repetitive scratching and skin damage.
Skin-Popping: Some drug users, instead of injecting drugs into their veins, inject them directly under the skin (subcutaneously), a practice known as "skin-popping." This method can also cause skin infections, abscesses, and scarring.
Poor Hygiene: Drug abuse can lead to neglect of personal hygiene, which can contribute to skin problems. This neglect can include failing to clean and care for wounds, allowing infections to worsen and scabs to form.
Impurities in Drugs: Street drugs can be cut or contaminated with harmful substances, which may lead to adverse skin reactions when injected or smoked.
Compulsive Skin Picking: Substance abuse, particularly with stimulants, can increase the likelihood of developing obsessive-compulsive behaviors, including excessive skin picking (dermatillomania). This can cause skin lesions and scabs.
It's essential to note that these symptoms are not limited to drug abuse alone and can also be present in individuals dealing with mental health issues, such as psychosis or compulsive disorders. Furthermore, these skin issues can be indicative of deeper problems with drug abuse and may warrant medical and psychological intervention.
If you or someone you know is experiencing such symptoms and is involved in drug abuse, seeking professional help, such as addiction treatment and mental health counseling, is crucial to addressing the root causes and promoting recovery.