Skin alterations due to illegal drug abuse

J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2011 Aug;9(8):633-8; quiz 639. doi: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2011.07699.x. Epub 2011 May 25.
[Article in English, German]

Abstract

Drug abuse is associated with a wide variety of skin alterations. Being aware of the typical signs and symptoms of the drug addicts' skin is of special importance to dermatologists, even though dermatologists are commonly not involved in the treatment of these patients. There is yet a chance for dermatologists to identify drug abusers early by to some extent specific cutaneous signs and after exclusion of several other etiological factors, so that this will lead to further treatment through the respective specialists. The objective of this paper is to draw particular attention to typical skin lesions and diseases which may be associated with drug abuse.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Eruptions / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / toxicity*
  • Male
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / chemically induced
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Skin Ulcer / chemically induced
  • Skin Ulcer / diagnosis
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / diagnosis
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs