One of the side effects of abusing meth is a noticeable change in the individual’s appearance. Continued meth use often leads to the development of meth sores on the skin. Recognizing meth sores can help people determine when their loved ones are using meth and encourage them to seek treatment for meth addiction
What Are Meth Sores?
Meth sores are the appearance of sores on the skin that present as open wounds in various areas of the body. The sores can look different depending on where they are on the body and what caused them. For example, some sores could be the result of pipe burns from smoking meth. Other sores could develop from itching and picking on the skin. There are even meth face sores that look like acne. Additionally, some sores may appear puss-filled or look similar to mosquito bites.
What Do Meth Sores Look Like?
The appearance of meth sores will vary based on several factors, including how meth is used. Generally, metho sores look like inflamed, red, and irritated skin patches that can appear anywhere on the body, including the arms, legs, chest, and feet.
Sores on the arms can be the result of injecting meth into veins. Meth face sores look like acne breakouts and are the result of poor hygiene and the skin being irritated by meth as it escapes the body through sweat.
Some meth face sores can look like open cuts from scratching and picking at the skin. Meth sores around the mouth can look like cold sores. These are caused by burns from the intense heat of meth pipes and smoking meth. Some people can also have meth sores inside their mouth and on their tongues.
Long-term uses of meth can also experience meth mites. This is a side effect where it feels like bugs are crawling under the skin while under the influence of the drug. People will scratch at the skin until it breaks open, leaving open wounds that turn into open sores.
Are the Sores from Meth Usage Dangerous?
Sore from meth use can become dangerous the longer meth is used. Initially, the sores can scab over and lead to scarring. However, they can become infected with repeated picking and scratching of the sores. Once infected, the infection can spread into the bloodstream and other areas of the body.
As the infection spreads, it can cause sepsis, which can become life-threatening if untreated. Various organs in the body can also become infected, which can lead to dangerous situations if the infection is not treated. In some cases, people may have to have amputation of the arms, feet, or hands to stop the infection. The worst-case situation from meth sores infections is death.
How to Treat the Body, Face, and Mouth for Meth Sores
The treatment for body, face, and mouth meth sores involves addressing any infection caused by the sores and simultaneously treating meth addiction. Infections from meth sores are treated using antibiotics. However, if sores have abscesses, they have to be drained, and the part of the skin with the abscessed sore could be cut away to prevent the spread of infection.
Treating meth addiction will involve undergoing detox to rid the body of the drug. Detox needs to be medically supervised as the withdrawal symptoms can be intense, severe, and painful if not managed correctly. Some of the more common symptoms of meth withdrawal include:
- Intense cravings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Restlessness
- Hallucinations
- Difficulty concentrating and focusing
While there currently are no FDA-approved medications for meth detox, specific medications can be prescribed to help with specific withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea or anxiety.
Meth Detox Timeline
Meth withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 24 hours of quitting meth. The exact timeline for each person can vary based on the duration and frequency of use and dosage taken. A generalized meth detox timeline is as follows:
- Days 1 to 3: The person with undergo a meth crash as the effects wear off. Initial symptoms can include nausea, fatigue, excessive sweating, and stomach cramping. Some people can also experience depression, anxiety, paranoia, or have thoughts of self-harm.
- Days 4 to 7: The withdrawal symptoms continue to increase in intensity until they peak. Individuals can continue to experience the same symptoms as the first three days, as well as mood swings, irritability, agitation, tremors, and body aches and pains.
- Days 8 to 15: The withdrawal symptoms should start subsiding during this period. However, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and cravings can persist.
- Days 16 onward: Any lingering physical withdrawal symptoms should fully subside within the first month. Some people may experience PAWS (post-acute-withdrawal syndrome), which is where the psychological withdrawal symptoms, such as cravings, anxiety, and depression, can persist for several months or longer. However, with continued support and treatment, these symptoms also subside over time.
Will Meth Sores Fully Heal?
Whether meth sores will fully heal depends on how long meth was abused. Acne-looking sores generally heal on their own once antibiotics are started. However, sores that were scrabbed over or ones that were open wounds often leave scarring on the skin. In addition, injection sores and burn sores usually leave some scarring.
Contact Los Angeles Detox to Overcome Meth Addiction
When you are ready to get help for meth abuse and addiction, Los Angeles Detox provides a safe, supportive, and caring environment to begin your recovery journey. Our compassionate team offers comprehensive meth detox and rehab treatment, which also addresses meth sores, personalized to your unique needs. Contact us today to start the journey to a brighter, meth-free future.
