Crystal meth is a potent stimulant drug that causes increased energy, a rush of euphoria, and a long list of adverse side effects like paranoia or psychosis.[1] There is a version of meth available by prescription, however, people who abuse this drug are buying it on the street. In other words, the meth you are abusing contains dangerous additives and chemicals.

As a central nervous system stimulant, meth causes your brain to speed up. It makes you stay awake for long periods and you might begin to hallucinate.

One of the most common hallucinations among meth users is the sensation of bugs crawling under the skin. This phenomenon is so common it is referred to as “meth mites.” Even though the bugs are a hallucination, you might pick at the skin, leading to skin sores and open wounds.

Meth sores are open sores and skin infections that can result from a combination of meth mites, a weakened immune system, and poor hygiene. If you are dealing with meth sores, you should keep up with your personal hygiene, see a doctor, and seek treatment for meth addiction.

The Causes of Meth Sores

When you abuse meth long-term, you might develop scabs or wounds on your skin from picking. Two main causes can play a role in the development of meth sores.

First, one of the hallucinations that is common among meth users is believing bugs are crawling under your skin. Also known as meth mites, this is a form of tactile hallucination referred to as dysesthesia. Because you think bugs are under your skin, you begin to pick compulsively.

According to a study, at least 43% of people who abuse meth experience hallucinations like meth mites.[2]

The second reason for meth sores is associated with the fact that meth is water-soluble.[3] This means you will sweat out the toxins found in meth, causing it to sit on your skin. Because weakened immune systems and poor hygiene are common among meth users, the toxins on your skin can lead to sores and blemishes.

What Do Meth Sores Look Like?

Unfortunately, meth sores are one of the common effects of meth and signs of meth addiction. Knowing what they look like can help you determine if a loved one is currently misusing methamphetamine.

Meth sores can appear anywhere on the body. They often occur on the face and appear as red and inflamed patches on the skin. If they become infected, they might be hot to the touch and filled with pus.

While meth sores are common on the face, they can be found on the arms, legs, chest, and other areas. At first, meth sores might look like an acne breakout. However, they tend to progress over time due to poor hygiene.

Eventually, meth sores might turn into abscesses or systemic infections that cover large areas of the body. This increases the risk of the individual experiencing life-threatening infections if they do not seek medical treatment.

Can You Get Rid of Meth Sores?

If you or a loved one is suffering from meth sores, there are a few steps you can take to treat them. First, you should engage in proper hygiene and wound care. If your sores seem infected, you must seek help from a medical professional.

Lastly, the only way to prevent meth sores from getting worse is to quit abusing it. To do this, you will need to attend a drug rehab center.

The easiest ways to overcome meth sores include:

Hygiene and Wound Care

Poor hygiene is one of the main causes of meth sores. If you are not consistently washing the area where your wounds are, they will become infected. Additionally, you should be using anti-bacterial creams and bandages if your sores have become open wounds.

Seeing a Doctor

Once you begin to notice that your meth sores have progressed or gotten infected, you should seek medical treatment. Meth sores can turn into abscesses or skin infections. Without treatment, you could develop a severe infection like MRSA.

Doctors can instruct you on the proper way to care for your meth sores and prescribe an antibiotic if an infection has developed.

Addiction Treatment

Lastly, if you want to get rid of meth sores for good, you should attend addiction treatment. The only way to stop developing meth sores is to quit using meth. While overcoming meth addiction can be incredibly difficult, a drug rehab center will offer you the tools and support you need to be successful.

At The Best Treatment Center, we offer a comprehensive approach to meth addiction treatment. We will provide you with medical detox, evidence-based behavioral therapies, and relapse prevention planning. Additionally, we will help you overcome the root causes of your substance abuse, making it easier for you to maintain long-term sobriety and avoid a relapse.

Find Help for Meth Abuse and Addiction

Meth is a dangerous stimulant drug that can lead to a variety of adverse effects, including sores on the skin. If you or a loved one is suffering from meth sores, that is a clear sign that you need professional addiction treatment. Thankfully, The Best Treatment Center is here to offer you the support you need to recover.

Our treatment program is designed to help you succeed in addiction recovery. We offer individualized treatment planning instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach. In other words, all of the services you receive will be specifically tailored to your needs.

Contact The Best Treatment Center today to learn more about what causes meth sores, how to overcome them, and how our meth addiction treatment center works.

References:

1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Know the Risks of Meth
2. Wiley Online Library: Methamphetamine-associated psychosis: Clinical presentation, biological basis, and treatment options
3. Research Gate: Excretion of Methamphetamine and Amphetamine in Human Sweat Following Controlled Oral Methamphetamine Administration