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What Causes Rashes On Body After Smoking Methamphetamine?
Question: How should I treat skin rash from meth use?
Brief Answer:
Here are some ideas:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
As I'm sure you know, methamphetamine is pretty hard on the body, and that includes toxic effects on the skin.
The skin rash can be from very dry skin from meth, but it is likely to be from an immune reaction to the drug which makes people feel like scratching/picking at the skin from a sensation that feel like bugs under the skin.
Even though the skin can be dry, sometimes people sweat more from meth, and this can be a skin irritant too.
So what to do. Please consider quitting as the rash will probably continue from the meth. But aside from that, here are some suggestions.
If there are open sores or abraded patches of skin, keep it clean and dry and put zinc oxide on to protect it. Use a clean Q tip to apply the zinc oxide.
If there are signs of infection (redness and pus), apply hot compresses (careful not to burn your skin) several times a day and an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin to the infected area.
If the skin is dry and irritated, wash it with XXXXXXX warm water and apply a good cream or ointment such as Aquaphor.
If you are having hives (this is less common) - raised irregular wheals - try taking the antihistamine Zyrtec (ceterizine) 1 - 2 times/day.
The rash will likely continue as long as using meth. Although you can try these treatments, since it is the meth that is causing the skin problem, it may continue.
I hope this information helps.
Here are some ideas:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
As I'm sure you know, methamphetamine is pretty hard on the body, and that includes toxic effects on the skin.
The skin rash can be from very dry skin from meth, but it is likely to be from an immune reaction to the drug which makes people feel like scratching/picking at the skin from a sensation that feel like bugs under the skin.
Even though the skin can be dry, sometimes people sweat more from meth, and this can be a skin irritant too.
So what to do. Please consider quitting as the rash will probably continue from the meth. But aside from that, here are some suggestions.
If there are open sores or abraded patches of skin, keep it clean and dry and put zinc oxide on to protect it. Use a clean Q tip to apply the zinc oxide.
If there are signs of infection (redness and pus), apply hot compresses (careful not to burn your skin) several times a day and an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin to the infected area.
If the skin is dry and irritated, wash it with XXXXXXX warm water and apply a good cream or ointment such as Aquaphor.
If you are having hives (this is less common) - raised irregular wheals - try taking the antihistamine Zyrtec (ceterizine) 1 - 2 times/day.
The rash will likely continue as long as using meth. Although you can try these treatments, since it is the meth that is causing the skin problem, it may continue.
I hope this information helps.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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