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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pain And Tenderness At The Site Of Heroin Infusion?

Hello, I am a IV heroin user. I recently missed a shot in my left forearm,I may have hit an artery,Im actually sure if it because I did register blood but it burnt severely as I injected,disregard WHY I continued to inject despite the spreading burning pain because I cannot answer that myself. So,the area remained tender and looking very bruised,as days have gone by it has become more tender and painful and what looks like a very dark bruise is not getting better..and it is becoming very itchy..but very painful to the touch. I assumed I somewhat burned the surrounding tissue with the acidic heroin (black tar) but it doesn t seem to be gettinf any better and it seems as if the skin above the bruise is becoming,well,idk how to explain.its becoming raw i guess you could say. Have I burnt myself from the inside out? Or have I developed something that is rotting or eating my tissue from the inside? It isn t very swollen and doesn t seem to be abcess like..this is different..please help me understand if I am in serious need of medical attention. Thank you.
Tue, 31 Dec 2019
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hello,

As per my clinical experience, the pain and tenderness at the site of heroin infusion indicates that there is possible thrombophlebitis at the site of infusion. The ideal management would be consisting of local application of ice for a period of 5 minutes each 3 - 4 times a day, hirudoid or thrombophobe ointment application 2-3 times a day and supportive medications as per the guidance of your doc.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel, General Surgeon
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What Causes Pain And Tenderness At The Site Of Heroin Infusion?

Hello, As per my clinical experience, the pain and tenderness at the site of heroin infusion indicates that there is possible thrombophlebitis at the site of infusion. The ideal management would be consisting of local application of ice for a period of 5 minutes each 3 - 4 times a day, hirudoid or thrombophobe ointment application 2-3 times a day and supportive medications as per the guidance of your doc. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel, General Surgeon