Skin popping, a method of injecting illicit drugs, can lead to severe acute and chronic health risks and complications. While skin popping is often seen as a more accessible and safer alternative to intravenous (IV) drug use, it has been associated with an increased risk of drug overdose, bacterial infections, hyperpigmentation, necrosis, and transmission of blood-borne diseases.
Understanding Skin Popping: Injecting Illicit Drugs
Skin popping refers to the method of injecting illicit drugs directly under the skin instead of into a muscle or vein. Illicit substances often used for this method of drug administration include cocaine, methamphetamine (meth), heroin, barbiturates, and opiates. People who inject drugs (PWID) under the skin as opposed to intravenously or intramuscularly often have trouble locating their veins as a result of long-term IV drug use.
Chronic injection drug use over time can cause veins to collapse or become inaccessible, causing people to resort to alternative methods. Illicit drug users may believe injecting drugs under the skin is less damaging or safer than directly into a vein. This dangerous misconception has led to the practice of skin popping, raising significant concerns for both acute and chronic complications.
The Risks and Complications of Skin Popping
The risks of injecting illicit drugs through skin popping can be severe and potentially life-threatening. From bacterial infections, necrosis, risk of overdose, skin-popping scars, and blood-borne diseases, injection drug use is a dangerous, illicit drug practice.
Infections and Abscesses
One of the most common acute cutaneous complications of skin popping is the risk of bacterial infections. Injecting drugs directly under the skin instills bacteria, pathogens, and other irritants into the body. Bacterial infections from skin popping can give rise to abscesses, cellulitis, and even life-threatening conditions like sepsis.
A study showed that individuals who engage in illicit drug use through skin popping have a significantly higher risk of developing abscesses or cellulitis than those who inject intravenously. Abscesses, buildups of pus under the skin, from injection drug abuse are particularly common. If left untreated, these swollen lumps can require surgical drainage and potentially spread the infection throughout the body.
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that disturbs the skin and the tissue underneath from injection drug use. In some cases, cellulitis from skin popping can lead to blood poisoning, a life-threatening condition known as sepsis.
Tissue Damage and Necrosis
Skin popping can lead to severe tissue damage, causing skin necrosis or the death of skin and underlying tissues. This can transpire when the injected drug, such as heroin or another illicit substance, causes the tissue to die from irritating the tissue or cutting off the blood supply at the injection site. Necrosis can manifest in large open wounds that are relatively slow to heal and may require extensive medical attention. In some cases, necrosis from drug use and skin popping can require intensive surgery to remove the dead tissue.
Increased Risk of Drug Overdose
People who inject drugs (PWID) by skin popping are under the impression that this method of drug administration carries a lower risk of overdose than injecting drugs into the vein. However, individuals who skin-pop are at a higher risk of drug overdose than those who inject intravenously.
When barbiturates or opioids are injected under the skin, the substance takes longer to absorb compared to when it is injected into a vein. This delayed drug absorption also results in delayed side effects, which can lead people to inject more of the drug to achieve the desired effects. Slower drug absorption heightens the risk of a drug overdose, which in some cases can be fatal, especially with opioids.
Skin Popping Scars and Disfigurement
Long-term skin popping or chronic injection drug use can cause severe skin scarring and disfigurement. Skin-popping scars are one of the most visible signs of drug abuse and are relatively common in individuals who inject illicit drugs under the skin.
Injecting illicit drugs can lead to the formation of keloids, which are thick and raised scars caused by skin trauma or inflammation. Over time, keloid scars can grow large and disfiguring, particularly distressing for individuals. The physical signs of illicit drug use can give rise to mental health issues, social isolation, and increased drug use.
Transmission of Blood-borne Diseases
Similar to the hidden dangers of intravenous (IV) drug use, skin popping can lead to the transmission of blood-borne diseases. People who inject drugs (PWID) are more susceptible to diseases, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. This transmission can occur through sharing drug needles, reusing contaminated needles, or non-sterile injection practices for skin popping or IV drug use.
Drug Detox and Treatment for Skin Popping and IV Drug Abuse
Skin popping and injection drug abuse affect millions of Americans, further exacerbating the drug abuse and overdose crises in the United States. Substance use disorders (SUDs) have been associated with severe health concerns in the short and long term, requiring extensive medical attention and treatment.
Medical drug detoxification and rehab treatment programs have proven effective in treating drug and alcohol use disorders (AUDs). At Coastal Detox, our drug detox facility in Stuart, we address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, ensuring a holistic recovery process. Comprehensive drug rehab programs for people who inject drugs (PWID) integrate medical treatments, behavioral therapies, addiction treatments, and psychotherapies to address all aspects of drug use disorders.
Recovering from IV drug abuse or skin popping can be challenging, but with effective treatment and support, it is possible. If you’re struggling with substance abuse, Coastal’s drug detox programs in South Florida are here to help you overcome addiction. With a strong foundation and support system, you can enter recovery and build a healthier, drug-free life.
Don’t wait any longer. Reach out today.
References:
- Cureus, 2018. Recognizing Skin Popping Scars: A Complication of Illicit Drug Use.
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2017. Skin popping scars: A chronic complication of illicit drug use.
- Cureus, 2023. “Skin Popping” and “Shooter’s Patch” As Manifestations of Intradermal Drug Abuse.
- Sepsis Alliance. Sepsis and Cellulitis.
- Cleveland Clinic, 2022. Necrosis.
- Cell Transplantation, 2019. Substance Use Disorder, Intravenous Injection, and HIV Infection: A Review.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024. Routes of Drug Use Among Drug Overdose Deaths — United States, 2020–2022.