Cocaine use is associated with a range of health risks, such as heart attacks, strokes, overdose, addiction, and seizures. One of the lesser-known dangers of cocaine lies right on the surface—your skin. While cocaine’s internal damage is significant and life-threatening, its effects on skin health and facial appearance are often overlooked.
The Unseen Dangers of Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD)
Cocaine, also called “coke” or “crack,” is an addictive Schedule II stimulant drug. Not only is cocaine one of the most widely abused stimulants, but it is also one of the most problematic street drugs in the United States, responsible for emergency room visits.
Cocaine’s effects can cause severe symptoms and health complications, including overdose, withdrawal, addiction, heart failure, stroke, and even death. From accelerated, premature aging to life-threatening skin infections, the effects of cocaine use disorder on the face can be permanent and severe.
How Cocaine Affects Your Skin and Facial Appearance
Illicit substances like cocaine don’t just affect what’s inside—they leave visible damage to the skin. While the short and long-term effects of cocaine use can damage internal organ systems, it can also affect the cutaneous system. Cocaine has been associated with causing vasculitides, infectious problems, and numerous dermatologic conditions.
Vasoconstriction: The Root of Skin Damage
Cocaine is a potent vasoconstrictor, causing the blood vessels to narrow and reducing blood flow. Vasoconstriction results in poor oxygenation and nutrient delivery to skin tissues. This restriction can lead to:
- Dry, flaky skin
- Pale or discolored complexion
- Delayed wound healing
- Skin necrosis (tissue death)
Reduced blood flow from cocaine abuse weakens the skin’s natural barrier, which makes it more susceptible to infections, ulcers, and tissue loss.
Accelerated Aging and Premature Wrinkles
Regular cocaine use accelerates the aging process, leading to premature wrinkles and skin dehydration. The effects of cocaine cause reduced collagen production and dehydration, leading to:
- Premature wrinkles
- Loose, sagging skin
- Fine lines around the mouth and eyes
- A dull and tired appearance
Individuals with cocaine use disorder can cause their skin elasticity to break down, making the skin look much older than it is.
Facial Lesions and Ulcers
Many cocaine users experience facial sores and ulcers, particularly around the mouth and nose. These facial lesions and ulcers can evolve from the breakdown of blood vessels and chronic irritation. In extreme cases, cocaine addiction can lead to cocaine-induced vasculitis and cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions (CIMDL).
Acne, Breakouts, and Inflammation
Cocaine abuse triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can trigger:
- Acne breakouts
- Increased oil production
- Inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea
Tactile Hallucinations (Formication)
Cocaine users often experience itching sensations, known as Formication, which causes excessive scratching and skin picking. Formication (tactile hallucination) is when someone experiences a hallucination that feels like insects crawling on or underneath their skin.
People who use cocaine often experience these hallucinations, causing them to scratch or pick at their skin and further damage the surface. This can increase the risk of open wounds, scarring, and infections.
“Coke Bloat”: Facial Bloating and Puffiness
Many individuals experience facial puffiness or bloating from cocaine use, often called “coke bloat.” Coke bloat can result from fluid retention, inflammation, and swollen glands from cocaine abuse. This can cause the appearance of bloating and puffiness, particularly under the chin and in the cheeks.
Compromised Immune System and Skin Infections
Cocaine use, and any particular substance abuse, weakens the immune system, making it challenging for the body to ward off infections and diseases. A compromised immune system from cocaine addiction increases the risk of:
- Abscesses and boils
- Cellulitis (bacterial skin infection)
- Slow healing of cuts and sores
Skin trauma from frequent snorting or injections of cocaine can make way for bacteria to enter the body. People with cocaine use disorder are more susceptible to recurring skin problems and infections.
Discoloration and Hyperpigmentation
Cocaine is associated with several cardiovascular complications and diseases, including heart failure, arrhythmias, hypertension, and myocardial infarction. Cocaine-induced blood vessel damage is another cardiovascular complication of cocaine abuse, which can cause uneven skin tone, including:
- Hyperpigmentation (dark patches)
- Hypopigmentation (loss of color)
- Broken capillaries
- Visible blood vessels
Skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation can create a blotchy complexion that can be challenging to reverse, even after quitting cocaine use.
How to Protect and Heal Your Skin from Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine use disorder can leave long-lasting emotional and physical scars, but with the proper care, your mind, body, and soul can begin to heal. Whether you’re in recovery from cocaine addiction or supporting someone who is, taking active steps is the key to restoring skin health and confidence.
The Ultimate Solution: Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
The most effective way to protect and heal your skin from the effects of cocaine is to quit using cocaine. Even if you are prioritizing skincare and professional treatments, continued use of cocaine will counteract these treatments. It’s no secret that telling someone to quit using drugs is much simpler than actually doing it. However, through addiction treatment and support networks, recovery is possible.
Seeking help through drug detox and rehabilitation programs, therapy, and recovery support groups can help individuals struggling with cocaine use disorder toward healing and recovery. For cocaine detox programs in Stuart, FL, contact Coastal Detox today.
Professional Skin Treatments and At-Home Skincare Recovery
After visiting a drug detox and rehab facility, seeking out a dermatologist for professional skin advice is essential. A healthcare professional can help tailor treatment plans to your unique skincare needs and health status.
Cocaine significantly dehydrates the body and skin, requiring frequent replenishing of hydration. Some at-home skincare remedies, such as drinking lots of water and using hydrating serums and moisturizers, can help counteract dehydration. In doing so, you can work towards restoring and protecting the skin barrier from past cocaine use.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2024. Cocaine.
- U.S. Department of Justice, 2017. Drugs of Abuse.
- Journal of Drug Issues, 2004. Characteristics of Hidden Status among Users of Crack, Powder Cocaine, and Heroin in Central Harlem.
- Atherosclerosis, 2018. Vascular disease in cocaine addiction.
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2008. Cocaine abuse: Dermatologic manifestations and therapeutic approaches.
- Cleveland Clinic, 2023. Cocaine (Crack).
- Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 2016. Cocaine-induced vasculitis with cutaneous manifestation: A recurrent episode after 2 years.
- Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal, 2016. Cocaine-Induced Vasculitis.
- PubMed Central, 2018. Prickling or Formication after the use of cocaine.
- Cleveland Clinic, 2022. Formication.
- Healthline, 2021. What Is ‘Coke Bloat’? And Can You Get Rid of It?
- American Heart Association, 2010. Cardiovascular Effects of Cocaine.