Skin picking dangers and heroin withdrawal: Skin lesions
Skin popping as it is commonly known is the practice of injecting heroin under the top layer of the skin. It must be noted that skin picking dangers are very evident as it leaves very distinctive round sores along the skin’s surface. Professionally doctor Dalal Akoury, MD is registering that these sores can easily become infected thereby resulting in permanent scars. For users who are anxious, restless or experiencing cravings, the scabs can become the focus of obsessive picking. Remember that picking at the sores increases the risk of cellulitis, or the infection of the soft tissues underlying the dermis says doctor Akoury.
Skin picking dangers and heroin withdrawal: Methamphetamine users
Skin lesions are common in heavy methamphetamine users. This central nervous system stimulant can cause a condition called delusional parasitosis, or the false believe that the user is infested with organisms that are crawling across their skin. This condition which is also known as “meth mites” or “cocaine bugs” can lead to severe self-mutilation if the user is acutely intoxicated.
Skin picking dangers and heroin withdrawal: Quitting the highly addictive opiate
Experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are registering that it is important to note that withdrawing from heroin which is a highly addictive opiate can be very intensely an uncomfortable experience. The patient is likely to go through experiences of restlessness, nervousness, severe cravings and goose bumps which may trigger the urge to self-mutilate. Users in withdrawal often say that they feel like they’re crawling out of their skin. In this state, skin picking may provide a momentary sense of release.
Skin picking dangers and heroin withdrawal: Heroin effects to the skin
Heroin withdrawal affects the skin in several important ways. Goose bumps, along with chills, shivering and cold sweats, occur as the brain adjusts to the absence of this powerful opioid. These bumps are caused by tiny muscles that tighten at the base of the fine hairs that cover the skin. For the user in withdrawal, compulsively rubbing or tugging at the skin may counteract the sensations of cold and restlessness.
Skin picking and self-mutilation can also help the user cope with opiate cravings. The sensations of pleasure or pain are a temporary distraction from the desire to use heroin. Ritualistic picking can provide an outlet for the intense anxiety, nervous tension and restlessness that characterize withdrawal.
Finally it must be understood clearly that skin picking provides only a temporary relief from the symptoms of opiate withdrawal. Once physical withdrawal symptoms begin, they can last for several days. The best way to avoid withdrawal symptoms like goose bumps, sweats and muscle pain is to enter a medically supervised detox program like AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury. This is actually a detox center where you will receive all the physical and moral support you need to minimize the symptoms of withdrawal and avoid a relapse.
Skin picking dangers and heroin withdrawal: Skin lesions
