Dermatologic Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse

The document reviewed dermatologic signs and symptoms associated with substance abuse, highlighting the effects of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, alcohol, anabolic steroids, and tanning addiction on the skin. It detailed specific cutaneous manifestations such as track marks, skin-popping scars, and infections related to injection drug use, as well as conditions like cocaine-associated necrosis and heroin-related rashes. Marijuana use was linked to premature aging and hair loss, while methamphetamine abuse was associated with "meth mouth" and skin sores. Alcohol abuse was connected to liver disease indicators like spider angiomas, and anabolic steroid use was linked to acne and hair changes. Tanning addiction was noted to cause premature skin aging and increased cancer risk. The document stressed the importance of clinicians recognizing these signs for better diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse disorders, but did not provide specific study participant numbers, limiting the ability to gauge the strength of the evidence presented.