Cutaneous Manifestations Associated With Substance Use Disorders
April 2025
in “
JAAD reviews.
”
Studysummary This review provides an overview of skin manifestations associated with substance use disorder but reports no new clinical findings; the authors emphasize the importance of dermatological evaluation and multidisciplinary care in managing these cases.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
Substance use disorder (SUD) is linked to various skin manifestations that can indicate the type of substance used or its administration method. Intravenous drug use often results in vascular and lymphatic complications and skin infections. Specific drugs cause distinct skin conditions, such as cannabis-related acne and alopecia, hallucinogen-induced acne-like rashes, and stimulant-related retiform purpura and ulcers. Opioids can cause pruritus and thrombotic microangiopathy, while heroin use may lead to ulcers and candidiasis. The document stresses the importance of dermatologists in identifying these lesions for early SUD detection and management, recommending a multidisciplinary approach involving dermatopsychiatric care.
