Clinico-epidemiological Study of Mucocutaneous manifestations in Substance Users : A Cross-Sectional study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.v36i1.3199Keywords:
substance users, cutaneous manifestations, Alcohol, amphetamine, HeroinAbstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: Skin is considered to be mirror image of the body; we can establish diagnosis of disease involving any organ of the body by looking into skin and mucus membranes. This principle could be applied in suspected cases of drug abuse and drug addiction. Alcohol misuse can have long-lasting harmful effects on one's physical and mental health. Acutely, ingestion of alcohol may lead to transient flushing,Trauma-induced ecchymoses, it is a risk factor for many other health problems including cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and cancers. Objectives: To study the clinical-epidemiological profile of the skin diseases in Substance Users. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study involved 200 substance users attending Al- Qanat Social Rehabilitation center / Baghdad - Iraq of all age?groups, irrespective of gender were enrolled during the period from February 2024 to February 2025. Patients were subjected to detailed history taking and clinical evaluation of skin lesion and investigations . Results: Two hundred were enrolled in this study; 17(8.5%) were females and 183(91.5%) were males. The mean±SD of age was 29.38±8.4 years. Single substance addiction was noticed in 129 (64.5%) and multiple substance abuse was observed in 71(35.5%). Regarding mode of drug intake, single and multiple modes of drug administration were seen .Cutaneous lesions ranged from tattoo, track marks to severe ulcerations and scarring, Mucosal lesions also seen in several patients. Major bulk of skin manifestations were chronic. The highest addiction material among the patients were alcohol 61 (30.5%) and amphetamine 46 (23%) and the lowest were heroin, accupane and benzodiazepine 1 (0.5%). Conclusions: Drug abusers are prone to skin diseases due to injury caused by drugs as well as by drug practices adopted. Alcoholic patients had wide variety of skin manifestations commonest seen due to malnutrition. The early recognition of these signs is of importance for more effective diagnosis and treatment and to prevent long-term complications. Key words: substance users, cutaneous manifestations, Alcohol, amphetamine, HeroinReferences
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