Mind Over Substance
2 minutes
Track Marks and Skin Signs of Injection Drug Use
Some people who use drugs inject them with a needle. Over time this leaves marks on the skin. Track marks are lines of small dots, scars, or dark spots that follow a vein. They often show up inside the elbow, but also on the hands, legs, feet, or neck. You may also see bruises, scabs, or a red, hot, swollen lump. A lump like that may be an abscess, which is a pocket of pus under the skin. It can turn into a serious infection and needs a doctor soon. People who use stimulants may pick at their skin and leave open sores. Burns on the fingers or lips can come from hot pipes. Long sleeves on a hot day can be a way to hide marks. None of these signs proves drug use. Blood draws, IV lines, kidney care, insulin shots, eczema, bug bites, and work injuries leave marks too. Cuts on the arms may point to self-harm, which needs a different kind of care. Never ask a person to roll up a sleeve or show you their arms. Note only what is in plain view, and where it is on the body. If a wound looks infected, help the person get medical care. After this Concept you can describe skin marks in plain words, name other causes for them, and treat an infected wound as a health need first.