Intravenous drug use weakens your immune system, making it more susceptible to infections like cellulitis. Many of these are harmless and even beneficial. If you don’t treat cellulitis, it could develop into other more severe complications, according to MedlinePlus, such as: Additionally, without proper medical care, the bad bacteria and infection could gain a stronghold in your blood. Improperly treated cellulitis can lead to more severe infections and deadly complications. Cellulitis is a type of skin infection, which is usually caused by either staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria. That may … Both of these kinds of bacteria are present on the skin of humans as part of their natural layer of microbiome. One of the hallmark signs of drug addiction is when a person continues to use despite the knowledge that their drug abuse is causing harm to their body and health. If the pain is severe, medication may be prescribed. The types of drugs which are IV injected are very addictive. Group A streptococcal bacteria causes most cases of cellulitis in the general population. In the occasional patient with recurrent disease usually related to venous or lymphatic obstruction, the cellulitis is most often due to Streptococcus species, and penicillin G or amoxicillin (250 mg bid) or erythromycin (250 mg qd or bid) may be effective. Infections can be classified as simple (uncomplicated) or complicated (necrotizing or nonnecrotizing), or as suppurative or nonsuppurative. However, people who inject IV drugs are also at risk of cellulitis from other bacteria and even fungi. As soon as you seek treatment, medical staff will administer an antibiotic and draw blood cultures. The skin will also look shiny and slightly swollen at the infection site. In rare cases, cellulitis doesn't get better with oral antibiotics alone. AddictionResource.net is a referral service that provides information about addiction treatment practitioners and facilities. Symptoms typically dissipate within first few days of antibiotic therapy but may take longer especially in limbs with poor circulation or chronic edema even though the constitutional symptoms may disappear earlier. Abstract Skin and soft tissue infections are the most common cause for hospital admission of injection drug users. This method is typically used because it causes drugs to enter directly into the bloodstream so the person can feel the effects faster. It may also be caused by certain types of streptococcal and oral bacteria or even fungi. For many, the most well known is the addictive and very dangerous opioid drug heroin. There’s a lot more you could contract besides cellulitis. Once it spreads into the deepest layers of the skin, it will finally push through into the bloodstream. Cellulitis is a type of infection that affects the skin and the tissue underneath. All Addiction Resource content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible. indications for cellulitis with signs of systemic infection e.g., positive blood cultures ; drugs penicillin; cefazolin ; ceftriaxone; clindamycin; Complications: Skin abscess formation . Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available. uncomplicated cellulitis. Staphylococcus aureus is frequently responsible for infections of this kind (staph infections). Bacterial infections may List of drugs used to treat the medical condition called Cellulitis. Once these bacteria find a way beneath the skin, your body’s natural defenses go to work. Sepsis, shock, and bone and blood infections are possible dangers of IV drug use, too. However, certain bacteria which reside here can become dangerous if they enter your body. For the most part, they remain undetected until a person gets a wound on their body that allows the bacteria to make their way through the flesh and into the bloodstream. Convincing a person who is addicted to intravenous drugs to seek medical help isn’t always easy because they will often be concerned about whether a doctor will report them to the police. It is very important to get them to a medical facility for care. Because of this, and the other potential risks and complications, it is important that those who notice this condition on an addicted person do whatever they can to get them into a treatment center right away. AddictionResource.net does not endorse any treatment facility or guarantee the quality of care provided, or the results to be achieved, by any treatment facility. But if you suffer from an opioid addiction, it’s important you relay this information to your provider. MRSA 9. Cellulitis treatment usually includes a prescription oral antibiotic. Hypersensitive (allergic) to any of the proposed antibiotics 4. If your cellulitis led to a more advanced infection, more intensive measures may be necessary. These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. These small areas harbor an enormous amount of bacteria. By 2016 that number had grown to more than 100, with the majority of them coming from patients using intravenous drugs. For more information regarding this process, or for addiction treatment options, be sure to contact a treatment specialist. ”Among patients with uncomplicated cellulitis, the use of cephalexin plus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole compared to cephalexin alone did not result in higher rates of clinical resolution of cellulitis in the per-protocol analysis. Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection. Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff. Your doctor may use IV or intramuscular antibiotics if: ... You have other medical problems. Cellulitis is a common global health burden, with more than 650,000 admissions per year in the United States alone. Some even know the harsh reality of allowing the drugs to take over their lives—losing their jobs, loved ones, vehicles, and even becoming homeless. Sometimes, cellulitis will spread. In 2012, Norton Leatherman Spine saw only five patients with these serious spine infections. This overwhelms an area which is already in overdrive with even more bacteria. Cellulitis is a type of skin and soft tissue infection. Symptoms emerge suddenly, and usually appear in two to five days after the bacteria first gained a foothold. Importance: Cellulitis is an infection of the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue, presenting with expanding erythema, warmth, tenderness, and swelling. COVID-19 Ongoing Health and Safety Precautions, Cocaine And Amphetamines Increase Suicide Risk For Drug Users, https://www.hri.global/files/2010/06/15/Chapter_3.3Web_.pdf, https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/30/3/579/601463/High-Prevalence-of-Abscesses-and-Cellulitis-Among, http://www.sepsis.org/sepsis-and/cellulitis/. IV antibiotics . Rest until your symptoms improve. If not adequately treated, cellulitis may progress to pyogenic myositis, necrotizing fasciitis, osteomyelitis, septic This area will commonly be warm and is most always excessively painful to the touch. Most cellulitis infections can be treated with antibiotics that are taken by mouth (oral antibiotics). Raise the affected limb higher than your heart to reduce swelling. CALL: 844-951-1939. FOLLOW UP. Vertava Health can help you find a program to support you on this journey. If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at info@addictionresouce.net. IV antibiotics. Abscesses and cellulitis are a common problem among injection drug users (IDUs). Instead of using alcohol which kills certain bacteria, some individuals will lick their arm or use saliva. Gangrene occurs when the skin and muscle tissue begin to die off from blood not being able to flow into the area properly. Intravenous drug use weakens your immune system, making it more susceptible to infections like cellulitis. It isn't usually spread from p… Within three days of starting an antibiotic, let your doctor know whether the infection is responding to treatment. Several other organisms can cause cellulitis, but usually only in special circumstances, such as animal bites, freshwater or saltwater immersion injuries, … Racial Disparities And Addiction Treatment, https://www.sepsis.org/sepsisand/iv-drug-use/, Shooting Demerol (Injection): Dangers And Side Effects, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus — Cellulitis. Complications from infection result in 60-80% of total hospital admissions for this group. Copyright © 2021 AddictionResource.net. Cellulitis from intravenous IV drug use can be dangerous if a person develops this skin infection from being exposed to a type of bacteria called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Inflammation of the lymph vessels (lymphangitis). Injecting drug users commonly contract cellulitis. AddictionResource.net is not a medical provider or treatment facility and does not provide medical advice. This method has been linked to increased rates of cellulitis, such that “injection drug users who skin-pop are five times more likely to develop…cellulitis,” as reported within the article “Dermatologic Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse.”. An addicted person could potentially die from it, especially if they already have a weakened immune system from the damage that addiction caused their body. This is a very bad sign which means the infection is growing. Good treatment programs will address your physical, mental, and emotional health needs, so that you can build a solid recovery. One of the delivery methods frequently used by addicted individuals is intravenous (IV) drug use, or injecting drugs with a hypodermic needle. If the infection reaches this stage, the likelihood of serious complications (including death) rises. more common in IV drug users; Lymphedema due to lymphatic damage caused by infection; may be permanent; Sepsis Skin and soft tissue infections result from microbial invasion of the skin and its supporting structures. Please do not ignore these symptoms or try to treat cellulitis on your own. If you wish to connect with a specific rehab center, you can browse rehabs by state, or visit: SAMHSA.gov. An infection is a sign that your white blood cells are trying to fight the bacterial invaders. It occurs when a crack or break in your skin allows bacteria to enter.Left untreated, the infection can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream and rapidly become life-threatening. Where You Inject: Certain individuals actually inject into a spot which is already becoming infected. The skin may also appear tight in a way which makes it seem glossy. Dosage and course length 2 . Cellulitis may appear to worsen the first 24-48+ hrs despite antibiotics. Once cellulitis appears, the sore and/or rash quickly expands within the first day. Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics. We can help you overcome addiction and get your life back. Because of this, many people are so consumed by seeking their next fix that they ignore safe injection practices. The infection develops at or near the injection site. Swelling due to blocked lymphatic vessels (lymphoedema) 2. Cellulitis usually appears on the legs and feet, arms and hands, or face. In this cross-sectional survey of street-recruited IDUs, we estimated the prevalence of abscesses and cellulitis among IDUs by examining all participants who reported symptoms of local infection. Learn More. Cellulitis worse on >48 hours of IV βlactam therapy Known MRSA colonization Prior history of MRSA infection Recent intravenous drug use Severe sepsis or septic shock EMPIRIC ORAL ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY FOR OUTPATIENT THERAPY, OR ORAL STEP-DOWN THERAPY: Preferred Sharing needles with other addicted people can also contribute to the problem, especially if they happen to have poor hygiene. Risks of Cellulitis in the Body When you use the IV injection method for taking drugs, you are risking your health. Antibiotic 1. First-choice antibiotic (give oral unless person unable to take oral or severely unwell) 3 Flucloxacillin. Unlike other kinds of bacteria, MRSA can’t be killed off by most of the antibiotics that are currently available. If the skin isn’t cleaned before an injection, there is a good chance that the microbes will immediately make their way into the wound. This is called sepsis or “blood poisoning.” A sepsis infection can travel all throughout your body. The affected skin appears swollen and red and is typically painful and warm to the touch.Cellulitis usually affects the skin on the lower legs, but it can occur in the face, arms and other areas. Staphylococcus aureus less frequently causes cellulitis, but cases due to this organism are typically associated with an open wound or previous penetrating trauma, including sites of illicit drug injection. Most community-acquired infections are caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and beta-hemolytic streptococcus. IV drug injection weakens the immune system while making the body more prone to infection. Harm Reduction International - https://www.hri.global/files/2010/06/15/Chapter_3.3Web_.pdf, Oxford Academic - https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/30/3/579/601463/High-Prevalence-of-Abscesses-and-Cellulitis-Among, Sepsis Alliance - http://www.sepsis.org/sepsis-and/cellulitis/, Every person is different so there is no standard time-frame for treatment. Gangrene is usually noticed whenever the tissue surrounding a wound starts to turn black. 500 mg to 1 g four times a day orally 4 for 5 to 7 days 5. or 1 to 2 g four times a day IV 6. You may need to be hospitalized and receive antibiotics through your veins (intravenously) if: 1. There are many factors to consider when it comes to intravenous (IV) drug use and the development of infection. Significant hepatic and/or renal disease 6. You may opt out of messaging by responding STOP. The only effective way that the condition can be treated is by using antibiotics that have to be prescribed by a doctor. One of the dangers of IV drug use is that it can lead to cellulitis from punctures in the skin caused by hypodermic needles. Because of this, IV drug users facing cellulitis may try to treat themselves with over-the-counter creams. If you or a loved one IV injects, you need to be aware of the risks and dangers associated with this method. Facial cellulitis 8. Not Cleaning The Skin: If an individual doesn’t properly clean and disinfect the injection site, these bacteria and other pathogens will have a way into your body. IV drug use is, unfortunately, a common theme amongst today's drug addicts. As the needle pierces your skin during IV injection, any surface bacteria could be carried into your body. Doctors also found that most patients were too far along to avoid surgery. If you’re able, raise the infected area over your heart to help keep the swelling at bay. Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria. Known colonisation of ceftriaxone resistant organism e.g. Although the condition is not directly contagious, the bacteria associated with the infection can be passed on to other people. These openings can be caused by a number of factors: Broken or fractured bones Burns Scrapes Bug bites Prolonged skin conditions such as athlete’s foot, eczema, chickenpox, etc. 1. Neutropenia 7. It’s important to get ample rest and drink a lot of fluids during this time, to help your immune system regain its strength. However, the main contributor to this skin infection is the repeated use of dirty hypodermic needles on one area of the body. Cellulitis/lymph-angitis IV-drug-abuse– ... MD, 1995]).1 Infections in IV-drug abusers and in diabetic patients have a high incidence of Gram-neg-ative organisms.1,6,12,15Risk factors for necrotizing fasciitis include IV drug or alcohol abuse and diabetes mellitus.17 Incision and Wound Calls to numbers dedicated to a specific treatment center will be routed to that treatment center. Unlike other kinds of bacteria, MRSA can’t be killed off by most of the antibiotics that are currently available. All other calls will be routed to our treatment partners. Factors which can cause cellulitis include: Our Skin: On any given day, your skin is host to a variety of bacteria and other microorganisms. Cellulitis causes redness and pain to advance up the affected limb. The best way to avoid future IV drug-related infections is by getting sober. Cutaneous and subcutaneous abscesses are the most frequent type of SSTI and occur most commonly when drug users are no longer able to inject intravenously and resort to injection directly into skin or muscle. We offer 100% confidential substance abuse assessment and treatment placement tailored to your individual needs. One of the hallmark signs of drug addiction is when a person continues to use despite the knowledge that their drug abuse is causing harm to their body and health. Bacteriology of skin and soft-tissue infections: comparison of infections in intravenous drug users and individuals with no history of intravenous drug use. Summanen PH, Talan DA, Strong C, et al. Recurrent cellulitis. Intravenous drug use: Injecting drugs, especially with used needles, can lead to abscesses and infections under the skin, increasing the risk of cellulitis. If this happens, some people may resort to “skin popping.” To do this, a person injects the drug under their skin instead of into a vein. Misuse of medical equipment during IV drug use and lack of proper hygienic care can result in a number of skin-related risks and complications. Your calls are always free and 100% confidential. Observations: In the United States, an estimated 14.5 million cases annually of cellulitis account for $3.7 billion … These practices fail to remove bacteria, and instead introduce harmful oral bacteria to the injection site.