“For there was never yet a philosopher who could endure a toothache patiently.”
William Shakespeare
There are few feelings worse in the world than achy teeth or gums. Yet meth use can lead to pain not only in the mouth, but all across the body.
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we’ve seen many clients who live with what are known as meth sores. This painful condition can be incredibly disruptive and dangerous. So today, we’re going to focus on answering the question – what are meth sores?
Meth sores are small wounds that appear from consistent methamphetamine use. While these are not necessarily dangerous, they are frequently painful. These can lead to more serious health complications, especially in the event of infection.
Meth sores can result from both the physical and the psychological consequences of methamphetamine use.
Meth releases powerful acids, which over time can wear away at the skin on the face and in the mouth. Frequent use can lead to scratching and picking at skin, either from hallucinations or general itchiness. Meth also reduces the ability of the body to heal, and weakens the immune system – this can cause even small lesions or burns to worsen over time. In general, as use continues, sores can develop across the body and in the mouth.
Meth sores can take many different appearances, depending on their location and their severity. Small lesions may appear as tiny bumps or a rash, red and swollen. These can develop into open wounds, tiny cuts or sores that look red and inflamed. If they become infected, these can swell and require medical attention and antibiotics to treat.
A condition commonly referred to as “meth face” may occur. This is the accumulation of damage in the mouth and throat from repeated methamphetamine use. This typically begins with minor symptoms, sore gums or bad breath. However, as time goes on, more severe symptoms can develop – tooth loss, mouth sores, and permanent damage.
These mouth sores are especially dangerous. Heart disease, stroke, cancer, and Alzheimer’s all have direct links to gum disease. Methamphetamine increases the risk for gum disease, and infections that start with mouth sores can quickly spread throughout the body.
Skin sores on the face can begin with burns due to smoking meth, or the acid that results from its use. For some individuals, “meth mites'' can appear. This is a hallucination, typically a sensation of bugs crawling on the skin. This leads people to scratch and scrape at their skin uncontrollably, leading to new cuts or opening up old wounds.
When these are combined with meth’s negative impact on the immune system, even minor scrapes can become open sores that take weeks to heal.
The number one risk associated with meth sores is infection. Even minor infections can become life threatening if left untreated, and meth increases the likelihood of open wounds and infection. Some people find it difficult to eat or enjoy food, as mouth sores can be incredibly painful. Sores may lead to permanent scarring, especially since meth slows the healing process.
The best way to treat meth sores is to stop using meth. If meth use continues, the body’s ability to heal will be compromised, you will be more likely to develop infections, and the damage will continue.
If a sore develops in the mouth, swishing or gargling salt water may be an effective remedy. Some antiseptic gels may be useful to promote healing and prevent infection, or as a painkiller to help with eating. Ibuprofen may help reduce swelling and pain, though it’s important to always follow medical instructions for dosage.
For sores across the body, analgesic and antiseptic gels are an option. Unlike in the mouth, sores on the skin should typically be bandaged, since wounds heal better with moisture. Skin sores are typically less disruptive than mouth sores, but can still be painful – consider ibuprofen to reduce inflammation as needed.
If sores last longer than a week, or if they begin to swell or become infected, it is time to seek medical attention. Infection can quickly spread throughout the body, even from small wounds, and is always worth taking seriously.
Meth sores may seem like minor inconveniences, but they are a serious medical condition. Not only can they be incredibly painful and disruptive, if left untreated they can lead to long-term negative health effects.
But even knowing the consequences, it can seem impossible to stop. When addiction and substance use takes over your life, you might feel like there’s no way out, like everything you’ve tried doesn’t work. But you don’t have to go through this alone. Help is available today, and finding an effective rehab for meth addiction is the first step toward recovery.
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we’re here to help. With the largest alumni community in the region, we stay right by your side not only for treatment, but long after you walk out the door. To learn more about how you can take back your life today, contact us at 866-957-7885 or through our website.
Strength. Acceptance. Recovery. Community.
Q: How long does it usually take for meth sores to heal?
A: Small sores will generally take one to two weeks to heal, if further methamphetamine is avoided. Larger sores and wounds may take longer, potentially 1 to 2 months. Infection can potentially stretch this time out even longer. Continued meth use will slow the healing process, and may instead worsen existing sores.
Q: What can I do to prevent meth sores?
A: The only way to fully prevent these sores is to stop using meth. Outside of that, practicing good hygiene, maintaining healthy sleeping habits, and avoiding picking or scratching can help prevent meth sores.
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