Face sores are a visible side effect of using the drug meth. They typically happen because meth makes a person scratch and pick at their skin. Treatment may involve proper wound care and seeking help with drug use.
Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth or meth, is a powerful and addictive stimulant that can cause significant damage to a person’s health and appearance, including sores on the face.
Sores on the face due to meth may take a long time to heal and can leave scars, particularly if a person continues to scratch at them.
This article discusses meth face sores and other signs of meth use. It also looks at how people who use meth can find help and support.
“Meth face” is a term that people may use to describe the potential physical effects of meth use. Chronic meth use
Lesions are often the result of picking at the skin. The constant picking can lead to open sores that are prone to infection. The skin might appear discolored or have blemishes that resemble acne or a rash.
According to a 2020 study, meth can also affect face symmetry. The authors note that facial asymmetry increases slightly with age, regardless of drug use. However, people who use meth typically have exaggerated facial asymmetry.
The authors also highlight the following potential physical symptoms of meth use:
- Other skin symptoms: People may experience dark circles under the eyes as well as sores and lesions.
- Dental health: Meth is corrosive and may lead to severe tooth decay and gum disease. People who use meth may also have cracked, decaying, or missing teeth.
- Weight loss: Weight loss due to meth may contribute to sunken eyes and hollow cheeks. Tissue and fat loss may also contribute to premature skin wrinkles.
Meth can cause intense itchiness. Face sores are often the result of a person picking and scratching at the skin to relieve this itchiness. The constant picking may lead to open sores that are at risk of infection.
A 2020 article suggests that meth use disorder can involve the loss of the skin barrier’s protective and defensive functions.
People may also experience “meth mites.” Meth mites are imaginary bugs or insects that people using meth may “feel.” A person perceives these mites because of a tactile hallucination called formication.
Feeling these crawling sensations without physical stimulation is a form of dysesthesia. Other sensations may include burning, tingling, numbness, and cold.
The sensation of meth mites may feel so overwhelming that individuals scratch intensely and pick at the skin in an attempt to relieve themselves of the bugs. This can lead to open sores on the skin.
Research in a 2018 review suggests that between 7% and 76% of recreational meth users experience psychotic symptoms, which may include hallucinations of meth mites.
Factors such as burns from meth paraphernalia, a weakened immune system, a lack of personal hygiene, and infection may also contribute to meth sores.
There is no specific treatment for meth sores other than general wound care.
If a person has open sores, it is important to keep them clean, dry, and free of debris to help prevent infection and encourage proper healing.
Anyone with meth sores should avoid scratching or picking at them, as doing so could introduce germs into the wounds.
Covering the sores with a clean bandage may help to encourage healing and avoid picking at them, though this may be easier for sores on the body than those on the face.
Meth is a highly addictive drug that can have severe short- and long-term effects on a person’s physical and mental health. These potential risks and effects may include:
| Short-term effects | Long-term effects |
|---|---|
| • increased breathing rate • rapid or irregular heart rate • elevated blood pressure • increased body temperature • heightened wakefulness and activity levels • loss of appetite | • significant weight loss • addiction • severe dental issues • anxiety and confusion • difficulty sleeping • violent behavior • paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions • mood problems |
Additionally, continued meth use
Some changes may eventually reverse when a person stops using the drug, but others may be irreversible.
Support is available for people with meth use disorder. Asking for help is the start of the path to recovery.
Treatment for methamphetamine use disorder may include behavioral therapy and strategies to manage the long-term effects of the drug. In addition, various residential and outpatient programs are available, so it is important to find one that is right for the individual.
A good place to start is speaking with a doctor who can make a referral to a treatment center. People can also use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator.
Help is available
Seeking help for addiction may feel daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support.
If you believe that you or someone close to you is showing signs of addiction, you can contact the following organizations for immediate help and advice:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 800-662-4357 (TTY: 800-487-4889)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
Meth face is a term that people use to describe the visible signs of methamphetamine use. These signs may include sores, skin infections, facial asymmetry, premature aging, and a hollow, sunken appearance.
Meth face sores usually occur when someone who has taken meth intensely scratches and picks at the skin. This may be due to hallucinations of mites crawling over them. Burns from meth paraphernalia or infection may also cause meth sores.
Meth is a highly addictive drug that has severe short- and long-term effects on a person’s physical and mental health. Anyone finding it difficult to refrain from using the drug should seek help as soon as possible.
