18859 Cutaneous manifestations of drug abuse

Abstract

Illicit drug use is considered a public health problem in many countries, with an estimated prevalence of 5% of the world’s population. In addition to the risks with regard to mental and life health the skin as the largest organ of the human being is home to many processes arising from the use of these substances. Thus, the objective of the study was to report the mucosal cutaneous manifestations observed in illicit drug users attended by the UEPA Dermatology Service from November 2015 to January 2018. The sample consisted of records of 20 users of various drugs illicit Epidemiologic data were collected, type of drug used, and all the information recorded in the protocol, as well as the dermatologic examination. It was observed that the most frequently used drugs were marijuana and cocaine. All patients used tobacco as a form of consumption and inhalation; and the main dermatologic conditions found were burns and ulcerations and scars in the digital pulps. Thus, it is imperative that these patients are submitted to dermatologic examination whenever possible and that dermatologists are aware of these changes to assist in the multidisciplinary care of these patients.