Skin and soft tissue disorders in patients with substance-use disorders

Abstract

Introduction Skin and soft tissue disorders are common problems in patients with substance use. This research was conducted to assess the different types of skin and soft tissue problems in patients with substance use disorders. Patients and methods This observational research was conducted as a cross-sectional study among patients with substance use disorders, who were referred to governmental methadone maintenance treatment centers affiliated to Babol University of Medical Sciences, North of Iran. The patients were assessed by the research dermatologist and a psychiatrist. During a complete physical examination of the skin, hair, and nails and, if necessary, a biopsy of suspected lesions, various skin and soft tissue disorders were identified and classified. Results In total, 197 patients (188 men and nine women) with a mean age of 43.74±12.94 years were included in the research. Following complete examination, 10 (5.1%) patients with skin and soft tissue disorders were identified, of which three (30%) had pruritic eczema, two (20%) had psoriasis, one (10%) patient vitiligo, one (10%) had eczema with vasculitis, one (10%) had scarring and seborrheic keratosis, and two (20%) patients had inflammatory lesions. No significant association was found between skin disorders and age (P=0.14), sex (P=0.99), marital status (P=0.32), level of education (P=0.81), occupation (P=0.70), and living condition (P=0.23). Patients with heroin use had a significant difference with other substance users on the occurrence of skin disorders (P<0.001). Conclusions Dermatologic disorders should be considered in individuals with substance use disorders. Periodic skin examination of these patients is recommended.