Dermatologic Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse

Various substances of abuse are known to cause specific cutaneous manifestations. In this review, we highlight the cutaneous manifestations associated with the use of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, alcohol, and anabolic steroids. Cutaneous signs of tanning addiction are also discussed, as tanning bed use is a particularly relevant and growing problem in Dermatology. We also provide examples of general signs of drug abuse, including stigmata of injection drug use, vascular complications, and infectious complications. This review aims to make clinicians more aware of these signs in order to better recognize substance abuse disorders and guide effective treatment.