Verify Insurance
Call (877) 679-2132
ohio recovery centers logo

Meth Blisters

Table of Contents

Meth blisters are a common byproduct of the abuse of methamphetamine (crystal meth).  Meth is a potent and highly addictive central nervous system stimulant that can inflict substantial harm on overall well-being and physical appearance.

Meth face sores typically develop because crystal meth induces intense itching, prompting individuals to scratch and pick at their skin. Blisters from meth can also result from the harmful effects of the drug itself. The healing process for meth skin sores can be prolonged, taking weeks or even months, and meth wounds often leave behind lasting scars if improperly treated.

What Are Meth Blisters?

Meth blisters are a specific type of skin issue associated with the use of methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth or meth.  

An image of a a man staring out the window, thinking about the signs of meth skin sores

What Causes Meth Blisters?

Scabs from meth can develop as a result of various factors related to methamphetamine abuse. These include:

  • Heat and friction: For anyone wondering, “Can smoking meth cause blisters in your mouth”, methamphetamine is often smoked using a heated glass pipe. The intense heat from the pipe, combined with the friction of the drug’s vapors against the skin, can lead to meth blisters in mouth. These meth blisters are sometimes referred to as meth scabs.
  • Chemical irritation: The chemical properties of methamphetamine can irritate the skin. When the drug is smoked or administered through the skin, it can cause irritation and blisters at the application site.
  • Compulsive skin picking: Methamphetamine use can lead to a condition known as formication, where some people feel as if insects are crawling under their skin. This sensation can trigger compulsive skin picking, which may result in blisters, sores, and scabs.
  • Lack of hygiene: Methamphetamine use often leads to neglect of personal hygiene. Poor skin care can increase the risk of meth addict skin issues, including blisters.

Meth blisters are not a specific symptom, but rather a skin problem that may arise due to the conditions outlined above. These blisters can vary in size and appearance and may be accompanied by other skin-related issues such as sores and scabs.

If you or someone that you know is struggling with methamphetamine abuse and experiencing skin problems like meth blisters face, seek help from a healthcare professional or a substance abuse treatment program. Methamphetamine abuse can have severe physical and psychological consequences, and addressing the underlying addiction is essential for overall well-being.

How to Treat Meth Blisters

Meth blisters require proper care and attention to promote healing and prevent complications. 

Stop meth use

The surest way to treat and prevent meth blisters is to stop using methamphetamine. By discontinuing use, you can prevent further irritation and damage to the skin, allowing the meth bumps to heal naturally over time.

Hygiene

Maintain good personal hygiene. Keep the affected areas clean and dry to prevent infection. Use mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water to gently cleanse a meth sore. Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can worsen the condition.

Avoid picking

Refrain from picking, scratching, or popping the blisters. These actions can introduce bacteria, leading to infection and scarring. This might appear challenging due to the sensation of formication, but it is essential for healing to avoid picking meth blisters.

Topical antibiotics

If the blisters become infected or show signs of infection – redness, increased pain, or pus – consult a healthcare professional. They may prescribe topical antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading.

Pain management

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the discomfort associated with meth blisters.

Consult a doctor

If meth blisters are severe, extensive, or not improving with basic care, seek medical advice. A healthcare provider can assess the condition and provide appropriate treatment, which may include prescription medications or wound care.

Address underlying addiction

Treating meth blisters is a short-term solution. To prevent recurrence and more serious health issues, address the underlying methamphetamine addiction. Seek help from addiction treatment programs and professionals for comprehensive support and recovery.

Remember that meth blisters can take time to heal, and the process may vary depending on the person’s overall health and the severity of the blisters. Prioritize abstinence from methamphetamine and follow proper wound care practices to encourage healing and minimize complications.

columbus ohio rehab downtown, where addiction treatment is available at Ohio Recovery Centers

Get Treatment for Meth Addiction at Ohio Recovery Centers

While the effects of meth addiction can be aggravating, stimulant use disorder responds positively to evidence-based treatment.

If you or a family member are struggling with meth addiction, we can help you recalibrate your life at Ohio Recovery Centers in Cincinnati, OH.

We appreciate that not everyone wants or needs residential rehab when addressing issues of prescription drug misuse. Choose from a variety of flexible, affordable outpatient programs at our Cincinnati treatment facility while continuing to fulfill your daily commitments.

All Ohio Recovery Centers treatment programs offer a personalized mix of holistic, behavioral, and pharmacological treatments, enabling you to initiate whole-body healing from addictive behaviors. 

Dial 877-679-2132 when you are ready to move beyond substance abuse.

Table of Contents

Get The Help You Need

Addiction is not something to ignore. It is vital to seek out the help of a professional addiction treatment center.

Call (877) 679-2132
Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers

12115 Sheraton Lane
Cincinnati, OH 45246

Quick Links

Areas We Serve

Certifications

@ 2022 Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers. All Rights Reserved.

an image of author Joe Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.
An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Christopher Glover CDCA

My name is Christopher Glover, and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently in school and working to grow in competence to better support our community. As a recovering individual I know the struggles that you or a loved one can go through and that there is help for anything you may be struggling with.

The hardest part is asking for help and we are here as a team to best support you and your decision to start your journey towards a better future. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Amanda Kuchenberg PRS CDCA

I recently joined Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers as a Clinical Case Manager. I am originally from Wisconsin but settled in the Cincinnati area in my early 20s.  My career started in the fashion industry but quickly changed as I searched to find my drive and passion through helping others who struggle with addiction. 

As someone who is also in recovery, I wanted to provide hope, share lived experience, and support others on their journey.  I currently have my Peer Recovery Support Supervision Certification along with my CDCA and plan to continue my education with University of Cincinnati so I can continue to aid in the battle against substance addiction. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Patrick McCamley LCDC III

 Patrick McCamley (Clinical Therapist) is a Cincinnati native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2019. Patrick received his bachelors degree in psychology from University of Cincinnati in 2021 and received his LCDC III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2022. Patrick has worked in Clinical Operations, Clinical Case Management, and Clinical Therapy throughout his career.

Patrick has tremendous empathy and compassion for the recovery community, being in recovery himself since 2018. Patrick is uniquely qualified to be helpful because of the specific combination of his academic background and his own experience in recovery.

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Bill Zimmerman CDCA

Bill Zimmerman is a Greater Cincinnati Area native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2018. Bill received his (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2020.

Bill has worked in Clinical Operations in both support and supervision, and Program facilitating and 12 step recovery support during his career. Bill has a passion for the recovery community, having been in recovery himself since 1982. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Taylor Lilley CDCA, PRS

Growing up in Louisiana with addiction running rampant on both sides of my family. A life away from drugs and alcohol seemed impossible for someone like me. I remember what it was like sitting across from someone thinking there is no way they could ever understand what I was going through.

Sharing my experience offers a credibility and a certain type of trust with clients that only someone who has walked down this road can illustrate. To immerse myself further into the field of addiction, I am currently studying at Cincinnati State for Human and Social Services.  I hope I never forget where I came from, if I can do it, so can you!

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Thomas Hunter LSW

Hello my name is Thomas Hunter. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a licensed social worker.In my scope of practice I have worked in the areas of mental health and recovery for thirty years. The clients I have worked with in my career have ranged in age from seven to seventy.

I strive each day to serve my purpose of helping those in need and I believe I do so by utilizing all of my experiences to accomplish my goal of supporting those who desire to establish their sobriety and maintain it in their recovery. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn.

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Mary D.Porter,LICDC

 My name is Mary D. Porter. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2008 from The University of Cincinnati. I received My Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure in 2001. I retired from The Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center on April 14, 2014. Currently, I am the Associate Clinical Director for The Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers in Cincinnati.. Due to the fourth wave of the Opioid Epidemic in 2019,  I decided to enter back into the workforce to assist the addicted population.

The overdoses were astounding and I wanted to help.  I consider myself  to be an advocate for the addicted population. My compassion, resilience, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, experience and  love I have for this forgotten population goes beyond words. I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free.

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Ben Lemmon LCDC III

Hello, my name is Ben Lemmon, and I’m the Vice President and Clinical Director at Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers. I’ve been working in the addiction and mental health field since 2013 and decided to enter the field after overcoming my own challenges with addiction.

When I first meet a client, I always explain to them that the reason we are meeting is because they are not capable of obtaining or maintaining sobriety, and my goal is to create a person that can maintain sobriety. I believe a person’s personality is made up of their thoughts, feelings and actions and my job is to help clients identify the thoughts, feelings and actions that have them disconnected from recovery and provide them with the tools to live a healthy and happy life. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn