High rates of cutaneous infections in injection drug users with wounds

Wounds and soft tissue skin infections, including abscesses and cellulitis represent substantial cause of morbidity for people who inject drugs (PWID) and are the main reason that PWID visit the emergency department. However, wounds in PWID have been understudied. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of both acute and chronic wounds within a community-based population of PWID frequenting the Infectious Disease Elimination Act (IDEA) needle exchange program. We conducted a cross-sectional investigation of IDEA clients (ie, PWID) ≥18 years old with either acute or chronic wounds who completed an in-person survey regarding demographic data, blood transmitted infections, associated medical conditions, and prescribed medications.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Source Type: research