One of the most alarming effects of xylazine in humans is its association with severe skin ulcers and necrotic wounds, often referred to as “xylazine sores.” This article will tell you what you need to know about this disturbing side effect.
What is Xylazine?
Xylazine is a powerful sedative and muscle relaxant primarily used as a veterinary drug for use in horses and cattle. Though not approved for human use, xylazine has increasingly found its way into the illicit drug supply in New Jersey and nationwide, gaining the street moniker “Tranq.” To make matters worse, Xylazine, or Tranq, is often mixed with opioids like fentanyl. This has led to the proliferation of “zombie drugs,” so-called because users are said to resemble zombies, with unseeing, “dead” eyes, stiff, shuffling walks, and, particularly horrifying, rotting flesh.
Yes, one of Xylazine’s side effects is it literally causes the user’s skin to rot, something known as “Xylazine sores” or “Xylazine wounds.” These Tranq drug wounds can develop regardless of the method of ingestion, though they are particularly common among intravenous drug users. The spread of Xylazine within the illicit drug market has made it a growing public health crisis, contributing to rising rates of severe infections, amputations, and fatal overdoses.
What Are Xylazine Sores?
Xylazine sores are severe skin ulcers and necrotic wounds that develop as a result of xylazine use. Unlike typical injection site infections, these sores can appear on various parts of the body, even in users who do not inject the drug.
If left untreated, xylazine sores can lead to severe infections, gangrene, and, in extreme cases, the need for amputation. Because xylazine is commonly mixed with fentanyl, users may not even realize they are being exposed to it until these devastating wounds appear. Prompt medical attention is critical to preventing further tissue damage and life-threatening complications.
Why Does Xylazine Cause Skin Sores?
The exact cause is not fully understood, but researchers believe that xylazine’s effects on blood circulation and tissue oxygenation play a significant role.
Xylazine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it reduces blood flow to tissues, which can cause skin and muscle cells to die. This, combined with the drug’s sedative properties—leading to prolonged periods of immobility—creates an environment where wounds form and rapidly worsen. The sores often start as small, scabbed-over areas that progress into deep, rotting ulcers, sometimes exposing muscle and bone. The only way to prevent xylazine-associated skin ulcers is to avoid the drug in the first place.
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Identifying Xylazine Wounds: What Do They Look Like?
These wounds have a distinct and disturbing appearance that set them apart from other drug-related skin conditions (ex: meth mites). These sores typically develop as a result of xylazine’s effects on circulation and tissue health, leading to rapid skin deterioration and necrosis.
Xylazine sores typically start as dry, irritated skin or small blisters. Within days, these blisters break open and develop into large, gaping wounds with dead or blackened tissue. This is known as necrosis and it is as awful as it sounds – skin begins rotting off. It is the reason Xylazine, especially when mixed with fentanyl, is referred to as a “zombie drug.”
Unlike typical abscesses that form a defined lump, xylazine sores tend to spread unevenly, creating jagged, expanding wounds that can develop anywhere: from the legs to the face. Many become infected, leading to pus drainage, a foul odor, and swelling. Advanced sores often feature black or dark brown tissue at the center, indicating dead skin and muscle.
While some users experience excruciating pain from infected wounds, others report little to no sensation due to nerve damage and xylazine’s sedative properties. These wounds worsen quickly without medical treatment, often leading to serious infections, gangrene, and even amputation. Early recognition and intervention are crucial to preventing long-term damage.
The Dangers of Untreated Xylazine Sores
If left untreated, Xylazine sores can be life-threatening. Possible complications include severe infections like cellulitis and sepsis, as well as tissue necrosis. If tissue necrosis is left untreated, gangrene can set in, which is life-threatening and could lead to medical amputation of the infected tissue.
There’s also the risk of permanent disfigurement regardless of whether amputation is performed. Some users have suffered extreme facial wounds, leading to lifelong cosmetic and functional impairments.
The sores, because they’re painful, also incentivize further Xylazine use in order to dull the pain.
How to Treat Xylazine Sores
Xylazine sores require immediate and proper medical care to prevent severe infections, tissue death, and potential amputation. While harm reduction strategies can help manage wounds at home, professional medical intervention is crucial for preventing long-term damage.
First thing is to get the wound cleaned by medical professionals, who can apply antibiotics (as well as painkillers as needed) and dress the site of the infection. You’ll have to avoid picking at any Xylazine sores or dead tissue for a period afterward.
You’ll also have to clean the wound regularly yourself until it heals. Be sure to apply a layer of Vaseline to clean wounds before rebandaging.
Xylazine Addiction and the Need for Treatment
If you or a loved one are seeking a drug and alcohol rehab in Hamilton, NJ, contact us here. Our highly qualified staff will be happy to help give you an idea on what to expect from your addiction recovery timeline, help verify your insurance, and assist with any other questions you may have.
