Skin popping injuries (injecting under the skin or into muscle)

Overview

Skin and muscle injections lead to abscesses, scars, and serious infections like wound botulism and tetanus.

Injecting under the skin or into muscle can cause abscesses and scars.

Unclean needles spread infections.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Sores or lumps at injection sites
• Injecting under the skin or into a muscle (skin popping)

When to get medical care

Causes

Bacteria.

Who is more likely to get it

• People with old, hard-to-find veins: More likely to skin pop

Possible complications

• Skin infection: Abscesses are common
• Tetanus (lockjaw): From dirty injections

Diagnosis

Exam.

Treatment

Lower risk.

Self-care

• Use new sterile supplies
• Don't share
• Keep tetanus shots up to date
• Seek wound care early

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Use new, clean needles

Which doctor treats this

• Urgent care or the ER can treat it first. For minor problems, your primary care provider can help.
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People who inject drugs: Get free needle services if available.

Outlook

Treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Where is a syringe services program?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Skin popping injuries (injecting under the skin or into muscle)