If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.
Overview
Skin popping often causes abscesses.
Wound botulism causes weakness.
When to get medical care
Call 911Weakness, trouble swallowing, or breathing problems.
Get care todayRed, swollen, painful area or fever.
See a doctor soonWanting help to stop.
Causes
Caused by injecting under the skin.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause injecting under the skin or into a muscle (skin popping). Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Skin popping injuries (injecting under the skin or into muscle)Often needs care today
Injecting drugs under the skin or into muscle, often after veins become hard to use, commonly causes abscesses, deep infections, and round scars.
What you can do at home
- Use sterile supplies.
- Keep naloxone.
Medicines
Abscesses need drainage. Treatment for substance use.
At the doctor
The provider will check.
Questions you may be asked
- Injection sites
The exam
A skin exam.
Tests
- Blood tests
Prevention
Reduce harm.
- Use sterile supplies
- Ask about treatment
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.