Dermatoses Induced by Illicit Drugs

Abstract

Abstract Illicit or recreational drugs may lead to specific dermatological diseases, or may lead to exacerbation of chronic dermatological disease. Dermatology health care professionals are not yet routinely asking patients about the use of recreational drugs, although questioning about the use of alcohol and smoking history is routinely taught to medical students and other undergraduates. Recreational drugs may be prohibited in some cultures and societies, but this does not mean that they are not available or used. For many countries, it is important for dermatology health care professionals to be familiar with the use/type/consequences of illicit drug usage, and to be unafraid of asking patients directly and routinely about their use. Where there are socio‐legal implications of admitting to the use of recreational drugs (particularly if there is a risk of severe punishment for the use of illicit drugs), a careful but sympathetic approach may be necessary.