Xylazine-associated Wounds: Clinical Experience From a Low-barrier Wound Care Clinic in Philadelphia

Commentary
by
McFadden, Rachel et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Findings/Key points

Among people who use drugs with repeated exposure to xylazine, a distinct wound type has emerged. Here, we describe these wounds and share our experience treating them in a nurse-led, low-barrier wound care clinic in Philadelphia, PA. We propose a reimagining of wound treatment across settings to better serve people who use drugs, and we advocate for stronger protections against the harms of an increasingly adulterated drug supply.

Keywords

Wrap-around services
Illegal drugs
Injecting drugs