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Getting prompt treatment for wounds caused by needles and self-harm is the best way to prevent an infection or stop one from becoming a serious health threat. The caring team at Magnolia Medical Group understands you may hesitate to seek wound care because you had a bad experience in the past or you don’t want to admit to using drugs. They don’t judge; they simply treat your wound. Call the office in Denver or Wheat Ridge, Colorado, or use online booking to get immediate care.
Why would I need wound care?
You need wound care provided by a medical doctor any time you have a cut, ulcer, or wound that doesn’t heal or becomes infected. However, Magnolia Medical Group specializes in treating wounds caused by needles and self-harm.
Using needles to take drugs often leads to non-healing wounds at the injection site. As the needle punctures your skin, it opens a door for bacteria and other harmful microorganisms to cause disease.
Needle wounds are especially susceptible to developing wound botulism, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by a germ called Clostridium botulinum. Once it gets inside your body, the germ produces toxins that cause muscle weakness and paralysis.
Though wound botulism can develop from sharing needles containing any drug, your chances are highest if you inject black tar heroin into your muscles (muscling) or under your skin (skin popping).
Your risk of an infection dramatically increases if you share needles. A needle used by another person is contaminated with any contagious disease they may have, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and bacteria responsible for skin and bone infections that lead to amputations.
What signs show I need wound care?
Signs of an infected wound include:
- Pain
- Redness
- Warm skin
- Swelling
- Discharge from the wound
- An unpleasant odor from the wound
- Red streaks in the skin around the wound
- Aches and pains
- Fever and chills
The symptoms of wound botulism are different from an infection. The early symptoms of botulism include:
- Blurry or doubled vision
- Difficulty swallowing
- Drooping eyelids
- Dry mouth
- Muscle weakness
- Slurred speech
- Thick-feeling tongue
Without treatment, wound botulism stops muscle movement, which affects your heart and ability to breathe.
What services are included in wound care?
You can depend on receiving nonjudgmental care and comprehensive treatment for wounds at Magnolia Medical Group. Their services include:
- Skin care
- Biopsies to identify infections
- Wound debridement (removing all infected tissues, dirt, etc.)
- Nail debridement
- Advanced wound dressings
- Pain management
- Dermatology care
Their highly skilled wound care specialists need to know details like the type of drugs you may inject and whether you share needles. However, they’re focused on treating your wound. They are not there to judge or push you into outpatient drug rehab — but that option is always available if you’re ready.
Don’t wait to seek wound care. Call Magnolia Medical Group or connect online to request an appointment at the nearest office.