Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative, that is not approved for human use, and has been detected in Scottish heroin supply. Individuals may not be aware that they have used xylazine.

 

Xylazine is associated with distinct, severe and rapidly progressing wounds, most commonly at injection sites or on the forearms and lower legs of people who use drugs.

 

You may notice:

– Dark purple blisters with irregular borders

– Blisters coalesce (come together) and harden into dry, adherent eschar (a collection of dry, dead tissue)

– Blisters may open up into deep (sometimes full-thickness) ulcers

 

Xylazine wounds can appear anywhere on the body, not just at injection sites.

 

Speak with the Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service if you have any wounds or abscesses that you think may need treatment. 

 

The service can also give wound care advice and safer injection equipment and advice.

Guidance on caring for wounds, avoiding infections and safer injecting advice and equipment can also be given at We Are With You.

 

Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service: 01387 244555 (all sites)

 

We Are With You: 01387 263208 (Dumfries) / 01776 705904 (Stranraer)

 

Patients who are systemically unwell should be urgently signposted to their GP/A&E as appropriate.