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Xylazine Sores — Understanding, Treating, and Preventing Tranq Wounds

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Xylazine, also known as tranq, is an old veterinary drug but fairly new street drug, and a particularly nasty one at that. One of the worst xylazine side effects is these necrotic wounds known as xylazine sores – ulcers that literally rot your flesh while you are still alive. There are emerging protocols for treating these wounds, which we’ll cover in this article. If you are hooked on tranq you need to get sober as soon as possible. 

What Is Xylazine (Tranq)? 

Xylazine, commonly known as “tranq,” or the “zombie drug,” is a veterinary sedative that has increasingly appeared in the illicit drug supply, particularly mixed with fentanyl. Originally developed as an animal tranquilizer for veterinary procedures, xylazine has also found its way into the street drug supply.  

This usually happens through it being mixed into other drugs, unbeknownst to the user, and to disastrous effect. One of the most alarming effects of xylazine is the development of xylazine sores (also known as tranq dope wounds) – severe skin ulcers and necrotic tissue damage – which can occur even in areas where the drug wasn’t injected. These wounds are extremely difficult to heal and can lead to amputation. The skin damage can appear anywhere on the body and often becomes infected, creating additional health risks. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration has reported xylazine-positive overdose deaths in 48 out of 50 states. Xylazine is currently not regulated under the Controlled Substances Act but support for adding it is building in Congress. 

Where Is Xylazine Found? 

DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 states, indicating a near-nationwide presence, but its data shows regional variations. It’s especially common in the South, with DEA forensic laboratory results showing a 193% increase in incidence between 2020 and 2021 – the highest out of any other region studied. 

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What Are Xylazine Sores? 

Xylazine sores, also known as xylazine wounds, are severe, necrotic skin wounds that develop in people who use drugs contaminated with xylazine. These lesions are one of the most alarming and distinctive consequences of xylazine exposure, earning the drug its nickname “flesh-eating drug,” or “zombie drug.” 

If left untreated, tranq dope wounds can result in serious infections, gangrene, and, in extreme situations, amputation. Because xylazine is frequently laced with fentanyl, users may be unaware they are being exposed to it until the terrible wounds occur. Prompt medical intervention is essential for preventing more tissue damage and life-threatening consequences. 

What Do Xyalzine Sores Look Like? 

Xyalzine wounds take several forms. At first, they resemble little red bumps, somewhat similar to “heroin track marks.” After a few days, they progress to blisters, then scabs. Finally, the scabs break open and become dark grey or blackened skin ulcers. These ulcers then quickly become infected, filled with pus, and often begin to rot.  

How Are Xylazine Sores Treated? 

There is no official treatment for xylazine sores. However, early evidence suggests the wounds should be cleaned but left open. This approach differs significantly from typical wound closure techniques. 

The biggest obstacle to healing is continued xylazine use, which impairs the body’s natural healing processes.  

How to Tell if Xylazine Is in Your Drugs? 

The most reliable way to detect xylazine is through specialized test strips designed specifically for this purpose. Unlike fentanyl test strips, which are widely available, xylazine test strips are less common but increasingly available through harm reduction programs and some online retailers. These strips work similarly to fentanyl test strips – you dissolve a small amount of your substance in water and dip the strip to get results. 

There are also certain visual clues: 

  • The powder may appear slightly different in color or texture 
  • The substance might have a bitter taste 
  • Some users report the drugs burn differently when smoked 

 

That said, there’s unfortunately no foolproof way to detect xylazine without proper testing. Many users only discover their drugs contain xylazine after experiencing severe skin wounds or other complications. The drug is tasteless and odorless in the small quantities typically found in street drugs. 

How to Stop Xylazine Sores

According to medical experts, silver sulfadiazine is the preferred antibiotic for treating xylazine wounds. It’s a topical antibiotic often used for burn wounds, and its antimicrobial properties make it useful for the emerging and unique method of letting xyalzine wounds heal (which involves not closing them right away).  

Collagense (Santyl) is a debriding agent, meaning it breaks down and removes dead tissue without harming healthy tissue. This, used in conjunction with silver sulfadiazine, seems to be the emerging treatment protocol for xylazine sores. 

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How to Prevent Xylazine Exposure and Reduce Harm 

While complete avoidance of xylazine requires avoiding illicit drug use entirely, harm reduction strategies can significantly reduce risks for people who continue using drugs. 

The most effective prevention method is testing your drug supply before use. Xylazine test strips are becoming more available through harm reduction programs, though they’re not as widespread as fentanyl test strips yet. Many organizations now distribute combination test strips that can detect both substances, which can make it easier to avoid xylazine sores. 

Remember that xylazine withdrawal can be particularly severe and potentially dangerous, so medically supervised detox is often necessary. Addiction treatment programs in Orange County, California, are making great strides in treating zombie drugs like xylazine, making recovery support more effective for people exposed to this dangerous adulterant. 

Signs It’s Time to Seek Help 

Xylazine poses significant challenges in addiction medicine due to its potent sedative effects and high risk of overdose when combined with opioids like fentanyl. Unlike opioids, xylazine is not reversed by naloxone, complicating overdose prevention efforts and necessitating heightened awareness among healthcare providers.

One of the most alarming complications of xylazine use is the development of xylazine-induced skin ulcers, which often appear at injection sites but can also emerge in non-injection areas, indicating systemic toxicity. These wounds require specialized wound care and can progress rapidly, increasing the risk of infection, amputation, and long-term disability. As an injection drug, xylazine’s rising prevalence underscores the urgent need for integrated harm reduction strategies that address both medical and behavioral aspects of care, including robust wound management and comprehensive substance use treatment. 

One of the best possible signs that it’s time to immediately check into an Orange County drug and alcohol rehab is the presence of xylazine sores. Not only are these sores disfiguring, they can be downright life-threatening. This is an incredibly nasty addiction to fall into. If you or a loved one find yourself in this situation, South Coast Behavioral Health offers evidence-based and compassionate treatment to restore you to health. Don’t hesitate – reach out immediately. Our specialists are available 24/7 to help you get started. 

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