Crystal Meth Use

Question: Does anyone know if crystal meth use can cause periorbital cellulitis?

(Posted by: Crystal J on 2008-08-27 11:46:52)

I tried to search it online and so far i found no link, but the doctor at the ER said it is probably why my sistr develped this around her eye.

Posted by: Gurka2015 on 2008-08-27, 12:08:20

Periorbital cellulitis is loosely related to orbital cellulitis, the latter being an extremely dangerous, emergency medical condition. Both involve infection of the eye region and are caused (largely) by straphylococcus and streptococcus, and both can be transmitted through needles; (which is also a popular way of administering meth) so if someone with the bacteria uses a needle and passes it to someone else who uses that same unsterilized needle, there is a chance the infection could be spread. Although, there are many other ways it could be spread, your sister's doctor probably had a good reason to suspect it was due to crystal meth use.

Posted by: ijc on 2008-08-27, 12:17:24

There are so many causes of periorbital cellulitis. I'm surprised that a doctor could pinpoint crystal meth, I imagine he was able to check out that all the other causes were not what caused this problem. Some of the causes of periorbial cellulitis are middle ear infection conjuntivitis rhinitis diabetes mellitus immunosuppressive conditions drug abuse alcohol abuse There are several other underlying conditions related to periorbital cellulitis. Although drug abuse is listed as a cause no where could I find any specific drug mentioned.