'Skin popping' ulceration in an HIV patient. Successful treatment with antiretroviral drugs and stanozolol

Int J STD AIDS. 2002 Jul;13(7):508-9. doi: 10.1258/09564620260079707.

Abstract

Skin popping refers to the practice of injecting drugs beneath the skin without concern for vascular access. We describe a male HIV seropositive injecting-drug user with chronic cutaneous ulcerations on the legs at sites of skin popping. Treatment with antiretroviral drugs and stanozolol was associated with a striking clinical improvement of the ulcer in two weeks. The mechanism of action, improvement of immune function by the antiretroviral treatment or activity of stanozolol on collagen and transforming growth factor-beta1 synthesis, remains unknown.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anabolic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Male
  • Skin Ulcer / therapy*
  • Stanozolol / therapeutic use*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*

Substances

  • Anabolic Agents
  • Stanozolol