Email UpdatesPeople who use drugs across the United States are reporting a novel type of wound associated with the fentanyl-adulterant veterinary sedative, xylazine. While the mechanism behind wound formation has yet to be fully described, traditional wound science with a harm reduction approach can be effectively utilized to guide care for people who use drugs who develop wounds.
This presentation from the Opioid Response Network (ORN) leverages the experience of a low-barrier, nurse-led clinic in Kensington, Philadelphia, PA, which remains the epicenter of the xylazine epidemic, to describe evidence-informed practices for assessing and treating xylazine-associated wounds while responding to the real-world needs and challenges of a criminalized and socially alienated population. At the conclusion of this seminar, attendees should be able to:
- Describe basic concepts of the current xylazine epidemic.
- Explain health-related harms to people exposed to the unregulated drug supply, including illicit xylazine.
- Apply basic wound science to assess wounds and determine an evidence-informed wound care approach.
- Develop treatment plans that leverage harm reduction to meet the specific needs and challenges of people who use drugs.