What is skin popping?

Skin popping is a method of drug administration where drugs are injected into the subcutaneous layer of the skin, rather than into a vein or muscle. This method is commonly used when injecting substances such as heroin or methamphetamine.

Skin popping can lead to a slower onset of drug effects compared to intravenous administration, as the drug must be absorbed through the skin before reaching the bloodstream. This can also result in a longer duration of effects, as the drug is released more slowly into the body.

However, skin popping carries a higher risk of infection, abscesses, and tissue damage compared to other injection methods. Additionally, injecting drugs into the skin can be more painful and cause more visible scarring or skin discoloration.

Overall, skin popping is considered to be a less safe method of drug administration compared to other routes such as intravenous or oral ingestion. It is important for individuals engaging in drug use to seek help and access harm reduction resources to reduce the risk of negative consequences associated with injection drug use.