Why does meth burn and is there a way to neutralize the corrosive properties to minimize tissue damage?

[chicken hoagie]

So I am very familiar with the pharmacology and chemistry with meth along all other drugs, but what interests me still about meth, is some of the urban legends and folklore behind it.

One of the many questions I have been meaning to ask, as to better understand the chemistry, is why does meth cause actual chemical burns to human flesh.


My first thought would be the leftover impurities from synthesis. So i more specifically wanted to see if Desoxyn (pure meth Hcl) burns if snorted also.

But so now a better question - Is meth's corrosive properties due to its natural pH, or just due to impurities such as maybe lye? And is there a way to neutralize the pH so that it is more "tissue friendly"?

 

[thelung]

Meth shouldn't burn if you're injecting it into a vein. It only burns when you "miss" the vein which you should never do when injecting meth. As soon as you feel a burning sensation, stop pushing the drug immediately. Injecting meth into soft tissue as opposed to a vein will cause complications like cellulitis, which will require a trip to the ER.