These Are the Signs That It’s Getting Gross… And Potentially Dangerous
Let’s face it—there’s gross, and then there’s oh-my-lord-what-is-that gross. The kind of thing that makes your stomach do somersaults and has you suddenly rethinking your lunch choices. The image you just saw? Yeah, we’re definitely in the second category.
From backs full of what look like bullet wounds to eyeballs growing things that should never, ever grow there, these photos might seem like something straight out of a horror flick. But for some people, this is their real life—and it could be a wake-up call.
So what exactly is going on here?
1. Skin Lesions That Look Like Bullet Holes
Lesions like the ones shown in the upper left image are not just unsightly—they can be a sign of necrotic infections, or in some cases, drug-induced skin damage. One of the most notorious culprits? A street drug called “krokodil” (desomorphine), which causes the skin to rot from the inside out. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has warned about krokodil since the 2010s due to its flesh-eating effects. Fortunately, it’s rare in the U.S.—but infections from needle use and poor hygiene aren’t.
Alternatively, multiple skin ulcers can also result from untreated MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections. MRSA kills about 20,000 people annually in the U.S. (CDC data, 2023). It’s not just hospital-acquired anymore—community MRSA is now rampant.
2. Boils the Size of Golf Balls
That giant lump with a pus-filled head on the upper back? Classic abscess. These happen when bacteria enter a hair follicle or a break in the skin and your immune system goes full Hulk-mode. While it’s tempting to poke it (we know, Dr. Pimple Popper fans, we see you), don’t do it at home! Abscesses that go untreated can lead to sepsis, which kills more than 350,000 Americans a year (CDC, 2021). That’s more than car accidents, breast cancer, and opioid overdoses combined.
3. Cysts and Parasites?
The image of the woman’s neck with several holes might make you think of botfly larvae or furuncular myiasis—both terrifying yet real parasitic infections. Botflies are native to Central and South America, and yes, they can lay eggs under your skin. While rare in the U.S., Americans who travel or live near livestock can occasionally get infected.
However, many cases like this actually stem from cystic acne, or in severe cases, hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic skin condition that causes boil-like lumps, often in sweat gland-rich areas like armpits and groin. HS affects about 1 in 100 people in the U.S., mostly women between 20 and 40 years old.
4. Eye Trouble? You Might Be in Deep Trouble
That lower right image—an inflamed eyelid with what looks like a colony of cheese curds behind the eyeball—is the stuff of nightmares. It may be a case of conjunctivitis with secondary infection, or worse, orbital cellulitis. The latter can cause vision loss or brain infection if not treated quickly. The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns: if your eye swells up and you see floaters or flashes—get to the ER. No eye drops are going to save you from that monster.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
If your skin starts looking like the surface of the moon, your eye’s auditioning for a sci-fi movie, or there’s something living under your skin—you need to stop Googling and start dialing a doctor.
We joke, but seriously: These are signs your body is throwing up red flags like it’s the Fourth of July. Whether it’s infection, drug use, or a rare medical condition, the earlier you get help, the better your chances of recovery.
And if you’re the type to pick, squeeze, or pop? Here’s a tip: Just don’t. Your future self (and your skin) will thank you.
Sources:
- CDC, MRSA Statistics (2023)
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (Krokodil Alert)
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (2022 Report)
- Mayo Clinic, Hidradenitis Suppurativa Overview
- World Health Organization: Botfly Infection Reports
Stay clean, stay curious, and please—wash your hands.