Home » Fitness Strategies Network » How Does Cantharidin Work?

How Does Cantharidin Work?

Chloe Bennett • • 7 min read
How Does Cantharidin Work?

Cantharidin is a vesicant

vesicant
A blister agent, or vesicant, is a chemical compound that causes severe skin, eye and mucosal pain and irritation. They are named for their ability to cause severe chemical burns, resulting in painful water blisters on the bodies of those affected.
› wiki › Blister_agent
that causes a blister to form on the wart or growth. This action lifts the wart off the skin and after a few days when the blister has dried the wart will come off. The action of cantharidin does not go beyond the epidermal cells, the basal layer remains intact hence no scarring.

How long does it take for cantharidin to work?

A blister will form within 24–48 hours. Over the next few days, the blister will dry and the lesion may fall off. If necessary the blistered lesion can be snipped off near the base (local anaesthetic may be required). Healing is normally complete within 4–7 days.

How does cantharidin work on molluscum?

“The cantharidin causes cells to release an enzyme that breaks down proteins in desmosomal plaques, specific structures involved in cell-to-cell adhesion. That is, it breaks the bonds that hold skin cells together,” explains Dr. Mamelak. The resulting blister forces the wart or skin growth off of the skin.

Chloe Bennett
Author

Chloe Bennett

Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.