{"title":"Cantharidin: Its Role in Dermatology Revisited.","authors":"Yolanka Lobo, Jessica Zhuang, Heba Jibreal","doi":"10.1111/pde.16000","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dermatologists have been using cantharidin as a vesicant for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum and warts since the 1950s. In experienced hands, treatment with cantharidin is safe, effective, and rarely associated with significant complications. There are varying methods of application and treatment regimens among practitioners; a consensus standard of care has yet to be established. This article provides an overview of cantharidin and its role in dermatology with an emphasis on mechanism of action, adverse effects, limitations of use, and how it compares with alternative treatment options. Instructions for topical application and other important considerations surrounding its use are also discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":19819,"journal":{"name":"Pediatric Dermatology","volume":" ","pages":"913-926"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2000,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Pediatric Dermatology","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1111/pde.16000","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2025/8/5 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"DERMATOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Dermatologists have been using cantharidin as a vesicant for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum and warts since the 1950s. In experienced hands, treatment with cantharidin is safe, effective, and rarely associated with significant complications. There are varying methods of application and treatment regimens among practitioners; a consensus standard of care has yet to be established. This article provides an overview of cantharidin and its role in dermatology with an emphasis on mechanism of action, adverse effects, limitations of use, and how it compares with alternative treatment options. Instructions for topical application and other important considerations surrounding its use are also discussed.
期刊介绍:
Pediatric Dermatology answers the need for new ideas and strategies for today''s pediatrician or dermatologist. As a teaching vehicle, the Journal is still unsurpassed and it will continue to present the latest on topics such as hemangiomas, atopic dermatitis, rare and unusual presentations of childhood diseases, neonatal medicine, and therapeutic advances. As important progress is made in any area involving infants and children, Pediatric Dermatology is there to publish the findings.