What is beetle juice used for?

The most commonly used treatment is Cantharidin, also referred to as “beetle juice”. Cantharidin is a chemical found naturally in members of the beetle family hence the nickname “beetle juice”. It is a liquid that is painlessly applied to the bumps on the skin in the office and washed off at home a few hours later.

Can you pop a beetle Juice blister?

Do not manipulate or pull off the blister because it is protecting the healing tissue below. If the blister is bothersome you can take a sterile needle and pop the blister. 6. If you develop a fever, significant redness, pain, swelling, or have a discharge from the site, call the office at 352-332-4442.

Can I pop a cantharidin blister?

DO NOT REMOVE THE BLISTER on purpose. If necessary, make a small hole in the blister using a sterile needle (can dip a pin or seeing needle in rubbing alcohol and wipe dry) and squeeze the fluid out by gently pressing on the blister with clean hands.

What happens if you forget to wash off cantharidin?

Remember to wash the cantharidin off. Dr. Khoza will tell you at what time you need to remove the tape and wash your treated areas with soap and water. If you forget, it will keep blistering, don’t wait until you feel a painful reminder.

Does beetle juice cure warts?

Cantharidin is a substance that comes from the green blister beetle. It is sometimes used to treat warts if salicylic acid or freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) has not been useful. Cantharidin is a vesicant, which means it causes the skin to blister.

Is cantharidin legal in the US?

Despite being widely used, cantharidin has never been and is not currently FDA approved.

Can you swim after cantharidin?

No special care is required after treatment. The patient may bathe, swim, etc. Should any untoward reaction occur, contact your dermatologist immediately.

Is beetle Juice Good for warts?

How long do cantharidin blisters last?

Topical cantharidin treatment causes formation of blisters within 24 to 48 hours. Healing is complete 4 to 7 days after application. The degree of blistering is controlled by instructing the patient to wash the treated site with soap and water after a specified length of time, usually in the range of 2 to 6 hours.

What do you do after beetle juice treatment?

Remove bandage and wash the cantharidin off thoroughly with soap and water no longer than 24 HOURS after it was applied in the office. Wash sooner if instructed or if there is pain, burning, or discomfort. Expect blistering within 24 hours.

How do you know if cantharidin is working?

Topical cantharidin treatment causes formation of blisters within 24 to 48 hours. Healing is complete 4 to 7 days after application. Patients will typically feel a tingling or burning sensation within a few hours of application.

Why is cantharidin not FDA approved?

In 1962, cantharidin lost Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval owing to the failure of its manufacturers to submit data attesting to cantharidin’s efficacy.