What is cantharidin treatment for molluscum?
Cantharidin is a blistering agent applied in the office to molluscum contagiosum bumps. It causes a small blister under each bump that lifts it away within a few days, with no needles, scraping or pain at the time of application, which makes it ideal for children. Several visits a few weeks apart may be needed as new lesions appear. It is washed off at home after a set number of hours.
Molluscum is a harmless but persistent viral skin infection common in children, and it can take months or years to clear on its own. Cantharidin speeds that up without the trauma of scraping or freezing.
What to expect
- A tiny drop of cantharidin on each bump, allowed to dry
- Wash off at home after the time Dr. Darvish specifies
- Blisters form in a day or two and resolve within a week, taking the molluscum with them
- Repeat visits every three to four weeks until clear
See cantharidin treatment for molluscum. Dr. Darvish also treats eczema and other pediatric and adult skin conditions.
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