What is Cantharidin (Beetle Juice) and How Does it Work?

Cantharidin or beetle juice is an agent used to treat warts. Cantharidin binds to the cell membrane of the warts and prevents them from sticking to each other. This leads to a process called acantholysis which simply means loss of cellular connections. It is this loss of cellular connections that leads to blistering and eradication of warts.

What Situations or Patients Benefit from Using Cantharidin?

All patients can benefit from using Cantharidin. However, in our clinic we often recommend the use of Cantharidin with children since it is painless when applying the medication and fast acting in resolving warts.

Where and How do I get Cantharidin?

Cantharidin needs to be prescribed by your GP and the combination we recommend is as follows: Cantharidin 1% / podophyllum resin 5% / Salicylic acid 30%. The GP needs to write on the prescription to be used by podiatrist during the treatment.

Please contact Foot Focus Podiatry on 9258 4152 for a list of pharmacies that make this preparation. Prices can vary dramically but should cost between $80-90 (04/2022 prices). You will need about 1-2ml for treatment of a wart that has diameter of 1cm. A more accurate volume can be advised once you have seen someone at Foot Focus Podiatry.

What Happens when I Attend my Podiatrist?

When you attend Foot Focus podiatry for an appointment one of our experienced podiatrists will debride your wart with a scalpel blade. This usually is relatively pain free. The compound Cantharidin medication will then be applied over the lesion and a bandage will be used. It is especially important that you do not remove the bandage for the next 48 hours and you keep your foot clean and dry.

What Happens After my First Treatment?

A blister will form between 24-48 hours after applying Cantharidin which may cause you pain when walking. We will instruct you on how to pop the blister with a sterile pin without removing the blister. If you are immunocompromised, you will be asked to attend our office for one of our podiatrists to manage your blister. Once the blister is drained your pain will be less. You will then apply betadine solution/ointment with a dry sterile dressing until the area heals. This may take anywhere from one to two weeks. Once the skin has healed your podiatrist will decide the lesion again and educate you on whether further treatments are necessary.

How Many Times will I need to Have the Treatment?

On average anywhere between 2-3 treatments are required.

Are There any Side Effects?

Side effects observed from the topical application of cantharidin include blistering, erythema, pain, bleeding, ring warts, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, cellulitis/lymphangitis, scarring, and dermatitis.

Does my Private Health Fund Cover?

Please contact our office so we can give you the item numbers for this procedure.

Costs to consider

Please consider the following cost involved in using the cantharidin treatment option: doctor’s appointment to obtain the prescription; the cost of the Cantharidin medication from the pharmacist and to podiatry fees depending on the number of consultations required.