Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
Local Hyperthermia for Warts Treatment
Published on: November 8, 2024
Cantharidin treatment for recalcitrant facial flat warts: a preliminary study
Selda Pelinxs Kartal Durmazlar1, Damla Atacan, Fatma Eskioglu
1Department of Dermatology, Ministry of Health Ankara Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Background:
Topical cantharidin has been reported to be effective and safe in the treatment of cutaneous warts but it has not previously been used for the treatment of facial flat warts.
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical cantharidin in the treatment of recalcitrant facial flat warts.
Methods:
A total of 15 consecutive patients with recalcitrant facial flat warts were enrolled in this study. Patients having warts near the eye region were excluded from the study. Cantharidin 0.7% solution was applied to treat a maximum of five lesions per session. Repeat therapy was performed at 3-week intervals. Assessment for response and the occurrence of side effects was performed after every session until clinical cure or up to a maximum of 16 weeks.
Results:
Of the study population, patients had 8.2 +/- 4.37 lesions before the treatment. The average duration of lesions was 12.6 +/- 6.75 months. All the patients were clinically cured within 16 weeks and the number of required sessions for complete clearance was 2.6 +/- 1.18. Cantharidin therapy was well tolerated, with mild adverse events related to skin.
Conclusion:
Cantharidin is safe and effective when applied to flat warts without occlusion for 4-6 hours every 3 weeks till clear.
