Why is cantharidin called Beetlejuice? The origin story of the 'blister beetle' treatment
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4 min read
Cantharidin, a potent medication, has been used in medicine for over 2,000 years, and its nickname, **Beetlejuice**, comes from its insect-based origin. The topical treatment is derived from the defense secretions of blister beetles, which have a long and complex history in both folk medicine and modern dermatology.