Escharotic Agents

Uses

* Some believe that Escharotic agents have the ability to destroy cancer cells and cure skin cancers.

Escharotic agents are herbal supplements that purport to destroy cancer cells and cure skin cancers. The two most common agents are Zinc chloride and bloodroot. The use of Escharotic agents to treat skin cancer is based on the centuries-old observation that selected minerals and plant extracts may be used to destroy certain skin lesions. However, the use of escharotics without surgery has been discredited by conventional medical practitioners but persists and is promoted among alternative practitioners. They are called escharotics because they produce a thick black, dry scab called an “eschar” on the skin.

The use of Escharotic agents has fallen out of practice, largely because traditional methods have proven effective against skin cancers. Escharotic agents are available as herbal supplements but the success of Escharotic agents is unproven and the supplements are unregulated.

Side effects have not been fully studied, but could potentially include severe scarring and tissue damage.

Escharotic agents should be avoided.