Cantharis acts especially upon the mucous membranes and upon the skin. Its decidedly most important action is upon the mucous lining of the urinary tract, where it produces conditions ranging all the way from an irritation to a violent destructive inflammation, either of a part or of the whole tract. The mucous membrane of the digestive tract is also involved in an inflammatory condition. On the skin the irritative action of Cantharis results in an erysipelatous form of inflammation, and vesicular conditions in general. The chief characteristic of this drug is its constant urging to urinate, scanty discharge, and violent cutting, burning pains before, during, and after the discharge. Characteristic symptoms.