Aldara and Burning: What Users Say

• M56...
• August 26, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "Aldara is super efficient. Here is my advice: - only apply 3 times a week, reduce if you feel too much pain. - when starting the treatment, only apply a really tiny amount of cream on each wart with the end of a cotton bud. Only when you are ready, start applying a tiny bit more, but it should stay minimal. - it will create discomfort. Use baby wipes for the toilet; buy an intimate gel to take care of the area that is infected. I took 2 showers a day during the treatment to keep the area clean at all times. No pyjama bottoms to avoid any contact. - the pain is OKAY. It can burn healthy skin in the night when the warts with cream rub against it. Put some tiny plasters opposite the wart for the night. It gets itchy during the day, but stay busy. - be positive: eat healthily, stop smoking. Have someone to help you go through it. Had 6 genital warts and 5 were completely gone by week 2. Still treating 1, but it's now barely visible. Go for it and good luck, stay positive!"

• Par...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "9/10 rating simply because, like all treatments currently available, it gets rid of the symptom (warts), not the illness (HPV). I had a bout of genital warts, all spaced all over my genital area (clitoris included). After having read about the treatment, I was so scared that I did not use it for the first 2 weeks, but for me, liquid nitrogen was way too painful. Remember, everybody reacts differently; don't be discouraged. I am very sensitive to pain and have gone through this with no burning sensations, absolutely no side effects aside from expected sensitivity, and by the first week of use, I noticed a considerable difference. Dosage: 3 times/week on alternating days, e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday for 6-10 hours at night (I left it on for 8-10)."

• Gan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "Day four of using Aldara on my genital area. I have over 20 genital warts (GW) scattered all over my vagina and a few in the entrance of my vagina (size of a pinky fingernail). I've used Aldara every day, and this is my fourth day. I started getting side effects on the third day (burning, itching, white vaginal discharge, and painful urination). I have a pretty good pain threshold, hence why I’m using it every day. I noticed today that one GW is getting smaller, which was the biggest one on my left labia entrance. I hope this works and will keep you updated."

• Luc...
• July 1, 2020

For Human Papilloma Virus "The cream worked amazingly! My warts cleared away within 2 weeks of using the cream. The skin where the warts were is now smooth and wart-free. However, it was incredibly painful, the cream causes severe skin reactions. For me, I developed sores and blisters on my vagina after the first week. When I peed, it felt like my skin was on fire because it made contact with the blisters. I found I couldn't sit or walk without being in agony. However, I persisted, and by the end of the week, it was clear. Some tips! -Aloe vera is your best friend. Apply it as often as you can because it will help with the blisters and irritated skin. -When peeing, take a glass of cold water and pour it at the same time, or squirt bottled water. This really helps with the burning and stinging. Also, apply aloe vera after peeing. -DON'T apply too much cream or leave it on for more than 10 hours. I think lathering the cream on didn't help the severe reactions I was having."

• Pru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "Female, age 53, after an operation to remove the bad cells, I have been prescribed Aldara cream to use 3 times a week. I actually feel like I’m being tortured, the burning and stinging are unbearable in such a sensitive place. It’s making me feel terrible. I have got to use this for 16 weeks for VIN3, and I am going back to my specialist on Thursday. Anyone have any suggestions for what I can do? x."

• Pop...
• January 2, 2020

For Human Papilloma Virus "I had a GW 12 days ago, at first, it's small, flat, white warts. So, my OB prescribed me Aldara 3-5 times a day for 10 days and some antibiotics 2 times a day for 10 days. On the 4th day of my application, I felt burning and redness down there until 2 small blisters showed up between the small warts. I also felt side effects similar to the other experience, a fever-like feeling. On the 8th day, the small white wart vanished, but the 2 small blisters still remain. I’m totally freaking out. On the 9th day, 1 blister got bigger and turned out to be white, as well as the other small blister. On the 10th day, when I visited my doctor, she told me to stop the cream and prescribed me multivitamins. She told me to get surgery or burn the warts when I decide. On the 11th day, I stopped using Aldara, but the two white blisters are still there. And still, my V is swollen. I don't know what to do anymore. Will this white blister still go away because I stopped using Aldara already? Any same case as mine? Need help."

• Gen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "I had genital warts. I decided to try Aldara and hope for the best. After reading loads of reviews about crazy side effects, I was a bit worried, but my experience has been great. It says to use each sachet only once, but I get at least 3/4 uses out of each. I’ve had no burning and minimal scabbing of the skin, only a slight bit of redness around the affected area. After 2 weeks, the warts began to shrink rapidly and disappeared in the 3rd week! Just ensure you follow the instructions and complete the course (~16 weeks), as I’ve noticed a lot of people have stopped using it once the warts disappear, and then they come back straight away. It cost me £70 for the whole course."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2018

For Molluscum Contagiosum "Had horrific effects from taking this. I'm currently in the process of getting a diagnosis for small fiber neuropathy because of this drug. I was in the best health of my life before I started applying it. Within two days, I had burning sensations all over my body. It caused a systemic reaction. I discontinued immediately, but over two years later, I still get painful burning all over my body. Google Aldara and 'small fiber neuropathy,' and you will see I am not the only one who had this condition triggered by Aldara/imiquimod. This drug is a powerful immunomodulator that triggers multiple types of immune-mediated cells in the body and causes the body to attack itself. People are getting sick from it, and their claims are not being addressed."

• XXX...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2020

For Human Papilloma Virus "In the first week of using this cream, I felt no difference, although now I’m in my second week (I apply Mon, Wed, Fri for 16 weeks), and I’ve got a sore throat and sneezing, also, down there burns and itches like anything! I’ve noticed swelling around the surrounding area of the wart (I only have one), but I have noticed it’s decreasing in size slowly but surely! To reduce the itchiness, take two showers per day (no scented shower gels) to keep them clean. Also, if you can, don’t wear underwear as the friction can make it more painful. For the pain while urinating, take a cup or jug and rinse off with cool water! Although the pain is unbearable sometimes, try and stick it out. :)"

• max...
• March 15, 2017

For Human Papilloma Virus "I'm fighting HPV for a year and a half now. Aldara works, but it takes a long time. Be patient, it might burn you sometimes. Make sure the area is clean and dry. Avoid using tea tree oil or ACV while on Aldara therapy."

• Smu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "Black female aged between 24 and 28. Used Aldara for about 1 month, 3 times a week - Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and washed it off after 10 hours. The wart was on my perineum area. The first week on this medication made the wart increase in size, bummer. However, by the end of the second week, the wart had drastically reduced in size. For the first two weeks, I used a whole sachet for each application (realized later this was some sort of overdosage) and might explain the on-and-off sore throat I experienced during this time. Reduced my dose for the last two weeks - one sachet for 3 applications. In total, I ended up using 8 sachets from the recommended 12. Keeping the rest in case of any re-occurrence. Strangely enough, I only experienced burning and irritation in the last two weeks when I was using a more reduced dosage. There's also minor discoloration where the wart was."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2020

For Human Papilloma Virus "I found out I have genital warts, and they were pretty much a lot to do any other treatment, so the doctors suggested a topical cream. At first, I was scared when I read all the reviews. The first 3 applications, I didn’t feel any difference, but the day after my third time, I started feeling like I had a cold or cough, and the next morning, I had a hard time peeing as I was burning like anything. I found a trick: I started sprinkling cold water on me before I started peeing, that made me not feel 95% of my pain while peeing. And in 1 day, my burn pain while peeing was gone, and I saw 50% of my warts have disappeared. I’m still a little sick, but I’m happy."

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 1, 2018

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "3 weeks, only using it at night, Monday/Wednesday/Friday only. No side effects, but masked probably because I have Parkinson's. Small area, only above the temple. No result really, although feeling it now there is a rough patch, so pleased. I would like to use for another week, but not sure if advisable. I had a stinging sensation for years, which GPs just waved their hands in the air as if to say nothing to worry about until I saw a GP 3 weeks ago. He prescribed this cream, and I believe it’s now doing its job."

• Dot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2018

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I had cancer in situ on the glans (top of my penis). I used Efudix for 6 weeks and didn't have any side effects. Now it's reduced to a Basalioma (pre-stage to cancer), which is from the HPV virus. So the doctor gave me Aldara. Used a small amount for 4 days. Had to stop, fever, swollen glands, back pain, burning, and blood spots on my penis, can't pee without screaming. Even water hurts!!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "I am on to my second week now of Aldara. My first 2 days, I applied way too much and was in severe agony, waking up in tears with pain - burning, itching, hurt to walk and sit down, also when urinating. I took a 3-day break and have been applying a lot less now, and it comes with a lot less pain, so anyone starting treatment, you do not need much product!!! I learned that the hard way. Gets very itchy and uncomfortable, but nothing unbearable like the first 2 days. I have been having other bad side effects - horrible dreams, chills, headaches, trouble sleeping, and general aches and pains, but so far, so good as the Aldara seems to be working, so I am looking forward to my next couple of weeks of treatment."

• Gan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 12, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "It’s day ten, and I have used Aldara continuously in the first four days and stopped on the fifth day because the pain was unbearable and I wanted to take a break. The burning urination was still there, along with the itchiness, white discharge, and burning sensation overall. Pain started to ease on day eight, and I had sex and didn’t feel any discomfort (just embarrassment, lol). Today, I took a look at my vagina, and I was happy to see that most of my GWs were either completely gone or had gotten smaller. I applied Aldara again since I have no pain or discomfort and will continue to take it. Again, hope this works and will keep you updated."

• Tod...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2021

For Human Papilloma Virus "I was prescribed Aldara for genital warts. I applied it, no problems, however, after about a week, I started getting burns, growths, and bleeding. I thought nothing of it. I kept applying it, some of that calmed down, then getting worse in other parts. I’ve stopped applying it now. My penis is burned, skin and discharge. It hurts when I urinate or when I pull back my foreskin, it stings to touch. I don’t know if anyone else has experienced this?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "After using it for 2 days, I noticed my warts shrinking and thought, hell yeah! By the end of the week, I can’t sleep because the small amount I’m putting in has burnt my penis, and it’s swollen and very red! It’s now been 3 weeks since I stopped using the product, and I still can’t touch my penis and pull back the skin without it bringing me to tears! The pain is unbelievable, and I will never forget it. Just walking around with underwear on hurts because it rubs."

• Jak...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 5, 2021

For Human Papilloma Virus "Was diagnosed with 9 genital warts last January, even though I have never had unprotected sex before. I was advised not to worry about it, as my immune system will fight them off. However, I decided to purchase Aldara, which cleared 50 percent of the warts without recurrence. I was not happy with it because Aldara is freaking expensive, and I expected it to be effective. Moving on, I was asked to see a specialist. I was told I could opt for surgery, which is 90 percent effective and the best treatment. So I did the surgery just recently, and I'm now wart-free. The surgery is painless once prescribed with local anesthesia, compared to Aldara, which felt like being burnt down there. I will just advise anyone reading this: if you have the funds or insurance, go for surgery or electrocautery. Stop wasting money on Aldara, however, Aldara may be effective for some people."

• jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "4 weeks in and only one wart has shrunk. Most have stayed the same, and I have actually had lots more warts appear despite taking really good care of myself. The side effects are horrific - I have red, raw patches that feel like blisters and burns on my inner labia, which is odd because I've not applied the cream there and have no warts there! It is difficult to sleep at night because of the pain and itching. I've used Warticon in the past and had a much better experience - Aldara feels like I'm just putting acid on my genitals without any reward or success!"

• Boo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 12, 2020

For Human Papilloma Virus "Tomorrow will be my 4th day of using Aldara. I had extreme body aches, headaches, and horrible nausea. While doing my research, I found that Aldara has this side effect, but I do also have a bladder infection (not related). My vagina is extremely red, swollen, itchy, and it looks as if my skin is melting. Let me not even get started on the burning when I pee, bear in mind I have a bladder infection, so my urine is very concentrated, so it burns so bad! My warts are going down, and I only take it every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, skipping the weekend. My treatment should last 4 weeks, but this pain is worse than a bad case of thrush. I hope it gets rid of all of my warts."

• AMC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2021

For Human Papilloma Virus "I decided to landscape my nether region for the first time in a long time around 10 weeks ago and discovered a couple of GW on my perineum, introitus, and vestibule. I was devastated. I have been celibate for over 3 years, so I know I contracted it more than 3 years ago. I got my first Gardasil 9 vaccine and started treatment with Condylox for 4 weeks. The warts decreased in size, but nothing significant. I got my second Gardasil 9 shot and decided to try Aldara. For the first 5 weeks, I noticed nothing except for INTENSE ITCHING and BURNING after the 2nd week. I began doing an apple cider vinegar bath before the treatment (to soften the hard warts), and now I am on week 6, about to start week 7, and all of the warts have started to shrink (tiny, tiny) and are almost all gone. Jesus and Lidocaine 5% have helped me get through this treatment. Aldara feels, after week 2, like my absolute worst yeast infection multiplied by 1000."

• Ken...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 21, 2025

For Human Papilloma Virus "I have genital warts at the penile corona area. I use Aldara 3 times a week (Mon, Wed, Fri). There is no significant improvement during the first week, except some redness and a burning feeling on the surrounding skin area. During this period, I'm taking honeysuckle chrysanthemum tea (powdered form) for detoxification and to build up my immunity. On the 12th day, I took the nail clipper and cut off the tip of the genital wart because I was getting impatient. It wasn't the first time I had cut it with a nail clipper, but this time there's blood dripping out. I applied Aldara on the wart as well as on the next day. To my astonishment, 2-3 days later, the wart had shrunk significantly. Some parts seemed to come off when I rubbed and cleaned it during the shower with soap. And by the 20th day, the wart is gone and not visible anymore! Throughout the entire 20 days, I've only used one sachet of Aldara (out of 5 I've bought) for the small wart. I will stop soon or until the first sachet is finished."

• Hen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 2, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "Was on this for months. Two warts on the penis tip cleared very well, but came back as soon as treatment was paused. Other warts on the shaft, foreskin, under the foreskin shrunk in size during treatment but never cleared. The cream caused a lot of burning sensations on the skin and was very uncomfortable. The foreskin became weak and lost some elasticity during treatment, and as a result, broke several times during washing. By contrast, Podophyllotoxin cleared almost all warts in about three weeks (many of them later reappeared though), and while causing some degree of discomfort, it wasn't comparable to Aldara."

• bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "Used Aldara for genital warts, three times a week, and all was well at first. Wart size was beginning to decrease, and after a couple of months, I started burning down there. Looked only to see how swollen and red it was. Not using it again."