Imiquimod topical and Burning: What Users Say

• M56...
• August 26, 2018

Imiquimod topical 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

Imiquimod topical 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)."

• Dav...
• April 20, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "I was diagnosed with a serious case of anal warts (HPV), and when I say serious, it was really severe! My local GUM clinic, first of all, gave me Daktarin cream to try and loosen the warts first, but this really didn't do much. I then used the Aldara 5% cream, and it was truly magical! Hurt like hell, almost to the point where I had trouble sleeping with the burning sensation, but after 2 weeks, the warts were significantly reduced, and the burning had subsided. It does look like I have a few scars due to how many warts there were, but all in all, it's a lot better! 1 year later, and I'm still as smooth as I was before the diagnosis!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2013

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I am on week 5. I first used it on my arms with no result, so I decided to do my forehead. A few spots came out. Now I'm doing my chest area... major sun damage! I'm not going to lie, it itches and burns. If all these spots are pre-cancer cells, then it's definitely worth a few weeks of pain and discomfort! I just told my co-workers what I was doing, so I didn't feel the need to 'cover up.' It actually feels better not to have clothes rub on it. I take Advil for the pain. If only I could go back in time and tell myself to get out of the tanning beds, it's not worth it!"

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

Imiquimod topical 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

Imiquimod topical 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

Imiquimod topical 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."

• Gra...
• April 10, 2018

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Treating basal cell carcinoma. Seven weeks in, three weeks to go, nine spots being treated with two quite large (3' x 3'). I'm treating about 25 square inches. Three spots did not react at all or very minimally, even though they were biopsied and confirmed BCC. Three of the spots reacted in a big way, causing scabbing, oozing, flaking, big growth of the affected area, burning/severe itching... Side effects. Not sure if it is the amount of surface area or the type of ailment that affects this. Not been able to sleep through the night for seven weeks - just wake up after two or three hours. In some cases, I'm also distracted by the itching/burning, in other cases, I'm just awake, drowsy, and unable to sleep. Had a headache almost the entire treatment, ranging from barely noticeable to distracting but not terrible. 'Flu-like symptoms' almost the entire treatment. I feel achy in my legs/hips and a general feeling of sickness that leaves me unable to think properly or interact normally. Also had some fever/night sweats."

• Chu...
• May 15, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "I really screwed up with this medication. I put too much on and just thought the burning was it working. I had one small anal wart and thought I would 'go hard or go home.' I went hard with the cream, and I had a horrible reaction to it. My skin was so raw I could not walk. If water touched it in the shower, it was a pain unlike any I have felt. Washing it burned, sitting hurt, walking hurt, sneezing hurt, going to the restroom was painful beyond belief, everything made it hurt. Just be very careful and only apply a tiny amount to the affected area. Don't be stupid like me. It does work great, but can be unbearably painful if used wrong. It will heal if you do go overboard, but it takes a week or so of pampering."

• Its...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2017

For Human Papilloma Virus "I was prescribed Zyclara about 3 weeks ago, instructed to put it on once daily for 8 weeks. Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat it. This cream is meant to take action and get rid of your unwanted skin virus symptoms, so yes, there will be tingles, maybe some burning, and definitely some soreness, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. A little goes a long way, and for me, it takes a couple of days to show results, but the key is it does! I take 'heal days' if needed and take care of myself by eating right and taking multivitamins. I went to weekly freezing prior, which eventually worked but came back, but so far with the cream, no returns! One more stubborn one to go! Don't be scared to try it, and don't give up. Your life is not over :)"

• Anonymous
• May 3, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "Used imiquimod for HPV (a couple of genital warts) for 1 month at three times a week. After applying 2 times, I started noticing an intense itch/burn in the treated area. Aloe gel would cool and soothe the itch/burn, then started using ice packs, quit using toilet paper, and have a bottle of water to rinse with instead. The itch is everywhere. Started applying Emla cream 2.5% lidocaine to all areas (local anesthetic). Freezing it stops the itch and numbs the burn. Realizing the itch is all new warts coming to the surface. I'm well into my 4th week. Been told 6 weeks use from the day started, but with each continuous outbreak, your 6 weeks starts over. No less than 15, with the hood of my clitoris being the center of about 80% of them. I now use witch hazel, calamine, vitamin E, and a 5% lidocaine med called Jampocaine. I still wake in the night scratching from new ones breaking out. Horrible experience right from the start. Need this to be gone. Huge hit to my confidence. The pain literally consumes me. I even went back to the gyno. He looked, said it's bad, but it's doing its job. So I'm sticking it out."

• Ano...
• April 14, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "This cream is one of the most painful and agonizing treatments I have ever received, however, if you are willing to put up with insatiable itching, burning, feeling like you have the flu, and being unable to catch your breath, it is 100% worth it. For me, the few months of pain are worth it to get rid of the embarrassment and self-disgust at having GW. I'm just starting to recover from the treatment and have gone from maybe 30 to around 5 tiny ones (I have an immunity disorder, so I was unable to fight the virus myself and it spread so quickly). Fantastic treatment, absolute agony, but well worth it if you can put up with it."

• Pop...
• January 2, 2020

Imiquimod topical 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

Imiquimod topical 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."

• Anonymous
• March 31, 2017

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I have been using this cream for BCC for 3 weeks, with 1 week left. Apply 3 nights a week. I was not sure what to expect. Using it on my face and neck, initially applied over the entire area until the red areas popped out. Now I'm just using it on the inflamed areas. Almost the entire face is covered in red sores. Very painful, burning, and itchy. Also developed cough and fatigue. Staff at the doctor's office said this was normal. I guess if it has a lot of inflammation, it means it is working. I have wanted to stop the treatment but am trying to stick with it as I'm close to the end. I prefer to not have any additional surgeries. I rarely leave the house, this looks like a contagious disease."

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

Imiquimod topical 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."

• max...
• March 15, 2017

Imiquimod topical 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."

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

Imiquimod topical 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. :)"

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

Imiquimod topical 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."

• Ano...
• November 2, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "Okay, if you're here before you have applied the medication, good job!! The worst mistake I've ever made was not reading reviews before I applied this medication. The first couple of days, I had agonizing pain because of the severe burns I had all over my vagina... and that is because I spread it all over. Be very careful when applying this medication. Just put a little amount on the tip of a Q-tip and apply it on the wart only. If you do experience burning or itching, use Neosporin, aloe, or any other numbing/pain-relieving cream!!! Also, apply the cream before you use the application, and that will help you too. Other than that, this cream does work, it takes time, but it works. Don't lose hope!!!!"

• Gir...
• January 11, 2017

For Human Papilloma Virus "I've been using it for about 2 weeks now. I have warts right by the vaginal entry and surrounding lips. The first week, I didn't really feel much difference, but now I am in so much pain from the burning! Going to the toilet and sitting down without screaming in pain are my biggest challenges. Rightly or wrongly, I've read others' stories, as well as a dermatologist article, who all infer burning means it's working (for those that don't know, it is a chemical burn cream, that's how it gets rid of the warts). I haven't stopped using it as the warts are going, but if anyone can offer ways to relieve the pain and confirm I'm still going to have a fully functioning vagina at the end of this (laugh, you have to with these things!), I'd be super grateful!"

• Men...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "This right here is magic. I saw results in the 3rd week, warts got a lot smaller, didn't experience any burning, just some mild itching. During the first week of imiquimod, the warts seemed bigger than they were before, but this is probably just routine as the warts eventually reduce in size since the beginning of the second week. At the end of the 3rd week, I'm almost cleared up."

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

Imiquimod topical 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."

• Gma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2017

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "On week 5 of 6 with application 5 times per week. Coverage area runs from cheek to cheek and the entire nose. The area did burn initially, but that has stopped. Dizziness and flu-like symptoms persisted. My face looks terrible, but my MD did say it would get worse before getting better. The area is severely scabbed, crusted, red, irritated, and looks like a giant-size deep scab. The size of the area is increasing, and that is a huge concern. Today my eyelids are swollen, and bags of fluid appeared under the eyes. After 5 of 6 weeks of treatment, I had to discontinue use. Will see what my options are next week at my MD appointment. Sad to have gotten this far with seemingly little benefit."

• ash...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "This drug is incredible at getting rid of warts. But I would DEFINITELY recommend using it for one day, then waiting 3 days to see how severe your reaction is. I used it on 2 days before getting any reaction, and boy, it was a huge reaction. Even the TINIEST amount of Aldara causes your vagina to literally swell and burn for days and cause blisters, and I used the stuff very sparingly and only on the warts. For anyone about to try Aldara, please just try it once and wait 3 days to see how you react before applying any more, because man, this stuff is strong!!!"