Imiquimod topical and Burning: What Users Say (Page 2)

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

Imiquimod topical 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."

• Ugh...
• October 2, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "I went to the doctor 5 days ago and was told I had GW and was prescribed this cream. The first two applications I used, I was worried because I didn't feel any burning or itching everyone had been saying they had felt, but after the third application, I woke up in AGONIZING PAIN, possibly the worst burn I have ever felt. And itching too (which I can't even itch because it burns so bad). I literally can't stop crying because I just want this to go away so bad, but I can't deal with how much pain I'm in as I type this. Please tell me what to do to make this burning go away!! I also haven't seen results yet, but it's only the third application, so I'm not too concerned... just praying this pain gets better. I know it will be worth it, but still."

• Con...
• April 10, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "Stock your liquor cabinet, it’s gonna be a long 2 months. When I first started using this medicine, I had virtually no symptoms. Warts were falling off (the medication seems to dry the warts out and they fall off), I felt great, life was amazing. Then about 2 weeks in, body aches, nausea, diarrhea. That lasted for 2 days. Then the skin started to blister and bleed. Putting on the medication made me scream. When it started to burn when I peed, I decided to take a 3-day break from the medication so my lady parts could heal up. 3 days later, my vagina still looks really bad, but I can sit down without dying. We apply the cream again. Hurts like a son of a gun, but the next morning more warts are gone. Cool. I’ve got this. Currently it’s week 4 of the medication: I have 2 stubborn warts left, halfway through medication, my vagina still looks scary, and peeing no longer feels like childbirth. It works."

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

Imiquimod topical 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!!"

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "Hetero male, 33. Have HPV warts on my pelvic area (5), 2 on my penis shaft, and 2 on my scrotum. Very depressing. Been using this cream for a month, and my warts have not gone away, they seem to have gotten a bit bigger. I do not feel any tenderness on the areas where I have applied it and no redness or burning. A slight itch is all. Will continue to use for the recommended 4 weeks total and keep updating."

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

Imiquimod topical 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."

• Lee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2017

For Human Papilloma Virus "My second round of Aldara. I am HPV+ 16 & 18, the monsters. I'm using Aldara. I use one sachet per treatment and three treatments per week (Mon/Wed/Fri) for 16 weeks. Initially, the cream caused the usual discomfort: burning, itching, chills, feverishness. I'm being treated for vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3 (VAIN2/3). Aldara has to be placed on a tampon and inserted internally and left for a couple of hours. I'm into my second month and no side effects at all. I use a little KY Jelly at the base of the tampon to assist with lubrication. I'm also juicing, eating veggies mostly during the week, drinking green tea, and taking vitamins to build my immune system. Hoping to rid the HPV for good. I see the professor in 2.5 months and will know more then."

• Rui...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "The first application went well, but the second application - idk what happened, but I'm never using this cream again. Then I had the chills followed by a 101.7 fever. My labia also started to swell. This flu symptom lasted another day and then completely stopped. But now my labia is so swollen, I can’t even see what’s inside anymore. I went to the hospital, they prescribed me antibiotics and said I now have a severe yeast infection when I didn't a few days ago. It hurts to urinate. It hurts to walk. It hurts to move. My labia still burns like hell, and it makes me want to cry because when I look down at my inner thigh, my skin looks ruined. I think the doctor used me as a test dummy for this cream."

• Ks7...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "I was prescribed this cream to treat HPV that I've been diagnosed with. The doctor didn't go into much detail about how to use the cream except to put it on the infected area. I put it on the infected area and the surrounding areas. I used the cream about 3-4 times, and now it's the worst pain ever. It feels like a chemical burn to my genitals. I've stopped using the cream, and it's been about 4 days, and I can still barely walk due to the amount of pain and discomfort this cream has caused. I've been using Neosporin, but it is not helping. Does anyone recommend trying anything else to get the burning pain to go away?"

• Pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "I used this cream for three days after being diagnosed with genital warts (HPV). The next day I was in so much pain in my genital area. My small itchy warts turned into big white sores. It's been 5 days since, and the pain was so unbearable that I went to urgent care, where I was told I had chemically burned my genitals. They told me that I was just supposed to put a small amount on the infected areas, but I had placed it all over for 'preventable measures.' If you use this cream, use as little as possible. I'm still in so much pain. I have trouble sleeping and walking. Peeing is really painful. This cream made my situation much worse. Use with caution."

• Anonymous
• March 17, 2015

For Condylomata Acuminata "I had numerous cryotherapy treatments and used Condyline paint, which both worked, but the warts always came back. My doc prescribed imiquimod as a last resort, and it worked marvelously. The warts had almost completely disappeared after two weeks, and I had none of the pain, burning, or itching I had with Condyline. After that, the doc said twice weekly would be enough, and after six weeks, I was completely clear."

• Lin...
• February 18, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "I am a female, 25. I made a mistake and had unprotected sex with two guys back in November. I found the first tiny warts by the end of December. After 5 weeks, they became medium size, and that's when I started worrying. I thought my sexual life was over. I went to see the doctor, and she prescribed Aldara. It has been only a week, but I already see them shrink. They itch, burn, and hurt, but I can tolerate it. If it's really bad, I apply a herbal ointment, which is good for healing wounds and burns. If it's dry, I apply the soothing cream for intimate care. They really help. I apply a very small amount of Aldara only on the affected area. I had sex the day after applying, and it didn't cause significant discomfort or pain."

• Fit...
• June 3, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "Had 5 HPV warts on the perineum area, and two just up on my vagina, and after 4 rounds of unsuccessful cryo, I was referred to a Gyno who booked me in for surgical excision and gave me Aldara at my request, citing that she had 'little hope' it would get rid of them. She was 100% wrong, they started clearing almost straight away. I applied the cream to the warts every second day for two and a half weeks (using half a packet each time), and the warts have literally ALL gone. My side effects were insane, with possibly the most intense burning I have ever felt, swelling, nausea, and severe back pain and flu symptoms, BUT I would do it again in a heartbeat."

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

Imiquimod topical 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

Imiquimod topical 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?"

• Why...
• January 5, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "So I was told I had a few little warts near my vagina and butt after I gave birth. I wanted to try something a little less dramatic than the acid, so I opted for the cream, and now I wish I had just let her use the acid. The first time I used it was no big deal. It was after the second time that I started to feel the burn and itching. I figured it was no big deal, a minor side effect. The next day I had a doc appointment, she looked at it before my pap and told me it looked fine. Then I went home, used it for the third time, and that will probably be the last time. The day after, I woke up to complete burning and itching, everything hurt: sitting, walking, peeing, even taking a bath burned like hell. I took one look at my vagina, and it was red, swollen, it looked almost like I had been burned. The pain was so bad I took a shower and cried the entire time. DON'T USE THIS CREAM. You will find a bunch of other women say this cream did nothing but cause them pain. I wish I had done my research."

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

Imiquimod topical 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

Imiquimod topical 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

Imiquimod topical 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!"

• Hon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "I've been using Aldara 3 times a week for 3 weeks on genital and anal warts. I've had no burning or anything. Does this mean it's not working? It's really affecting my mental health, all this. I can't stand them, and I just want them to go!"

• Qan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "I've been using this for about 10 days, and I've had a tremendous change. But during week two, my vulva went from neutral to chaotic evil within a few days. I have burning, itching, and now I've discovered that I have a few burns from this cream. I have to say that with this treatment, it works. But the cost for the success is horrid."

• Qan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "I've been using this for about 10 days, and I've had a tremendous change. But during week two, my vulva went from neutral to chaotic evil within a few days. I have burning, itching, and now I've discovered that I have a few burns from this cream. I have to say that with this treatment, it works. But the cost for the success is horrid."

• Aca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "Been using Zyclara 3.75% daily for about 4 weeks... had a small cluster of warts on the left side of the scrotum, and they disappeared within the first 2 weeks. I have other warts at the base of the shaft. The cream has shrunk them a lot so far. They seem to be drying up and will probably fall... Will repost after my 8 weeks or when I run out of Zyclara, whichever comes first. I stopped using it on the spots where the warts are gone. They haven't returned. Was almost scared to use this cream after reading the reviews. There will be a slight burning and itching feeling, but that means it works. I didn't have a major reaction to it, but I'm also being careful with it. Applying to the wart only and not putting too much."

• maz...
• August 3, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "I never experienced bad side effects using this cream, no burning or itchiness. I began to think it wasn't working. I only used half a packet on the affected area and saved the other half for every second day I used it. Most of my warts have gone after 3 weeks of use, but it is a really slow progress, and you have to be patient. Still have two small warts undergoing treatment. Hopefully, by the time I finish the cream, all GW will be gone! I do not recommend having sex because GW are extremely contagious, so wait until the coast is clear!"

• Ces...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "I contracted HPV, and my doctor prescribed the Imiquimod 5% to be applied every other day. I had about 10 small warts on and under my foreskin and 1 larger one on the tip. Eventually, they all shrank in size and disappeared, though it took several months. The medication burned when used under my foreskin but subsided after several applications. I didn’t experience any severe side effects, but it took a long time to work."