Imiquimod topical and Burning: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Wor...
• February 24, 2014

For Human Papilloma Virus "My gynecologist offered me two choices: cryotherapy or the cream. I chose the instant freeze method because he said it was a faster alternative. Four of my small warts were frozen and the two large ones, about the size of my middle fingernail, he suggested that I use the Aldara cream for. The first application didn't burn at all, but it itched like crazy around 4 a.m. when I woke up, and the same for the next application. I didn't see any results, so I tried an ACV treatment for two hours one day. It hurt like hell, but I did notice a difference after that. The morning after my third application, I was literally able to wipe the warts away, but it damaged my skin terribly in two places!"

• Dog...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "Found two warts around my vagina and thought they were cysts and kept putting off going to the doctors. Then I eventually went, the doctor referred me to a health sexual clinic, told me it was genital warts, and gave me imiquimod cream to apply three times a week for a month. I applied it for the third time, and it's getting to the point where it's so sore I can barely touch it and dread going to the toilet because it's so sore. After reading your experience, I'm thinking, oops, I'm spreading it everywhere and meant to 'tap' it on the wart. So I give that a go and hopefully will improve. Also, was wondering, guys, do you reckon I can use home remedies cream to apply to the vagina as it's so sore and burning! Or will it disrupt the treatment? HELP"

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 15, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "VIN 111 - Had debilitating side effects the first two weeks, bone aches, fever. But once my body adjusted, it was just irritable at the site, itch/burn. I used a cool, dry hairdryer and it definitely seemed to help after application. Hopefully this works to avoid surgery."

• Chr...
• July 18, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "Used imiquimod. Accidentally got some on my scrotum, wiped it off, led to very serious chemical burns and irritation on my balls. Later, even without getting any on my scrotum, the symptoms returned. Despite the serious reaction where I accidentally got the medicine, on my penis shaft, where I applied it directly, there was little to no reaction and the warts (2) being treated did not respond at all. Later, I wised up and used a tactful application of apple cider vinegar to remove the warts effectively within a couple of days for a fraction of the cost. Yes, a little burning and irritation with the ACV, but effective and without the serious burning and irritation of the entire scrotum."

• Kia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "So when I first did my research, I was scared because I saw the word cancer. I thought to myself, I'm too young for cancer, just graduating. When I went to my doctor, they gave me this cream. The first few days were okay, then I started getting sensitive everywhere, including my breasts, and felt really sick to my stomach, can't really hold food down. My genitals are red and bleeding, the warts area is cleared for the most part, just my actual vaginal area that is killing me. It burns to go to the bathroom, nonstop pains, and every time I move. Hopefully, I am able to get better."

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

Imiquimod topical 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."

• Cla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "I had a very small, hard but painless bump on my perineum. After two weeks, it grew a little bit and was very wart-like, so I became concerned and went to the gyno. When he saw it, he was very nonchalant about it; he even suggested I leave it alone because more than likely it’d disappear on its own. I insisted I’d prefer to get medication, so he prescribed Aldara. He did confirm I indeed had contracted HPV, which caused the wart. I did a Pap smear after, and he suggested I get the vaccine for HPV. The medication worked wonders! I used one sachet for 6 days in total — by using it every other day; you really only need a very tiny amount. I had no irritation, itching, or burning. By the 5th use, the wart was barely visible."

• Ace...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "My MD prescribed generic Aldera 5% 3x a week for 16 weeks. Along with a herbal OTC regimen of 4000 iu of D3 daily, Vit C 1000 mg daily, Olive Leaf 18% capsule 430 mg daily, Black Elderberry 350 mg daily, Echinacea 760 mg daily, and anti-stress vitamin (brand name: Stress Tabs) 2 daily. After my 2nd treatment of my 3rd week, my severe HPV outbreak has completely healed. Aldara 5% is extremely potent and burns really bad upon application to the male groin area. From my experience, ease your way into using Aldara 5%. Start with just 1/4 of the single-use packet on your first couple of applications and slowly ease in more of the cream with each consecutive use. At the beginning of my 3rd week of treatment, the burning sensation was no longer present with use. I will continue to use for a few more weeks. The Rx cost me $75 for 12 pks with high-deductible insurance."

• Ace...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "My MD prescribed generic Aldera 5% 3x a week for 16 weeks. Along with a herbal OTC regimen of 4000 iu of D3 daily, Vit C 1000 mg daily, Olive Leaf 18% capsule 430 mg daily, Black Elderberry 350 mg daily, Echinacea 760 mg daily, and anti-stress vitamin (brand name: Stress Tabs) 2 daily. After my 2nd treatment of my 3rd week, my severe HPV outbreak has completely healed. Aldara 5% is extremely potent and burns really bad upon application to the male groin area. From my experience, ease your way into using Aldara 5%. Start with just 1/4 of the single-use packet on your first couple of applications and slowly ease in more of the cream with each consecutive use. At the beginning of my 3rd week of treatment, the burning sensation was no longer present with use. I will continue to use for a few more weeks. The Rx cost me $75 for 12 pks with high-deductible insurance."

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

Imiquimod topical 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."

• Use...
• April 20, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "I just found out in September 2015 that I have HPV, married finding out my husband had it from a previous girlfriend, 6 months prior to us being together. I have had 2 cryo procedures and now using Aldara cream MWF. It burns and is very uncomfortable, but it does work."

• Bye...
• December 10, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "I stopped using the cream after the 4th day. I have followed the instructions to a T. Applied a minimal amount and rubbed it into the wart until it was gone, made sure that I did not apply it to normal skin. The cream actually burned through part of the wart and burned the epidermis, so I've had to stop using the cream as it cannot be applied to broken skin. The fingers that I used to apply the cream have experienced nerve pain and burning sensations similar to those I experienced where I applied the cream on the wart. I had hesitations about using this cream, however, at least I can say that I have tried it. I am going to stick to liquid nitrogen, the least painful form of treatment for me out of all the medical treatments I've tried."

• Bye...
• December 10, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "I stopped using the cream after the 4th day. I have followed the instructions to a T. Applied a minimal amount and rubbed it into the wart until it was gone, made sure that I did not apply it to normal skin. The cream actually burned through part of the wart and burned the epidermis, so I've had to stop using the cream as it cannot be applied to broken skin. The fingers that I used to apply the cream have experienced nerve pain and burning sensations similar to those I experienced where I applied the cream on the wart. I had hesitations about using this cream, however, at least I can say that I have tried it. I am going to stick to liquid nitrogen, the least painful form of treatment for me out of all the medical treatments I've tried."

• Sta...
• June 23, 2017

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I am currently using Zyclara for a basal cell in my ear. I have had this before about 7 years ago and used Aldara at the time that completely cured it. I was prescribed this cream this time at my doc's recommendation because it is a little milder than Aldara and the skin is thinner in the ear. I have been using this now for 3 weeks without any breaks and have 3 more weeks to go as per my derm. I haven't had any flu-like symptoms, and side effects are just on the treated area: extreme swelling, raw skin, oozing, redness, slight burning, and scabbing. I started with one spot that looked like a pimple, and with the cream came many more. Once I'm done, I am hoping, obviously, that my basal cell is gone and my ear looks like an ear again."

• Idk...
• April 22, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "Idk yet. I've been using the cream on 3 small (1/8') GW on my penis for about 5-6 weeks now and haven't really seen significant improvement. I can't say it doesn't work, as there has been a slight improvement, but as of yet I'm still unsure if it's going to work for me, which isn't unheard of in some people. The recommended usage prescribed by my doctor was 2 times a week, for up to 12 weeks. I've been applying it every 3rd day instead. After reading some of the reviews, I think I'll start applying it every other day. I've had none of the burning or itching described. After the first week, I did notice the skin was breaking, but that seems to have stopped."

• Bur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2020

For Human Papilloma Virus "I discovered about 6 genital warts on my scrotum, went to my campus health provider, and was prescribed the 5% version of this cream. It said use 3 times a week on one place and every day on my prescription bottle, so I used it every day for 10 days - dumbest move I’ve ever made in my entire life. Tbh I’m only writing this so no one else does the same thing. I have been only able to sleep maybe 5 hours a night sparsely in the past 4 nights, my scrotum looks like it has been infected with herpes and received 3rd-degree burns. When I walk places, it’s like I’m being stuck with needles in my scrotum. I just put some Aloe Vera on it before typing out this, so hopefully that’ll help the recovery, and I’ll be able to walk like a normal person again soon. But, whatever you do, if you’ve been using it for consecutive days - stop, and if you plan on doing it - I promise you it’s not worth it. I guess this is what I get for thinking I could tough it out."

• Mim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "This cream worked within a week, and I was quite surprised the bump just dropped right off. I just had a genital wart the size of a pin. I did not read the instructions and lathered it on, and cream leaked to the vagina and burns so much to urinate and walk. So, I would advise following the directions, applying directly to the bump and rubbing it in, washing it off in 6-10 hours. I did not do this at all. But this worked well, though. Thanks."

• Anonymous
• March 3, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "I’m an 18-year-old girl who got diagnosed with low-risk HPV 5 days ago. After a lot of crying and screaming at my ex-boyfriend who infected me, I’m slowly getting used to the idea of having genital warts. I am unsure how many I have, but they are located near my vaginal opening and are so swollen to the point it is swollen shut. My warts are extremely itchy, and I apply pressure to soothe the itching momentarily, but of course, it doesn’t help long. The first night I applied this cream, it wasn’t too bad, but the next day it burned a lot. The following day, when I did not apply the medication, there was barely any itching, and the warts appeared to be going down! Yet, that night (Thursday night) I applied the medication, and Friday it burned and itched ALL day. I work in a restaurant and walk around nonstop for 4-6 hours each shift, and the warts got so irritated to the point I started crying and had to leave early. This morning it feels better, and the bumps seem to be drying out."

• Alw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2017

For Human Papilloma Virus "I have had HPV for a couple of years now, and I'm 21 now. My GW signs didn't show until I turned 19. I was dealing with pain from my gastroesophageal reflux disease, feeling hopeless and being embarrassed to go to the doctor. I finally went, and she applied some cream two times. I came to see her, and it did nothing. I was hopeless, embarrassed of my warts because they have raised and are big. I went to her and asked to cut them off. But now I see that if I would have researched more, I wouldn't be going through the pain of getting them poked with burning numbing meds that don't work fully because I could feel her cutting them. It was horrible. I damn near don't want to have sex anymore because of this surgery, smh. I should have just used imiquimod, and now it's been 5 days. I'm healing good."

• Van...
• March 22, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "Recently, I have been told I have HPV because of the warts I got. The warts were extremely small but noticeable. The doctor gave me Zydara, I believe that's what it's called. It worked, but in the process, I was burning so bad. Come to find out, I burned my lips and they became swollen, it's so hard to walk. Please be careful."

• blu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2017

For Human Papilloma Virus "This female lesbian at 55 contracted the HPV 5 years ago. I started the Aldara recommended by the gyno, used for 3 months, and the bumps turned flat and grey in color, covering both sides of the happy place. Horrible. Eventually, I had to have surgery to cut it all out. I recovered and went 4 years in remission. Aldara did not work for me. Just had a 2nd outbreak recently, both sides again. I tried the home remedies, vinegar, crushed aspirin paste, etc. Ended up getting burned pretty bad, but the vinegar works, put on with a Q-tip, not on surrounding skin. Now I'm trying Somxl cream. Praying it works, us females have a much harder time with it than you guys."

• Dan...
• February 4, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "I have 4 to 5 days using the imiquimod cream. The first days that I started using it, it was working pretty well and without pain. The cream even removed some of my flat warts that I have. But now it's very painful and I cannot walk. It burns when I'm going to take a shower or wipe in that area. Now, because I probably used too much in the area I wasn't supposed to be applying the imiquimod cream on, some parts of my inner vagina swell."

• cgu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2019

For Molluscum Contagiosum "I took the medicine imiquimod 3 times per week for 30 days for molluscum contagiosum bumps just above the crack on my buttocks. I had to quit for one week because my rectal area was sore, red, burning, and itching. A couple of small open sores developed. I used hydrocortisone cream, and this helped a lot. Most of the bumps are gone except for one that is stubborn. I restarted applying the cream after a one-week hiatus. My rectal area became very sore again. The one stubborn bump became larger and then greatly reduced in size. I quit the imiquimod for a few days until the sores are better."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "48 years old, married 15 years and a mom. Never had this and all of a sudden noticed 2 GW. Neither of us has been outside our marriage and was told this could have been in one of our systems for years. Used this medication, feel a burn, really red and swollen, but may have applied too much. Will use less and give another week to see any difference. This has really turned me off from sex!! HATE this."

• gal...
• August 8, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "I was wondering if someone could share on this website what the burning typically looks like. I had a cluster on my leg, and I’ve been using Zyclara 3x a week for 6 weeks now, and I have a pretty horrible burn. I’m not sure if it is normal! If someone could please share the appearance of their burn, that would help a lot so I could know if I need to see a doc before my appointment. Thanks!"