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

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• January 19, 2012

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I took Zyclara for the first time a year ago at the age of 34 after my doctor froze off 3 actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis on my nose is back, also, I still have red spots where lesions were during the initial treatment. Doctor says I need another round to finish off the damage and as a last best hope to avoid having to surgically remove the spot on my nose. I have fair skin and tons of sun damage (including 2nd-degree burns over 20% of my body). My doctor initially recommended that I take 2 months off for the treatment, this time, I will take her advice! I found the treatment too intense to work through due to pain and fatigue. Moisturizing the area with petroleum jelly and a topical anesthetic and antimicrobial (Neosporin or Polysporin) helped a lot!"

• Hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 16, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "So, I have to admit I was really surprised when I was diagnosed with HPV. I had had two sexual partners, kept up to date on regular Pap tests, and even received the most recent vaccines against the virus (Gardasil 9). But it happened. I found one abnormality inside my vaginal opening. It didn't even really look like a wart, it was so small. But it wasn't there before. So I went in to see my doctor, and yep, low-risk HPV. Prescribed Aldara. I was told to apply it daily for one week. After the first four applications, it was almost gone! Very happy. But because of the location, it chemically burned my skin in nearby areas. Very painful. But it works! I also eat healthy and take vitamins. My boyfriend was incredibly supportive as well."

• 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. :)"

• A G...
• November 10, 2015

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "Contracted GW and went to a dermatologist who diagnosed them after one had misdiagnosed them before. Had them burned (electrocuted off) and frozen. Had to return two weeks later as many more small ones had grown, same treatment again. I was then prescribed Aldara for a month, morning and night for 5-day stints (Mon-Fri). I kept up with this the first week, but the second week I started just doing nights as twice a day seems excessive after reading everyone else's prescriptions. Things look much clearer, but I got a blister which healed significantly after taking a break for a few days. This stuff takes a few days to kick in, but expect to be pretty red and your scrotum to be sore if you're a guy. I'll repost in a couple of weeks when I'm done with my treatment."

• Ano...
• June 30, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "To all of you using this drug for your warts, I want you to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Your love life DOES continue... And you should not be worried. Ninety percent of all cases clear up for good within two years, and for those that don't, Aldara is a powerful medication to finish it off (not a cure!). I had that lasted for three years until finally a doctor prescribed me Aldara on December 11, 2011. For the first eight weeks, nothing happened (as is common for male treatment), but my doctor seemed to be disheartened by the lack of progress and opted to have them frozen off. A week later, I finished the remaining four weeks of treatment. The affected area was red and painless. My doctor finally told me... 'You're cured.'"

• all...
• June 27, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "Three weeks ago, after seeing my doctor about some weird 'bumps' on my vagina, I got the devastating news that I have HPV. In tears walking out with my prescription for Aldara, I was in too much shock to recall what my doctor or pharmacist said about applying this very pricey cream. I came across this site, and the more I read, the more scared I was to use it. I'm sorry for those that had severe side effects, but I think it is important to note how effective and great this medication is and how it can work well if used properly! I only applied it to the warts, used Vaseline around on the healthy parts, and took Benadryl with it at bedtime. In the morning, I was sore, swollen, and sensitive, however, it was tolerable. Three weeks after using it, the warts appear gone!"

• Hap...
• December 2, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "I was diagnosed with anal HPV last month. This week will be my 5th week on this cream, and since last week, I noticed my GW are gone! I didn't have serious pain, but there was some redness, itching, and mild pain, but that's how you know it's working. The goal was 'irritation,' my doctor said. I used it 5 times a week before bedtime for 3 weeks, then when it got irritated, I went to 3 times a week. I used the entire packet at each application and rubbed the cream into the wart and surrounding skin. I did get itching about 4 hours after application. In the mornings, I washed it off. I'm happy this medicine worked for me. Don't be afraid to try it."

• 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!!!!"

• Phi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2020

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Had flu-like symptoms after five days of using imiquimod! Thought it was the end of me, lost weight, sick, and diarrhea, and hemorrhaged blood by the liter, doubled up in pain. Didn’t eat for over a week! Very, very ill. Had several cameras inserted to see the problem in the intestines. They said that they thought my immune system had destroyed my internal lining of my intestine."

• 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!"

• Fac...
• April 20, 2013

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I just finished the second phase of two weeks on Zyclara. It is doing its job for sure. A lot of open sores at the surface. Doctor put me on antibiotics as I have some infection going on. Also, using an antibiotic topical cream to help. It is painful but worth the time going through this as I have heard good results. I have had the Mohs surgery and also Efudex. Hope this clears it up for good."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2019

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I have had a recurring actinic keratosis on my temple (beside my eye) on and off for several years, plus several eczema-like lesions on my cheeks, neck, and behind my ears. I have gone through the recommended 6-week Zyclara treatment, and my skin is much better, almost completely clear, with just a few little areas remaining for which my dermatologist has recommended a further 'cycle' of 6 weeks, which will start in the next few days. I had the usual unsightly red scabs on one side and then the other. They were rather sore and itchy, but not unbearably so. Many friends have commented on how much better my skin looks, which is encouraging! I also have a compromised immune system due to chronic leukemia, but no obvious side effects. I live in Spain, so I have had to be careful about further sun exposure."

• Tbg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2016

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Okay, middle way through week 4. Oozing red spot that is weeping. It is fairly painful and stings. I don't have the aches and pains, but seem to have bouts at night of really heavy, complete body sweating. One small spot seems somewhat improved, but so far... not sure. Two weeks to go, hope it works."

• 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."

• Rra...
• June 17, 2016

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I'm starting my second week of six weeks for a spot on my chest. I thought it was an allergic reaction after the first night I took it. My entire chest is covered in red, swollen, now crusty welts that are painful. The doctor said those are all cancerous cells he couldn't see with the naked eye, and it's good that it's bringing them out. Honestly, I don't know if I can make it six weeks. The pain is bad, I'm nauseous all day, I have achy muscles, and feel tired. I have a high pain tolerance, so for me to be so bothered is unusual. I know it's working, too well. I'll try and stick it out, what's my alternative? I also have to wear shirts that cover up to my neck, it's so bad."

• Non...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "This is my first time using it. My doctor had told me to put it on twice a day for three days and take a four-day break. I had put it on sparingly but then rubbed it in, and the spots where the genital warts were are fine and clearing up. With this being my first week, the unaffected skin is very, very sore and feels like you just skinned your balls. So I am on my four-day break, and I will apply only a pinpoint drop of this medicine on the affected areas and use anything to cover up the unaffected area. So be very, very sparingly when applying this medicine. Other than my mistake of rubbing it in, this medicine is at least a nine out of ten for getting rid of GW, and also take a shower every day."

• Han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2017

For Human Papilloma Virus "I got anal warts this year. I was given 5% imiquimod cream and told to apply it 3x a week. I was a little bit afraid based on the reviews because people said it hurt very badly after a few applications. This did not happen to me after 4 applications, but also I didn't notice any progress. I did some research and learned that imiquimod does not penetrate the skin all that well, and found an article showing the success rate with imiquimod increased when the skin was 'permeabilized' with salicylic acid. I started treating on Tu/Th with salicylic acid and then applying imiquimod M/W/F. It hurt like hell, but the warts were gone in 2 weeks. Not for the faint of heart, but worked quickly."

• 58a...
• August 21, 2011

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "My bald head, forehead, and face have the actinic keratosis spots to be treated. I tried one laser peel, and it did well for about 6 months. It was painful, and the recovery was as well. I tried Efudex cream several times and had some success. I am on the Zyclara now for 7 days with just some itching, redness, and minor swelling. I made the mistake of being in the sun for 5 hours on the sixth day and had to skip the treatment one night due to some pain. Some sores have begun to appear like old zits. It won't be pretty for several weeks, but it should be worth it to avoid cancer."

• 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."