Imiquimod topical and Pain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2021

For Human Papilloma Virus "I went to a sexual health clinic and found out I had genital warts. After much crying, they prescribed me imiquimod 5% to put on every other day. It’s been approx. 2 weeks, and my warts are clearing! I also have lichen sclerosus, so my vulvar area is very sore, and I use steroid creams and moisturizers to keep that at bay. I am getting to the point where I am very sore, but I ice the area the day after the cream when it’s the most painful, then apply moisturizer on my off days. I hope this review helps other people with lichen sclerosus as it was hard to find information with both conditions. It is very sore and bleeds sometimes, which has already been said, but I really do believe it is working!"

• Ple...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2021

For Human Papilloma Virus "I've been using this for 3 weeks for a genital wart on my frenulum, sized around 1 mm wide and 2.5 mm long. I was told by the doctor this med is so strong it might cause pain due to the sensitive area where the wart was. But for these 3 weeks, I feel nothing at all. Nothing is changing other than some placebo effect. Really hope this works for me, I don't want to worry about another way of treatment."

• Kny...
• October 1, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "So I got diagnosed about 3 months ago, and it sucks because I've only ever had 2 partners. Anyways, I started using the Vyloma my doctor prescribed, and all I can tell you is that it made deep ulcers on my uvula and around my urethra. I was in so much pain! It did absolutely nothing for the warts! So he gave me a stronger dose... not sure if he knows what he's doing."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2020

For Human Papilloma Virus "This imiquimod medication is effective for warts, but it's like using a nuclear bomb to destroy an ant. HPV can be frozen off, and it's more effective, faster, and less painful, especially in men. I was on this for 16 weeks, and boy, did I feel awful the whole way through. Still recovering one month off of it from the side effects. It took an intense toll on my health. I highly recommend asking your doctor to only go this route if it's a last resort. It's slow, painful, and only kind of works. Also, whatever you do, do not abuse this medication. It's a serious immune response modifier. The ramifications are serious, it's comparable to chemotherapy in its effects."

• Ken...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "I've just started this near my anus area and can't believe how sore and unpleasant it really is, my bum is on fire! Not sure if it's working, but please take note, if you have been prescribed this stuff - use a very, very tiny amount (until you get used to it). Twice I have tried it, and I can't walk, sit, bathe, worried to do anything because of the pain, unreal. Don't know if it's working, as only on week one, so will keep you updated if it works."

• Ken...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "I've just started this near my anus area and can't believe how sore and unpleasant it really is, my bum is on fire! Not sure if it's working, but please take note, if you have been prescribed this stuff - use a very, very tiny amount (until you get used to it). Twice I have tried it, and I can't walk, sit, bathe, worried to do anything because of the pain, unreal. Don't know if it's working, as only on week one, so will keep you updated if it works."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "Most horrifying experience I’ve ever had. All started with a yeast infection, and I continued to have pain during sex after a month. Doctor found a small bump on my inner labia and assumed it was a wart, although all Pap smears were negative for HPV. Started using this cream, three nights a week. By my fifth application, I was in so much agonizing pain I couldn’t take it anymore. Extremely swollen. Very red. Sores all over inner labia. Hurts to walk, sit, shower, pee. Basically, any normal activities, I am now crying just to get through. I would NEVER recommend it to anyone. There is no way this should be on the market. Who knows what kind of damage this is doing to my vagina at this point? I can’t get any relief from the pain."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2022

For Human Papilloma Virus "I was prescribed imiquimod for genital warts. I only had one wart, and it was small but still worried me. I used it three times a week (Mon, Wed, Fri) and did not read the directions or reviews carefully. I used a whole glob the first two times and started getting itchy and sore down there. It was red and looked worse, then I figured out you’re only supposed to use a tiny bit and wash it off in the morning. So I used a Q-tip to put a small dot on just the wart, careful not to touch other skin, and showered in the morning. I didn’t expect it to work so fast, but by the second week, it was gone! Super happy, even though it was a bit uncomfortable. I’ve stopped using it and am waiting for my skin to stop itching and heal up now."

• sue...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "Lying in bed, up at night because of this medication. Was originally using apple cider vinegar to treat the few warts I had, but the process was slow and I wasn't sure if it was working. I went to my doctor and was prescribed this medication with zero information given to me on the possible side effects. I literally had to research them myself. Week 1 was good, but after week 1 I started feeling pain around the urethra opening, but it wasn't that bad, so I didn't think much of it. I continued taking the medication, but after 2 weeks I had to stop. I had developed blisters, swelling, and redness. My warts were starting to fade away up until that point, but I couldn't continue because of the pain. My vagina feels like a war zone. I just want it to clear up so I can go back to my normal life."

• jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "I have been given Aldara cream to use Mon, Wed, Fri nights. I'm on my second week now, and oh boy, is it painful the day after treatment when I go to the loo and wipe. It looks like it's working, though, so I will persevere with it for the full month and see how it goes."

• 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."

• Hor...
• February 6, 2017

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I had a wart on my penis, which the doctor froze, and it disappeared. Later, I noticed I had some warts around my anus. I went to the doctor, mortified, and was prescribed Aldara cream. I used it as prescribed, three times, and noticed some pain after the first week but didn't think much of it. I went back to the doctor for a check-up, and I was prescribed further Aldara cream. The pain afterward was agony. I had headaches and chemical burning to the point that I couldn't sit down for days. I stopped using the cream and bathed in Epsom salt and used Aloe Vera. Subsequently, I have continued to bathe in Epsom salt and used tea tree oil. Although slow, it works. Do NOT use Aldara cream if you can avoid it, natural remedies are better and no pain!"

• Don...
• January 25, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "I was instructed to apply Monday, Wednesday, Friday. I went to the doctor on Tuesday and applied Wednesday, Friday as prescribed and had mild irritation. I took the third dose on Monday and the one small wart I had significantly shrunk, but three days later I have sores on either side of the lips of the vagina and am in so much pain. It is raw and swollen and has created these ulcer-like lesions that burn terribly while urinating. I only used the medicine three times, always applying to only the wart using the smallest amount and still am having a severe reaction. My doctor prescribed me lidocaine gel, which helps the burn slightly. If you have a wart that is along the lining of your lips or inside the vaginal opening, avoid this medicine. Worst pain ever."

• Anx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2020

For Condylomata Acuminata "I had 4 treatments with TCA for genital warts with no results. So, I went to a dermatologist who prescribed imiquimod. I used it every day. By day six, I was no longer in pain. By day 12, 2 small warts were gone from my vagina. I lost count now but I'm thrilled to comment that I feel less around the anus. On any day I felt rash or pain/discomfort, I rubbed a little Vaseline on the area and went about my day. Initially, I just wanted to cry due to no relief. I couldn't pay for laser surgery, and when I heard it would be 16 weeks, I felt so sad. But I am happy that all those warts are gone and only a couple to go."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2021

For Human Papilloma Virus "There’s no doubt this is a powerful cream. But I was definitely misinformed on how to use it. I wish I’d read the reviews on this page sooner. I definitely applied too much... I’ve never been in so much excruciating pain. My vagina is RAW and so, so sore. Can’t walk, can’t sit, can’t sleep, can’t wee without swearing. I’ve also had the worst dizziness/fatigue/shivers/hot sweats. It’s horrendous. I’m going to take a break from it for a bit and try just adding a tiny amount next time. Appreciate everyone else’s reviews/advice as they’ve made me feel much less alone in this x."

• Ang...
• December 31, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "First off, it does work. But I had the worst side effects, and it burnt all the way through my skin. I haven't been able to walk properly for five days, and my labia is completely burnt. I also got a Bartholin's cyst because of this, and that is also so painful. I'll never use this again."

• Jef...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2019

For Condylomata Acuminata "I used it daily on my genital warts as directed by my doctor. The warts were small and spread out, so I was careful during application because I was told it was strong. One week later, my shaft and scrotum are raw, blistered, infected, and hurt so badly that I went to the ER yesterday. I couldn't see my normal doctor because I'm out of state. Anyhow, it hurts to walk, sit in a bathtub (or anywhere for that matter). The doctor prescribed bacitracin (Neosporin), naproxen, and an antibiotic. Worst pain I've ever felt."

• Rom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2025

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I'm in week 5 out of 6 for superficial basal carcinoma, and I'm in a lot of pain and discomfort. Itching, burning, pain, redness, oozing, and bleeding. I can't exercise or raise my arms since it pulls the skin in my chest where I have the BC. I can't sleep. On the weekends, when I don't use the cream, I have flu-like symptoms, and I'm very tired. The affected area seems to grow every day, it's horrible, and I'm miserable. I called my doctor, who tells me to continue using the cream and that it's 'working.' To get through the day, I put an ice pack on the area to numb the pain. Can't wait to get this over with, and hopefully my skin will heal, it looks disgusting, like a burn with ulcers. This has been a nightmare."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2021

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I had genital warts, and my gynecologist said to use Aldara 3 times per week. Let me just say, this cream is not pleasant at all. It causes mild itching and discharge sometimes and gave me a sore, but the worst thing is I experience aches and fatigue. After one week, I thought it was not working, but after 2 weeks, the warts have almost flattened and I can see improvement. My advice is really only use it 3 times per week, a thin layer, the next day just start taking Panadol and continue with it. Try not to mess it up by picking at the warts. It will get better, it is just very unpleasant."

• gla...
• July 12, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "Being treated for 2 microscopic anal condyloma. No problems until week 2 (using 3 times a week). Noticed some moderate irritation, and when I went to do my biz one morning, the irritation was such that I flinched and felt a popping sensation - now I have an extremely protruding hemorrhoid. I do not eat a typical crap (no pun intended) human diet, but one of high fiber for nutrition and have never experienced constipation. Wish I would have followed my intuition and not let the doc bust into my life with her anal swab - if you are not sexually active and there is no problem, don't go there. Ignorance is bliss. For me, it has been a literal pain in the ass, and one that will require expensive surgery."

• ann...
• October 11, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "I have genital warts on the skin of my penis. The doctor recommended that I use Aldara cream to wipe it out. I have applied it for a week, having already applied it three times. I don't feel any pain or itching! I really hope this cream works for me, as I'm scared to go through the freezing or burning treatment. Also, it is quite pricey."

• ros...
• February 4, 2009

For Keratosis "I began treatment on my scalp and face three weeks ago. There appears to be no adverse reaction other than some small scaly spots that are painful. Treatment is twice a week."

• Use...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2020

For Human Papilloma Virus "Been using Aldara for two weeks, twice a day, morning and night, and I don’t see any results (no pain or anything else). Feeling sad about that, and I just have 2 warts."

• ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2018

Imiquimod topical for Condylomata Acuminata "I used Aldara for 6 weeks. It did nothing but spread the infection and caused severe pain. I would not recommend this at all."