Imiquimod topical and Redness: What Users Say

• Bob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "Just finished week 6 of Aldara for BCC... now waiting for the scabs and redness to go away. 6 weeks was a long treatment, but well worth it instead of MOHS surgery. You MUST wash hands before and after applying, and you MUST wash the application areas after 8 hours. I applied the cream on the tip of my nose, but the entire nose reacted! I applied the cream Monday to Friday and took Saturday and Sunday off. Weeks 3 and 4 were the worst... lots of oozing and dark scabs. You can use makeup... start with a color corrector, then a concealer and/or foundation. I'm now waiting for the scabs and redness to go away. There are no instructions on what to do after the 6 weeks, so I'm still washing the area and putting moisturizer on it twice a day."

• Itw...
• April 7, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I used Aldara for around 10 weeks. I had anal warts at the time and one on my gooch. Aldara made my ass really red and raw, and the warts didn't seem to go away or change in appearance. What I did notice, though, was that the warts went away over the next 3 months without using anything as I was traveling and didn't have any supply. Aldara is used to help boost the immune system in targeting the HPV virus (which, by the way, is NOT permanent). There is so much old information out there, and those of you who are just beginning your journey know that it is temporary (I know it sucks, and there are so many emotions, BUT you will come out the other side!). My dermatologist told me this firsthand, and people who are healthy will naturally clear this virus. It incubated for around 6 months, and then symptoms appeared. Those with immune deficiencies will struggle to clear it, unfortunately. Cryotherapy takes the wart off, and Aldara boosts the immune system to fight infection."

• Anonymous
• August 15, 2012

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Using this for basal cell carcinoma treatment. Used it for a couple of small areas initially with little problems. Have been using it on a larger spot now and have developed quite significant flu-like symptoms. Have tried to push through them, but they're getting worse to the point of needing to stop the cream. Extremely fatigued and achy, which is just not me. I work out an hour plus several days a week and am only able to struggle through maybe a half workout. It also caused a lot of redness and sores at the site of use, but I can manage that. The good news is it does seem to work on the basal cells."

• inc...
• August 20, 2017

Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "Second time on Aldara. The first time I used it on my right temple, nose, and my face. I was covered in red blotches, like scalds, but I don't remember any severe reactions. I can't seem to remember it hurting, and it was worth it. It cleared the persistent and sore BCC on my nose and temple. I now have another BCC on my forehead which has been persistent and shown no sign of healing and has bled at times. My GP/doctor has prescribed a course of Aldara, and this time I have a much worse reaction. One side of my face has come with very red, swollen spots, blistering, and I have flu-like symptoms. But I am sure it will be worth 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."

• AAS...
• January 30, 2018

Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "Easy to apply. The medication journal makes it easy to track usage and clearly defines “break days.” This is week four. Skin is red and irritated, however very bearable and annoying rather than painful. Other side effects are pretty hard to tolerate. Fatigue is beyond belief and at times debilitating, yet unable to sleep. Nausea all the time. Headache at times. Perception seems to be a little distorted. Difficult to tell how much the light-headed feeling is coming from fatigue. Joints ache. A little weight gain. I’m irritable due to unbearable fatigue. Dreams at night are emotionally overwhelming and vivid. The effect of alcohol is extremely magnified. I call these my little bottles of hell. That’s how they make me feel. That said, it seems to be working, and I’m very interested in seeing the results. Given a choice at this stage, excision would be my preference. That might change by the time I finish treatment. However, it would take a lot to endure this again."

• Gir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2018

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "Aldara works wonders. I used it as prescribed, and within 2 weeks, most of the really large lesions were gone! The only downside to Aldara is the side effects. The itching, swelling, and redness around the affected area were almost unbearable! I’m on my 5th week of treatment, and honestly, I can’t wait for this to be over."

• 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."

• Jak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2013

For Human Papilloma Virus "After only being on this medicine 3 weeks, I have noticed a huge difference as my warts are all gone except for one, but it's so tiny and shriveled now that I don't think it'll last much longer either. During the first week/week and a half of using the Aldara (Imiquimod) Cream, I didn't notice much after applying the cream except that the warts got very red and stood out even more. This was a little distressing, but within a few more days, the area on and around the warts started flaking up and falling off, sort of like a healing scab. There have been some side effects of redness, slight rash, and itching, but Gold Bond powder daily and Neosporin occasionally really have helped. One more week left this round, and I will use it again in a flash if needed."

• 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."

• Kit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 20, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "Imiquimod worked after only 5 applications on 3 separate warts (1 large, 2 small). Had horrible side effects after 2 applications. Headaches, nausea, skin redness, and blistering. There's hardly any info on how to help relieve side effects while on imiquimod, so here's some advice. I invested in an aloe vera spray mist with 1% lidocaine, which helped relieve the burning feeling and pain from what seemed like chemical burns on my lady area! I found Aquaphor better than Vaseline and put it on every day to heal the skin and stop chafing. Also, only wear cotton underwear for max comfort. Take painkillers (I used ibuprofen to reduce the swelling) and antihistamines to help the itch. Whatever you do, DO NOT ITCH - my skin seemed extra thin and sensitive, and even a light scratch could cause a painful cut where it normally wouldn't. I've been off it for a week now and all cuts and scrapes have healed up. Skin redness still hasn't subsided, but overall feeling back to normal."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2017

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "On a twice-a-week treatment plan. Initial redness appeared in about a week, then the cancer sites began to show ulceration. I'm about two months into treatment, and the cancerous and/or keratoses are almost gone. On a side note, I had areas that lit up I didn't recognize as abnormal, but my immune system did. Used this med about three years ago with similar results. Lastly, don't discard the opened pack if you don't use it all. My doctor said to open it with a tiny nick in the corner and use only what you need and save the rest for the next treatment. As for the return of my lesions, they are in different spots than before. This med will not cure changes before they exist."

• Ugh...
• September 29, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "Absolutely hate this condition! Not even sure if this medication is working, it seemed to have created more warts! :( Also, the down there area is always red and swollen now, so I'm not sure if I should continue this. I’ve been using it for 1 1/2 months, and I’ve only seen a couple go away, but there is still redness in that area. Anyone experience that? I’ll keep you guys posted! Any tips for getting rid of this faster would be much appreciated! Just want to get rid of the redness (and warts, obviously)."

• 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."

• Shh...
• November 2, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "Been on this for exactly 1 month, and it managed to clear up most of my GW. Like some, I didn't experience immediate side effects and felt discouraged by this as I expected a lot of pain. After a few days, I experienced very mild itching and some slight redness, but this may have been my imagination. The warts seemed to get bigger at the start but quickly vanished, and now I have no visible warts at all! I used Warticon before, and it did absolutely nothing, so I was thrilled to see something finally working. Give it time and patience. One word of advice: I used this cream and got cryotherapy done around the same time. I would wait a week or so after cryo, apply the cream for a few weeks, then repeat if necessary. This seemed to really help."

• Red...
• April 24, 2018

For Human Papilloma Virus "Went into the local PP for treatment of a couple of vaginal and anal warts. They treated them with acid and then wrote me a prescription for imiquimod if I needed further treatment. They said to allow my skin to heal up for one week before I try the imiquimod, but then I should use it three times a week at bedtime, then take it off in the morning. I only made it through two applications, and I managed to get nearly every side effect possible. Fever, weakness, malaise, itching, swelling, redness, discharge, open sores, skin cracking open and bleeding, intensely painful urination, and so much pus from the sores... I stopped treatment 4 days ago, and I swear it's only getting worse. I'm uninsured as hell and paid for this all out of pocket, and I'm very reluctant to try to go back into PP just for them to tell me that I'm going to have to ride this out. Honestly, I don't think this 'medicine' should ever be prescribed for treatment anywhere near anyone's genitals."

• ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "Two small and flat warts appeared on my penis eight months ago, and the doctor prescribed Aldara. It caused redness, fatigue, and time-to-time fever. But I continued using it as the warts were so annoying and made me feel miserable. After three months, the warts disappeared but left a small scar. After a month, the warts appeared again, and as a last resort, I started to use Aldara again. This time, the warts disappeared after two months, but the scars became a bit worse. Just hoping that it was the last time I used Aldara. Wishing you all HPV-free days..."

• 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."

• Sea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "Was prescribed Aldara to treat two genital warts. One large and one small. I had read a few reviews and was a little worried about using it, would be worth the pain. Just over three weeks in, and the smaller one is completely gone and the skin is almost healed apart from a little redness, the other has almost disappeared. No real noticeable side effects. Felt a little run down one or two days, but it is December. I was quite aware of the area in that there was some slight discomfort and the occasional itch, but nothing close to pain. The skin itself did get quite red, and there was some dry skin. But nothing major. If it helps, I was very careful not to spread the cream onto any particularly sensitive areas. Was very careful about washing both before and after and have been taking a good multivitamin. Overall, I'd say a very positive experience."

• 123...
• June 21, 2017

For Human Papilloma Virus "I discovered two genital warts, one on the shaft and another at the base. I went to get them frozen off and was clear for a few months, but then they returned, and I had developed up to about seven. I went back and used the liquid nitrogen treatment and was prescribed the imiquimod cream. I have been using it for the past four months now and have not seen any progress other than some irritation, redness, and scabbing. I am almost out of my prescription and have another appointment lined up to make another attempt. It has been very difficult on me emotionally and on my relationship with my partner and hope it will eventually work and have it all go away. I am trying to be patient, but there really isn't much else I can do."

• 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."

• Cep...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2022

For Human Papilloma Virus "Okay, I contracted HPV from a former partner that I trusted, but anyway, I saw white clusters that kind of looked like discharge, and I went to my OB-GYN, and she thought I was having a yeast infection and gave me medication. That didn’t work, so I went back, and she put vinegar on the clusters and boom, they started flaring up, so she prescribed me imiquimod and it worked just fine, so I stopped because I thought they were all gone, and a few weeks went by, and I checked my area, and they were back, but it was more and even on my anus! So I started being consistent with it, and then one day my whole vaginal area and anus were red and itching like crazy! It was so hard to wipe down there, so I used a spray bottle and baby wipes, but the cream worked, you just have to be consistent with it or else it’ll come back. Now all my warts are gone, and I finally am back to normal."

• 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."

• Joh...
• October 16, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "I just started using this cream, today is my third day. Funny thing is I have not one side effect like everybody talks about, no itching, no swelling, maybe 2% red but nothing. I'm starting to think maybe it's doing nothing for me. But let me give you a little background: I had these tiny bumps on the head of my penis for over 12 years, and since I can remember. No doctor ever told me that these were genital warts. I then went to this dermatologist last week, and he told me he wanted to do a sample on one of the bumps, and he said the lab came back that it was HPV. So now I'm taking this cream...hope it works."