How long does it take Aldara burns/scabs to heal?

Q: How long does it take Aldara burns/scabs to heal?

Aldara ( imiquimod ) burns and scabs can take up to 4 weeks to heal once treatment has been stopped. Skin at the site of application may begin scabbing and flaking and become red, swollen and sore within the first 5 days of treatment. Common experiences after applying Aldara include stinging, burning, tenderness and itching of the skin. While uncomfortable, these reactions indicate that the medication is working by stimulating the immune system to destroy the targeted cells. Aldara is a topical cream prescribed to treat conditions such as basal cell carcinoma , genital warts and actinic keratosis . The length of time of application and treatment varies depending on the condition being treated: For basal cell carcinoma, Aldara is applied 5 days a week at night. Aldara is left on the skin for 8 hours, and treatment lasts for 6 continuous weeks. When treating genital warts, Aldara is applied 3 days a week at night. Treatment is left on the affected areas for 6 to 10 hours each application, with treatment continuing up to a maximum of 16 weeks. Actinic keratosis treatment is applied 2 times per week at night and left on the affected areas for 8 hours. Total treatment is 16 weeks. Treatment must be applied and washed off as directed to be effective. Side effects such as lesions that are oozing and weeping, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, and intense burning and itching may be indications of an adverse reaction. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your dermatologist.

Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Last updated on Sep 23, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Aldara (imiquimod) burns and scabs can take up to 4 weeks to heal once treatment has been stopped.

Skin at the site of application may begin scabbing and flaking and become red, swollen and sore within the first 5 days of treatment. Common experiences after applying Aldara include stinging, burning, tenderness and itching of the skin.

While uncomfortable, these reactions indicate that the medication is working by stimulating the immune system to destroy the targeted cells. Aldara is a topical cream prescribed to treat conditions such as basal cell carcinoma, genital warts and actinic keratosis.

The length of time of application and treatment varies depending on the condition being treated:

For basal cell carcinoma, Aldara is applied 5 days a week at night. Aldara is left on the skin for 8 hours, and treatment lasts for 6 continuous weeks.
When treating genital warts, Aldara is applied 3 days a week at night. Treatment is left on the affected areas for 6 to 10 hours each application, with treatment continuing up to a maximum of 16 weeks.
Actinic keratosis treatment is applied 2 times per week at night and left on the affected areas for 8 hours. Total treatment is 16 weeks.

Treatment must be applied and washed off as directed to be effective. Side effects such as lesions that are oozing and weeping, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, and intense burning and itching may be indications of an adverse reaction. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your dermatologist.

References

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Aldara Information for Patients. February 2017. Available at: https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/14441Paldara.pdf. [Accessed September 21, 2021].
American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). Imiquimod: A treatment for some skin cancers, genital warts. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/imiquimod-skin-cancer-treatment. [Accessed September 21, 2021].
American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). Imiquimod: Skin Cancer Treatment FAQs. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/imiquimod-skin-cancer-treatment-faqs. [Accessed September 21, 2021].

Does duct tape really remove warts?

There are conflicting results in studies about the effectiveness of duct tape for warts. Out of 3 studies, one study with duct tape saw a positive effect when compared to freezing the wart (cryotherapy), but 2 studies, when compared to a placebo (a corn pad or moleskin), did not see any advantage. Continue reading

Is imiquimod the same as Aldara?

Imiquimod is the generic name for Aldara 5% cream and they contain the same active ingredient. Aldara cream is made by 3M Health Care Limited. Continue reading

Does Zyclara work for genital warts?

The 3.75% strength of Zyclara topical cream is approved by the FDA to treat external gential and anal area (perianal) warts in people 12 years of age and older, but does not work for everyone. Zyclara is not a cure for genital warts and may not completely clear your warts. Continue reading

How long does it take Aldara burns/scabs to heal?

Read next

Does duct tape really remove warts?

Is imiquimod the same as Aldara?

Does Zyclara work for genital warts?

See also:

Aimovig

Nurtec ODT

Botox

Vyepti

Depakote

Topamax

Emgality

Inderal

Ajovy

Valproate Sodium

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups