Imiquimod topical and Itching: What Users Say

• M56...
• August 26, 2018

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "Aldara is super efficient. Here is my advice: - only apply 3 times a week, reduce if you feel too much pain. - when starting the treatment, only apply a really tiny amount of cream on each wart with the end of a cotton bud. Only when you are ready, start applying a tiny bit more, but it should stay minimal. - it will create discomfort. Use baby wipes for the toilet; buy an intimate gel to take care of the area that is infected. I took 2 showers a day during the treatment to keep the area clean at all times. No pyjama bottoms to avoid any contact. - the pain is OKAY. It can burn healthy skin in the night when the warts with cream rub against it. Put some tiny plasters opposite the wart for the night. It gets itchy during the day, but stay busy. - be positive: eat healthily, stop smoking. Have someone to help you go through it. Had 6 genital warts and 5 were completely gone by week 2. Still treating 1, but it's now barely visible. Go for it and good luck, stay positive!"

• Fre...
• April 5, 2011

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I was extremely hesitant to use this medicine because of the price and because I had read horror stories about it online. But I was desperate because of unsightly warts, so I took the plunge. I made sure to apply with a magnification mirror and a q-tip. I can't stress enough how important it was to ONLY apply it exactly where the warts were. My side effects included swelling and itching around the affected area and some fatigue/aches. After using it 4 times, my warts were gone. Worth it worth it worth it. Just be careful not to put it on any healthy skin."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2017

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I am not going to sugarcoat this for you. It is a painfully itchy, sleepless process. Not for the faint-hearted. Put on your big girl panties and take it like a woman because it doesn't get better until the 6th week when you're all done. And if you have the guts to start all over and treat other areas, then you are Superwoman. It turns your cells into red, blistering, raw-looking meat that is horrible to look at and worse to feel. But getting rid of the cancer cells is all that matters here. So do it, but be prepared to take time off if needed and be prepared to be miserable."

• Not...
• November 25, 2019

For Human Papilloma Virus "I never leave reviews for anything... but this one hits a nerve. I contracted anal warts - no bloody idea how, to be honest, but anyways. Seven sessions of cryo didn't help because it was too big by then. It measures about 1.5 x 2.5 cm cluster, it was becoming painful to sit. I was shattered. The doctor suggested Aldara, but even she said she wasn't confident because it is quite big. The first two weeks it was very itchy, very sore, I didn't see much difference. Then, out of nowhere, I saw parts of the wart simply falling off... it has now reduced to about 30% of the size in 3.5 weeks. I'm using it every 2 days. Keen to see what another few weeks will do. If you are in pain during this period, take pain relievers. If it is itchy, use creams or powders to assist. There are other things out there to help you with the temporary side effects. The end results will reward you! I hope this information has helped another person somewhere out there! Good luck! In bad times, there will eventually be good times!"

• Kel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2019

Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "For 18 months, I had a sore on my nose that would bleed, scab, then disappear. Finally, I had it checked (I should have known better, I have a family history of skin cancer). It came back as a BCC. I'm now 5 weeks into my use of Aldara. For the first 3 weeks, I didn't really have any signs of it doing too much. Well, now at week 5, my nose is hard, scab-like, and a lot bigger area than I had thought. I wouldn't say it's sore, just uncomfortable and itchy at times. I guess once completed and healed, time will tell if it completely worked. My doctor gives it an 80% chance, and if not, it's surgery for me. I hope this isn't all for nothing, but I feel it has been worth the chance and do feel that it has done its job well. So far, so good. I'm in AUS, and the cost was $50."

• Anonymous
• December 8, 2014

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "Two weeks ago, I thought my life was over with the diagnosis. My doctor let me know I am not alone, and over 70% of people have human papillomavirus, it's just a matter of whose body can fight off the warts developing or not. I have been using Aldara for two weeks and have only minor side effects like slight itching, which I'm not sure if it's just my brain thinking it's bad or if it was. Apply only to the spots that need it. I almost think those who complain of unreal side effects slathered this on without reading directions. The only other side effect, which was odd, was the first night I applied it, my heart rate was 100 beats per minute, which was strange. Lesions have shrunk in size tenfold. I'm just super pleased. I feel bad for those who cannot afford Aldara."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2013

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I am on week 5. I first used it on my arms with no result, so I decided to do my forehead. A few spots came out. Now I'm doing my chest area... major sun damage! I'm not going to lie, it itches and burns. If all these spots are pre-cancer cells, then it's definitely worth a few weeks of pain and discomfort! I just told my co-workers what I was doing, so I didn't feel the need to 'cover up.' It actually feels better not to have clothes rub on it. I take Advil for the pain. If only I could go back in time and tell myself to get out of the tanning beds, it's not worth it!"

• Lis...
• April 13, 2018

Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "I had a small dot on my chest and a penny-sized one on my side. The dermatology consultant told me to use Aldara on the two areas but only once daily for five days, then a two-day break. Leave on for 8 hours, then wash off. She then said she would see me in 4 months. I was a bit surprised she didn't want to see me during treatment but thought the Aldara must be good at doing its job. How wrong could I be? Within one week of using it, the rest of my chest erupted into large red sores with lots of little red spots all over it. I didn't know if this was normal, as nothing much was discussed at the appointment. I continued to use the cream, but every day was more and more horrific. The sores were blistering, bleeding, and oozing fluid, not to mention red raw and itchy. By the end of the second week, I could not tolerate any more, so I stopped using it and tried to contact the dermatology department, which wasn't interested unless I had another referral from my doctor."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2022

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I used Aldara for 4 weeks seven months ago, and I'm very happy to report that the warts have NOT returned! The package only had enough for 4 weeks, and I was worried it wouldn't be enough, but they disappeared completely. The skin was red and very itchy during that time, but nothing unbearable at all. It's important that you only spread the cream directly on the warts. I was absolutely shocked when I discovered I had HPV, I thought my life was over. Or at least my sex life. When I went to see a proper gynecologist, however, they made it very clear that HPV is NOT permanent, and they don't usually even test under 25-year-olds because the result is usually positive, and about 90% of women get it at some point. Your body will attack the virus naturally and defeat it. If you're reading this, just hang in there, I know it feels absolutely horrible, but it turns out I was way more stressed about it than needed. And remember, it WILL get better, it's not forever!! You will get through it for sure."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2014

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I first used this on my nose and cheek. I had a pretty strong reaction, which caused my eye to swell a little. I checked with the PA and decided to continue the medicine despite the discomfort. Next, I used it on my forehead and chest. I did not have a reaction on the forehead, but had a strong reaction on my chest. By that, I mean there were lots of red bumps which hurt and were itchy. I will stick with it though. It beats having more surgeries to remove the cancer."

• Anonymous
• February 1, 2015

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I was prescribed Aldara for internal GW. When I finally found a doctor to acknowledge that they existed internally, they were bad. They almost looked like fingers. I say this to make the point that I had a serious case of them. I was put on Aldara for three times a week until 16 weeks. This was the most painful experience I have ever had in my life. I cried in pain for the first several weeks. The itching was almost unbearable in and of itself. I also got very severe ulcers around the treatment site. I found it helpful to take an allergy pill for the itching and melatonin to help me sleep with the pain. All that being said, after 16 weeks, my GW problem was 90 percent gone. I was given another month's worth for the last remaining few."

• Gan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2018

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "Day four of using Aldara on my genital area. I have over 20 genital warts (GW) scattered all over my vagina and a few in the entrance of my vagina (size of a pinky fingernail). I've used Aldara every day, and this is my fourth day. I started getting side effects on the third day (burning, itching, white vaginal discharge, and painful urination). I have a pretty good pain threshold, hence why I’m using it every day. I noticed today that one GW is getting smaller, which was the biggest one on my left labia entrance. I hope this works and will keep you updated."

• Neo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2020

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I just finished my 2nd 6-week course of imiquimod for BCC on my scalp. I had had 2 Mohs surgeries, and the cancer kept coming back in nearby areas. After seeing multiple doctors, someone suggested imiquimod as an alternative to major surgery or Erivedge. It seems to be working, but it takes time when you finish for the skin to fully heal, and a scan or biopsy will need to be done to determine true results. I did not have any severe adverse effects, as others have mentioned. I used the cream on a 1” x 2” area and had red sores that itched, but otherwise tolerable. My hair did not fall out, which was good news. I have superficial as well as nodular BCC. If you can tolerate this cream, it is well worth a try before going the surgery route. It took months for any doctor to suggest it to me. Most people have good reactions to this cream if you read the studies that are online. Good luck."

• Sdo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 11, 2018

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "58-year-old female, fair but I do tan. First basal cell at 27; Mohs surgery x2. Also squamous cells and AKs & SKs frozen every 6 months. Aldara too intense. Been using Zyclara every winter for years. Haven’t been brave enough to do my face but need to. Takes 5-7 days to start seeing effect; usually stop around day 10. It’s like trying to stop a speeding train - continues to intensify for several days after stopping. Oozy, itchy just like everybody says, but it works! Flu-like symptoms because Zyclara stimulates an immune response. NOT topical chemo. I do one area at a time and rotate - back or chest or arms or legs. Stimulated lymph nodes are a normal immune response. If I feel 'flu,' I hold off for 2 days. Believe me, the train keeps running but the symptoms reside. Every other day from there then it’s time to stop. I love that it flares spots I can’t see and heals better than burn/scrape or freeze. It’s a drag, but I’m glad to have the option."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I've been using Aldara for just over 3 weeks now. I had genital and anal warts all over. They were in clusters and stuck together. But just after week 1, I could tell a difference. Now I only have a few left, but you can barely see them. I'm going for a check-up tomorrow, but I think I might need some more just to get rid of the extra marks. However, I would definitely recommend this to anyone with genital warts! It's not a quick fix, but you have to be patient with it. It WILL work, and if you are experiencing pain, blisters, or swelling, it means the cream is working as it's the cells dying to get rid of the wart. So the more pain you're in, the better, as bad as it sounds. I went through pain, blisters, and itching in the first and second week. Not so much now, as they are nearly gone."

• gre...
• May 27, 2011

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I am on the last three days of the 2nd two-week application step. I'm using it on my forehead and cheeks, and what a mess. I'm covered in red, itchy, weeping spots and blotches. I have nausea, but that's the price you pay for baking in the sun as a kid. I'm 62. This medicine seems to work, and if you don't mind looking like your face caught fire for a few weeks to maybe save your life, then go for it."

• Gra...
• April 10, 2018

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Treating basal cell carcinoma. Seven weeks in, three weeks to go, nine spots being treated with two quite large (3' x 3'). I'm treating about 25 square inches. Three spots did not react at all or very minimally, even though they were biopsied and confirmed BCC. Three of the spots reacted in a big way, causing scabbing, oozing, flaking, big growth of the affected area, burning/severe itching... Side effects. Not sure if it is the amount of surface area or the type of ailment that affects this. Not been able to sleep through the night for seven weeks - just wake up after two or three hours. In some cases, I'm also distracted by the itching/burning, in other cases, I'm just awake, drowsy, and unable to sleep. Had a headache almost the entire treatment, ranging from barely noticeable to distracting but not terrible. 'Flu-like symptoms' almost the entire treatment. I feel achy in my legs/hips and a general feeling of sickness that leaves me unable to think properly or interact normally. Also had some fever/night sweats."

• Gra...
• April 10, 2018

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Treating basal cell carcinoma. Seven weeks in, three weeks to go, nine spots being treated with two quite large (3' x 3'). I'm treating about 25 square inches. Three spots did not react at all or very minimally, even though they were biopsied and confirmed BCC. Three of the spots reacted in a big way, causing scabbing, oozing, flaking, big growth of the affected area, burning/severe itching... Side effects. Not sure if it is the amount of surface area or the type of ailment that affects this. Not been able to sleep through the night for seven weeks - just wake up after two or three hours. In some cases, I'm also distracted by the itching/burning, in other cases, I'm just awake, drowsy, and unable to sleep. Had a headache almost the entire treatment, ranging from barely noticeable to distracting but not terrible. 'Flu-like symptoms' almost the entire treatment. I feel achy in my legs/hips and a general feeling of sickness that leaves me unable to think properly or interact normally. Also had some fever/night sweats."

• Kat...
• June 22, 2016

Imiquimod topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "Itchy, sore to touch, don't sleep well the nights it's applied. This is my second treat for BCC, the first with Aldara got infected and subsequently scarred. All BCC were on the chest area. The first is completely gone. The second, I'm 3 weeks through a 4-week treatment. Can't wait to be finished, although end results are acceptable for the pain and irritation that you go through."

• Nod...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2016

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I'm in the UK and on to week 3. I have to apply to a BCC on my chest, but big boils and spots have developed, which are very itchy and weepy, suggesting there were other areas on my chest that need treatment too. I have wanted to stop, as sometimes the itch is so intense and my clothing sticks, but after a positive conversation with a specialist nurse, I am, of course, continuing. I have had the odd flu-like kind of day, and today I am so tired, when I shouldn't be, so I am putting that down to the Aldara cream."

• L B...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2014

For Human Papilloma Virus "It works, but it hurts! This is my fourth day using it, and I'm seeing results. The first three days, it itched and made the warts more pronounced and sore (my doctor told me to use it every day and not three times a week.). Today, I've noticed significant changes. A large cluster of about four is gone, but the skin is really irritated. I think there's like three left, but they're not that big. I'm so sore, but at least they're going away. Suggestions: Take a Benadryl before you apply the cream. Decrease the itching, and it'll knock you out. Protect your skin with Vaseline. Get some sterile bandages to cover your 'healing' areas between applications because you will have some... drainage... I guess that's the right word."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 22, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "This stuff works for GW. I was diagnosed about three months ago, and I tried acid 3x before to burn them off. It seemed like it irritated them, and more would pop up. Started using this cream 3 weeks ago on MWF nights, and all my GW are gone!!! Other things I think helped were taking an immune system booster supplement, drinking water, and rubbing coconut oil for the in-between days (Tues. Thur.) for the itching and the dryness that the cream causes... All together, I'm pleased with the results, and the side effects weren't any worse than the regular itch that you get from general warts.. Sticking with this routine really helped me, and I hope this is helpful to someone else. GW are not forever!!!"

• Spi...
• October 25, 2012

For Human Papilloma Virus "This cream really is a miracle. The first few times I used it on my warts, I did not pay attention to only putting it on the warts, I applied it to the general area, and the itching was unbearable. But after paying closer attention to my application, my warts have very noticeably gotten smaller or disappeared after only two weeks of treatment. My side effects were itching, slight sting when applying, slight swelling, and just some overall discomfort. But the side effects were nothing compared to being on a wart-free track!"

• 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."