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

• 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."

• 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. :)"

• 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. :)"

• Est...
• February 13, 2016

Imiquimod topical for Keratosis "I am on day 11 of a 14-day cycle, and the first week I experienced flu-like symptoms, i.e., achy muscles, fatigue, and headaches. My only side effect now is a slight headache. I am using Zyclara on my face (temples, forehead, and cheek), and my face is looking pretty ugly right now. It looks like an awful outbreak of acne and is very raw. I have more than a few scabs and a lot of redness where I have been applying the cream. It is very itchy and tender, and to be honest, while I am still in the middle of all of this, I have questioned whether I would do it again. I guess it would be better to answer that in a couple of weeks. I have wanted to stop using it, but it is like swimming halfway across a lake. I think I will be happy in a couple of weeks."

• Ano...
• March 13, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "I had about 13 small warts around my anus and the opening to the vagina. I was prescribed Aldara (Imiquimod) and told it would fight the virus from within and was better than freezing them off. My doctor had said that it could possibly take up to three months to work. Well, only two applications in and they're almost gone! I cannot believe they are disappearing so quickly. I had read many horror stories about the side effects, itching, sores, etc. My own experience is that, yes, it does get very itchy (I resisted the urge to scratch), but that itch lasted for approx. an hour and then dies down. I had no burning sensation, but I guess it depends on the individual. Overall, I am thrilled with the product. The expense was worth it."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!!!!"

• Oli...
• November 16, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "This cream, Aldara, works! Two weeks in, using it three times a week with rest days in between, and they have all gone! I experienced a lot of itching and a slight bit of soreness and stinging when going to the toilet, but honestly, it wasn’t bad at all. I used Vagisil in the daytime once I washed the cream off, and that was my saving grace. I didn’t feel anything or notice a change until using the cream a fourth or fifth time, so just be patient. Just because you’re not in excruciating pain, like people say, doesn’t mean it’s not working! I guess I was very lucky in that sense."

• Men...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2015

For Human Papilloma Virus "This right here is magic. I saw results in the 3rd week, warts got a lot smaller, didn't experience any burning, just some mild itching. During the first week of imiquimod, the warts seemed bigger than they were before, but this is probably just routine as the warts eventually reduce in size since the beginning of the second week. At the end of the 3rd week, I'm almost cleared up."

• jac...
• October 22, 2019

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "Prescribed Aldara after 2 failed rounds of cryotherapy for genital warts (GW) after being diagnosed with HPV about two months ago. Struggled mentally with GW as there were a few clusters and two very large ones, especially after the failed cryotherapy, and wasn’t sure about Aldara after reading reviews, but I’ve been using it 3 times a week in the evenings for one week so far - one large GW has gone and the majority of clusters. Prescribed to use it for 4 weeks, but after being one week in, not only have the GW improved, but so has my mental health. Fair amount of itching and occasionally pain when urinating, as well as soreness after the first couple of applications, but nothing compared to what some people seem to have experienced. Could not recommend more, and I wish I’d gone straight for this over the cryotherapy! (Only giving 7/10 as I’m one week into treatment, don’t want to jinx it, and there has been some discomfort)"

• Pho...
• February 10, 2020

For Human Papilloma Virus "Before using this cream, I had tried getting the warts frozen off and also using apple cider vinegar. The freezing sessions didn’t work, and although the apple cider vinegar reduced them slightly, they weren’t completely going away. I got given this cream after going to a clinic for some advice. I can honestly say it has completely resolved the problem. The first few days, I didn’t really notice any changes, maybe even some itching. But after about 2 weeks, the warts were half the size. Now I’m on week 4, and the ones on the outside of my vagina have completely gone. I have a few left on the inner by the opening, but the doctor was right in saying if you treat the outside ones, the ones inside will follow. I had no pain using this product either. A lot of people mentioned blistering and irritation of the skin, but my experience is that the cream just gradually reduced the warts till they were gone. Worth the money."

• Cal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "Have been using for almost a month. Have had about a dozen dark brown, non-raised warts around the base of the penis and pubic mound for about a year. Anyways, they are slowly lightening in color and seem to be going away. Even being moderately careful, I've had a few sores and severe itching (nothing too horrible). Make sure to use a Q-tip and apply a ballpoint pen tip sized amount to the wart only. Even then, you can still get some cream on healthy skin and cause small sores. I am confident that this cream will eventually kill all the warts, slowly but surely. Don't be afraid of the cream, just respect it. I believe all the people having horrible side effects put entirely too much on. This isn't a medication that you just slather on!!!"

• Rac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2014

For Human Papilloma Virus "I developed genital warts while pregnant and was given this cream. When I first applied the cream, it didn't itch, it only itched when I woke up at 4 a.m. to pee (pregnancy bladder), so I went ahead and washed it off after 5 hours every time I used it. I've only used it twice, and my warts, I had a couple big ones and some small ones, are almost totally gone! The itching was bearable, but the key to it being bearable and not driving you insane is using VASELINE! USE VASELINE WITH THIS PRODUCT! I applied Vaseline to the skin around my warts to protect it from this powerful cream and have no redness or irritation."

• Caz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I noticed small lumps on the inside of my labia. I went to my gyno, who confirmed they were genital warts. My gyno prescribed Aldara cream 2 times a week for 6 weeks. The cream caused intense itching in the area, soreness, and ulcers in and around the area. I also had headaches, was very fatigued, and had flu-like symptoms. After the 6 weeks, the warts have gotten somewhat smaller but had not disappeared. As it had somewhat worked, I asked my gyno if I could get another dose of the cream. I went through another 6 weeks of the medication and finished up about 2 weeks ago. Aldara did significantly reduce and clear most of the warts, but there are still some of them there, and 2 weeks after finishing treatment, I felt itchy down there again and noticed warts growing back again. I am sad as I went through so much pain physically and emotionally. I can imagine the treatment does work for some patients, so it is worth a try, sadly, it just didn't fully work for me."

• Caz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I noticed small lumps on the inside of my labia. I went to my gyno, who confirmed they were genital warts. My gyno prescribed Aldara cream 2 times a week for 6 weeks. The cream caused intense itching in the area, soreness, and ulcers in and around the area. I also had headaches, was very fatigued, and had flu-like symptoms. After the 6 weeks, the warts have gotten somewhat smaller but had not disappeared. As it had somewhat worked, I asked my gyno if I could get another dose of the cream. I went through another 6 weeks of the medication and finished up about 2 weeks ago. Aldara did significantly reduce and clear most of the warts, but there are still some of them there, and 2 weeks after finishing treatment, I felt itchy down there again and noticed warts growing back again. I am sad as I went through so much pain physically and emotionally. I can imagine the treatment does work for some patients, so it is worth a try, sadly, it just didn't fully work for me."

• 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."

• Gir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2017

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "The doctor said I had genital warts and put me on Aldara and said I should use it for 4 weeks, three times per week. I only used this cream once, and within two days the warts started disappearing, and within four days it had cleared totally. I used just a pea-sized amount and applied it with a cotton swab directly on the warts. It did get a little uncomfortable and itchy after about three hours."

• 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."

• 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."

• wha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 31, 2016

For Human Papilloma Virus "I was horrified to find 2 bumps near my vaginal opening. After an emotional gyno visit, I learned that I had HPV warts. I was prescribed Imiquimod, and let me tell you, IT WORKS. Right away, I saw improvement with my warts, and they disappeared within weeks. Unfortunately, I did have more pop up after I treated those, and I am currently treating them now, but with success! They are almost completely gone after 2 weeks. ONLY apply a small amount and only to the affected areas!!! I thought 'Go big or go home!' when I first applied it and seriously burnt my vag. It was bad. Do not rub on the surrounding areas unless you want your genitals cooked. There are some side effects to this cream, hence why I gave it a 9/10. Some itching/soreness."

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2016

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I've just finished week 2 for 4 BCC. I use Aldara 5 times a week. The BCC on my neck and arm are going well. The one on my chest is ulcerated, so my doctor said to have 4 days off instead of 2. The one just above my lip is really ugly. It was quite small, but now is huge and won't stop bleeding. The doctor said at least a week off for that one. I feel quite well so far - just itchy and maybe a bit tired. I'll update again in another 2 weeks."

• Cam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2020

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "The best tip is to use a feminine itch cream and Vaseline with the cream. Use the itch cream after and cover any close skin with Vaseline. This is my third time using this cream. The first two times were absolutely easy for me. The small, tiny warts near my vagina went away within a week tops. Sadly, this past time was absolutely awful. The location and size definitely determine how the ride will be. I had two baby pimple-sized ones on each side of my vagina in the crease of my thigh. It has been a long two months, and I've gone through bleeding, itchiness, skin color change, and everything else. They’re finally gone, and I’m just thankful I have a loving boyfriend who was supportive and patient with me. Sadly, my vagina looks so different, but I’ll take it if it means no warts for a while."

• 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."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2018

Imiquimod topical for Human Papilloma Virus "I am on to my second week now of Aldara. My first 2 days, I applied way too much and was in severe agony, waking up in tears with pain - burning, itching, hurt to walk and sit down, also when urinating. I took a 3-day break and have been applying a lot less now, and it comes with a lot less pain, so anyone starting treatment, you do not need much product!!! I learned that the hard way. Gets very itchy and uncomfortable, but nothing unbearable like the first 2 days. I have been having other bad side effects - horrible dreams, chills, headaches, trouble sleeping, and general aches and pains, but so far, so good as the Aldara seems to be working, so I am looking forward to my next couple of weeks of treatment."