Imiquimod (Aldara) is a form of drug used in treatment of persons suffering from perianal and genital warts. The medication is also effective in treatment of certain kind skin conditions such as superficial basal cell carcinoma ([sBCC] skin cancer) and treatment of actinic keratoses (skin grwths). Nevertheless, Aldara Cream is also applied in treatment of a variety of other medical conditions but this should be under strict supervision of a professional health care expert.
The external perianal and genital warts originate from virus known as Human Papilloma Virus. The wart-like extensions are also known as condyloma acuminata. The Aldara cream does not have its own antiviral ability but it has components that help in modifying the body to produce immune response in larger supply that in turn helps in combating the virus. The activation of the hormone is achieved through inducing cytokines such as alpha-interferon. The alpha-interferon is a complicated compound synthesized by the human body and does not have active anti-viral activity. Since Aldara does not eliminate the HPV behind causing anal and genital warts, it is possible for new warts to develop prior or after undergoing the treatment procedure.
The improvement of your condition is normally experienced after about four weeks. The improvement occurs gradually hence patience is required. It may take up to 16 weeks for the warts to get fully cleared.
The application of the Aldara Cream should be done as instructed on the prescription label. Clean your hands prior and after application of the cream. It should be applied just before going to bed. Apply a thin layer of the cream topically using your fingers. Massage the cream all over the affected region until there is no more trace of the cream that can be visible on the surface. Let it stay on the surface for about 6-10 hours and wash it off in the morning using water and a mild soap. Avoid letting the cream come into contact with eyes, nose and lips. Apply the cream only on the affected region as instructed by your healthcare provider. The cream should also not be used past the recommended length of time. If you overuse the cream over frequently, in quantity or even for longer than recommended; it can trigger severe skin reaction among a number of other dangerous side effects.
Seek advice from a pediatrician or a qualified healthcare provider before using Aldara Cream with children. Specialized care may be required.
The Aldara treatment should not be used until the skin has recovered fully from previous surgical or drug skin treatment. Aldara Cream should not be used on sunburned and windburned skins as well as on broken and wounded skin. Wait until these skin conditions have completely healed before you apply these medications on the affected area.
When used to treat anal or genital warts: Aldara Cream should be applied at east three times a week until the warts have completely disappeared. The maximum application period is 16 weeks. The cream should not be applied inside the rectum or vagina since it may cause local skin reactions on the moist and delicate skin that may result to swelling and pain. This can pose a great challenge when passing urine. The treated region should not be wrapped or bandaged. It should be washed using a mild soap and water 6— approximately 10 hours after application of the cream which is normally after waking up.
For treating actinic keratosis: Aldara Cream should be applied on the affected region twice a week and 3— four days apart for sixteen weeks. The cream should be left on the skin for about 10 hours before getting washed off using water and mild soap especially after waking up. The regions treated using this cream should not be larger than your cheek or forehead (for instance, 2x2 inches).
For treating superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC): Aldara cream is used once after every 5 days in a week when used in treating this condition. Adequate amount of the cream should be applied on the affected region as well as some of the skin surrounding the vicinity. The cream should then be left on the skin for about 8 hours. Treatment should persist for a whole 6 weeks despite the fact that sBCC may appear to have disappeared unless you are advised otherwise by a qualified dermatologist.
Aldara cream may induce trivial side effects that require no treatment (but should be reported to health care professional upon persisting or becoming troublesome): itching or burning, back pain, diarrhea, alteration of skin color that can be permanent, muscle aches, headaches, feeling as if you are suffering from flu, skin reddening (common although not detrimental or painful), crusting and scabbing, skin peeling, skin inflammation, thickening and hardening of the skin.
Side effects that should be given immediate medical concern: skin infection, open sores without or with drainage, skin rash, severe or unusual skin reaction.
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