How to Use Aldara Correctly

Aldara, a type of imiquimod cream, works by triggering your immune system's response to releasing cytokines. Cytokines are a chemical responsible for combating viruses and killing cancerous cells. The application of Aldara is used for genital/perianal warts, actinic keratosis (scaly skin lesions) and squamous cell carcinoma (a form of skin cancer). When Aldara is used to treat genital/perianal warts, the cream helps to clear the warts. However, Aldara is not a cure for genital/perianal warts. When Aldara is used for actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma, the cream works by clearing lesions. Depending on your medical condition, the use of Aldara will vary.

Instructions

Genital/Perianal Warts

• 1

  Use the cream three times a week for up to 16 weeks or until the genital/perianal warts are gone. Develop a treatment plan with your health care practitioner to follow.

• 2

  Apply the cream directly before you go to bed, as indicated by Aldara.com. Thoroughly cleanse the affected area prior to application.

• 3

  Coat the affected area lightly with the cream. Try not to get cream on areas of the skin that don't have warts. Keep the cream on the affected areas for up to eight hours and then wash off.

Actinic Keratosis

• 4

  The cream isn't intended to be used around sensitive areas.

  Use Aldara only on areas affected with actinic keratosis. Avoid applying the cream near your eyes, lips and nose.

• 5

  Use the cream two days a week for up to 16 weeks. According to Aldara.com, applications should have a spacing of three to four days between applications.

• 6

  Wash the affected skin prior to application. Apply a thin coating of the cream on the affected skin.

• 7

  Apply the cream before bedtime. Leave the cream on for eight hours and rinse off.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

• 8

  Apply the cream five times a week, for up to six weeks. Wash the skin prior to application.

• 9

  Place the cream on the affected skin, as well as some of the surrounding skin. The surrounding skin of the affected lesions should measure no more than your fingertip, as stated by Aldara.com. Apply the cream prior to bedtime.

• 10

  Allow the cream to dry. Keep bandages off of the lesions to allow the cream to penetrate.