Aldara (Imiquimod) Cream

What is Aldara?

Aldara is a cream used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including genital warts, small superficial skin cancers and actinic keratoses (rough areas of skin caused by prolonged sun damage.) Aldara is sometimes referred to by its generic name, Imiquimod.

Can I buy Aldara online?

The Online Clinic is prepared to prescribe Aldara if appropriate. Please complete a free consultation form, which will be reviewed by one of our doctors by clicking on the icon to the right.

How does Aldara work?

The active ingredient in Aldara, Imiquimod, stimulates the body's natural defences. Scientists believe that it binds to the immune cells in the skin, prompting them to release chemicals the body uses for defence called cytokines.

Cytokines fight viral infections by preventing the virus from multiplying in cells and so stop abnormal or malignant cells that cause growths from increasing in numbers.

In the case of genital warts, the cream prompts the body to attack the virus, curing the warts and causing them to disappear.

How is Aldara used?

For genital warts around the anus, penis or vagina, the cream is applied in a thin layer onto the warts and rubbed in until it vanishes. It should be used three times a week before going to bed. Users should leave it on for between 6 to 10 hours and then wash it off with soapy water and the course of treatment should be continued until the warts have been successfully treated, for a maximum of 16 weeks.

Men who have not been circumcised need to ensure that they pull back the foreskin and wash the area daily, to ensure the foreskin does not become constricted. Anyone who experiences trouble pulling the foreskin back or gets skin reactions such as redness, hardening of the skin or ulceration should stop treatment and consult their doctor.

Who can use Aldara?

If you have any inflammatory skin conditions then you should be cautious when using it, as should patients who have had an organ transplant, have a weakened immune system or uncircumcised men.

N.B. Aldara is not suitable for treating internal warts inside the urethra, vagina or anus.

Pregnant women should consult their doctor before using this medication.

Are there any side effects associated with Aldara?

Some of the side effects known to be linked to Aldara are:

• Redness or inflamed skin or hair loss at the application site
• Tingling, scabbing, crusting of the skin, ulceration or itching at the application site
• Possible permanent decrease in pigmentation at the application site

If you feel that you are suffering from genital warts then we may be prepared to prescribe Aldara for you depending on where the warts are located. Please click on the free consultation icon below to begin your consultation with a registered doctor. The consultation is entirely free and without obligation.