How effective is imiquimod cream for genital warts?

How effective is imiquimod cream for genital warts?

Official Answer. In clinical studies, Aldara (imiquimod) topical cream was found to completely clear external genital warts in 50% of patients who applied treatment 3 days a week for a total of 16 weeks. The average time to have the affected area cleared was 10 weeks.

How long does it take for genital warts to go away with imiquimod?

Of those patients whose warts disappeared while using 5% imiquimod cream, 44% were clear by 8 weeks of therapy and 69% were clear by 12 weeks. Seventy-seven percent of women and 40% of men using 5% imiquimod cream experienced complete wart clearance.

Is imiquimod used for genital warts?

Imiquimod topical is used to treat external warts around the genital and rectal areas called condyloma acuminatum. It is not used on warts inside the vagina, penis, or rectum. Imiquimod is also used to treat a skin condition of the face and scalp called actinic keratosis (AK), which is caused by too much sun exposure.

Can you use imiquimod everyday for genital warts?

Treatment of external genital warts in men using 5% imiquimod cream applied three times a week, once daily, twice daily, or three times a day.

How do I know imiquimod is working?

When using imiquimod to treat AKs or skin cancer, your skin should react. You may have redness, swelling, burning, itching, and tenderness. As the skin starts to heal, you will see scabs and flaking. These reactions indicate that the medicine is working.

Does imiquimod cause more warts?

New warts may develop while you are using the cream. Imiquimod will also not keep you from spreading genital warts to other people. Do not use cosmetics or any other skin care products on the treated areas, unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Do you rub in imiquimod?

Apply a thin layer to the affected area of the skin just before bedtime. Rub it in gently. Allow the medicine to stay on the treated skin for 8 hours (for actinic keratosis or basal cell carcinoma) or 6 to 10 hours (for genital warts). Do not take a bath, swim, or get the treated area wet during this time.

How long does it take for imiquimod to start working?

It usually takes 8-10 weeks for your warts to disappear, but warts may clear as early as 4 weeks. If your warts reappear, talk to your doctor. If your skin reacts badly to Aldara, your doctor may recommend that you stop treatment for a few days.

How does skin heal after imiquimod?

After Imiquimod

  1. Apply Vaseline or another simple, plain, unscented moisturizer twice a day while the crusting resolves.
  2. Avoid sun exposure for 6 months and use a sun screen with SPF > 30 to prevent the development of further lesions and aid healing of the skin.

Why wont my genital warts go away?

Although HPV isn’t curable in all cases, genital warts are treatable. You can also go extended periods of time without an outbreak, but it may not be possible to get rid of the warts forever. That’s because genital warts are only a symptom of HPV, which may become a chronic, lifelong infection for some.

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