Has anyone used Aldara cream (Imiquimod)?
Posting for a community member: Has anybody used the Aldara cream? My dr has prescribed this to put on my lower legs and ankles. Just wondering what experiences you have had with it.
I have used aldara on my face, chest, back and arms. I had severe reactions on all areas. Some nausea and occasional headache. Lots of fatigue. Even with the side effects, I would still recommend it.
Thank you for sharing what it's been like for you,
! Similar to what a community member on Twitter mentioned:
"I used Imiquimod on a lesion on my chest. It wasn’t a very big area. I had burning, itching and tenderness. I also experienced a little bit of nausea. Not too bad. It was definitely better than getting cut AGAIN."
This person also mentioned that so far Efudex/Fluorouracil has been easier. Do you have any comparisons between the two?
- Nina, SkinCancer.net TeamHi Nina,
I tried Fluorourcil about twenty years ago...basically the same reaction on my face. I always describe it as the worst case of acne, measles and sunburn you’re ever going to have. I have to say, though, not as many side effects, so that’s a positive.Thanks for providing this comparison, Chilly! It seems different for each person, but interesting to hear not as many side effects. That does sound like a pretty awful combination! - Nina, SkinCancer.net Team
Sharing some responses from our Facebook community as well: https://www.facebook.com/skincancerdotnet/posts/2608316372528254. So useful to have these different personal perspectives! - Nina, SkinCancer.net Team
I used Aldara on my chest about 20 years ago and swore, ‘Never Again’. I would put it on at night and in the morning I had blood stains on my nightgown (after using for about a week). I have just been prescribed Aldara for a tiny discoloration on my nose and am loathe to use it. I feel like I have been traumatized this year with skin issues. First I used Efudex on face,hands and legs in June 2023. My poor face! Then, on check-up afterwards, Dr determined I had a BCC on left cheek that needed Mohs. I had that done on June 30. It was a small pimple-looking bump, quite innocuous really. But the incision made on my face! Terrible. So now it is September and scar is still prominent. Yesterday this doctor told me that I MAY have an AK on nose and should use Aldara. I am just so tired of this constant assault on my skin. Question to you all is…How do you keep trusting that these creams are ok to use? I feel like they just make my skin more delicate and that I am a hamster on a wheel.
