How is this medicine (Aldara) best taken?

Use Aldara (imiquimod cream (aldara)) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not use more or for longer than you have been told. Best place to buy imiquimod 5% cream over the counter This may raise the chance of a very bad skin reaction or other side effect.
• Do not take Aldara (imiquimod cream (aldara)) by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Do not put in the vagina or anus.
• Use at bedtime.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• If you are an uncircumcised man with warts under the foreskin, pull back the foreskin and clean every day.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Do not put on sunburned skin.
• Avoid putting on healthy skin unless you have been told to do so by the doctor.
• Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings) unless told to do so by the doctor.
• Do not bathe, shower, or swim after putting on.
• Leave on the skin for as long as the doctor told you to, then wash off.
• Throw away any part of the packet not used after use.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Pulsed-dye lasers

Pulsed-dye laser treatment is a relatively new type of treatment for MC. It uses a powerful beam of light to destroy the cells that make up each spot.

You may experience some skin discolouration and discomfort in the treated areas, but this should improve within a few weeks. The procedure may need to be repeated several times to clear all of your spots.

Pulsed-dye laser treatment uses expensive equipment and its availability on the NHS is limited. You'll probably have to pay privately for the treatment, which can be expensive.

Drug Side Effects

The most common side effect of Aldara is a localized skin reaction, which occurs in roughly a third of all cases. http://www.rxlist.com/efudex_vs_aldara/drugs-condition.htm Dermatological symptoms may include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Sore, blister, or ulcer
• Thickening or hardening of the skin
• Changes in skin color
• Skin peeling
• Scabbing and crusting
• Itching and/or burning

The area being treated is likely to look worse before it gets better. Avoid sunlight (or sunlamps) as this may worsen the symptoms. When outdoors, use protective clothing or a hat to cover the affected area. In some cases, any changes to the skin color or texture may be permanent.

Other potential side effects include headaches, back pain, muscle aches, tiredness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, and fungal infections.

Contact your doctor immediately if you have a severe skin reaction, if you develop flu-like symptoms, or if sores begin to develop during the first week of therapy.

In rare cases, patients may have no reaction to Aldara; this may suggest the medication is not effective in them. Patients should contact their doctor if they have no reaction to Aldara after applying it for one week.