What is imiquimod?

imiquimod is an immunomodulator that is used to treat genital or anal warts, actininic keratoses and surface carcinoma of basal cells. While the mechanism of effect of imiquimod is not sure, it seems to work by stimulating the body's immune system. Imiquimod should be used strictly as recommended by a doctor prescribing. Instructions for use may vary depending on which Imiquimod preparation is used. They are also referred to as condylomata acuminata or sex warts. Imiquimod is used to treat warts only in ANO-Genital area and not internally.

For the treatment of genitalia and anal warts, imiquimod is usually used three times a week. After cleaning the area, a thin layer should be applied to the wart and left for six to ten hours, then it should be washed. Treatment can continue after the warts are away, but it should not continue longer than 16 weeks.

Too much solar exposure can cause harsh areas of skin called actinic keratOsa. Normally they are harmless, but in rare cases they can proceed to skin cancer, so early treatment is necessary. Imiquimod is usually applied to the area for four weeks, two or three times a week and left for eight hours. This area is then left alone for the next four weeks and re -evaluated by a doctor. If necessary, treatment may be repeated.

Basal cell carcinoma is most often due to repeated exposure to the sun over the years, and therefore usually occurs on parts of the body exposed to the sun, although they can occur anywhere on the body. Imiquimod cream stimulates the body to attack cancer cells. For surface carcinomas of basal cells, the cream is usually applied to the affected area and in a small area around it five times a week. It should be left in place for eight hours before washing. This is done for six weeks, followed by a 12 -week period without treatmentand then a re -evaluation of the doctor.

imiquimod can irritate the skin, so the prescribed dose and duration should not be exceeded. The cream is only for external use and should not be applied to mucous membranes, eye, lips or nostrils or any broken skin. The hands should be washed before and after applying the cream and should not be left longer than the prescribed time. Any adverse effects should be reported immediately by doctors.