Imiquimod Treatments

How Does Imiquimod Work?

Imiquimod is a topical cream that stimulates the immune system. The substance triggers the release of chemicals known as cytokines, which are essential in fighting viruses or destroying malignant cells in cancer. When used topically to address cancerous or precancerous lesions, Imiquimod triggers an inflammatory response that destroys the lesion. At first, it may seem like the area is getting worse, but this is the cream creating an inflammation that will destroy irregular cells.

Conditions Treated by Imiquimod

Imiquimod is used often in the treatment of actinic keratoses or precancerous growths on the skin. It is also used to treat low-grade skin cancers such as superficial basal cell carcinoma. The cream is also used for other conditions such as genital warts, non-genital viral warts, molluscum contagiosum, melanoma metastases, keloid scarring, actinic porokeratosis and lentigo maligna.

Using imiquimod will result in redness and soreness for about 14 days before the skin begins to heal.

Related Conditions


Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis, sometimes referred to as AK, is a precancerous growth on the skin. Learn More

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most diagnosed form of skin cancer, with millions of cases each year in the U.S. It appears on the skin in a variety of sizes and shapes, such as dome-shaped growth with visible blood vessels, shiny patches, brown/black growths, sores, or white/yellow scar-like growths.  Learn More

Genital Warts

Genital warts often occur around the genital and anal areas of the skin. They’re caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually-transmitted infection Learn More

Melanoma Treatment

Melanoma is the most serious kind of skin cancer. Melanin is created by cells called melanocytes and gives your skin its particular color. Learn More

Molluscum

Molluscum is a skin infection that stems from a virus known as molluscum contagiosum. Learn More

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most commonly diagnosed form of skin cancer. Learn More

Warts

Warts are a common condition that create small, granular skin growths on the surface of the skin. Learn More

Other Treatments

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