Imiquimod
Imiquimod is a prescription drug that is usually used at home. It is available in the form of a cream that is applied on the skin. The medication may be prescribed by a dermatologist for treating:
- Basal cell carcinoma (one of the earliest forms of skin cancer)
- Actinic keratosis (AK)
- Sun-damaged skin
- Genital warts
Actinic keratosis (AKs) is more common in people with sun-damaged skin. Imiquimod may be prescribed by the dermatologist for treating some other skin condition as well.
You should be willing to do the following for a dermatologist to prescribe the medication:
- Apply the medicine as indicated
- Return to the dermatologist for follow-up treatments
- Have a healthy and normal functioning immune system
Texas Surgical Dermatology, led by board certified dermatologist Dr. Tri H. Nugyen, provides safe and proven skin care procedures to patients in Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and surrounding locations.
What Can Imiquimod Treat?
Imiquimod can be used for treating patients effectively and safely. However, the treatment is not right for everyone. You should be sure to tell your dermatologist if you have conditions affecting the immune system, such as AIDS, HIV, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or graft versus host disease (GvHD).
You should let the doctor know about your allergies and any medications that you may be taking. This includes all prescription and nonprescription drugs, such as vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements.
Effect of Imiquimod
The patient’s immune system is stimulated by imiquimod. This helps in treating AKs, genital warts, and cancer cells. Your skin may react when using the medication for treating skin cancer or AKs. It may develop swelling, redness, itching, burning, and tenderness. You will see flaking and scabs appear as the skin begins to heal. These reactions are indicative of the drug working.
Advantages of Imiquimod
- Non-invasive
- Excellent to good cosmetic results
- Little scarring
- No skin discoloration
- Well tolerated
- Can clear AKs
- Good for treating the face when invasive treatment is not an option
- No patient downtime
How To Use Imiquimod?
You can apply imiquimod cream to treat skin cancer, AKs, and warts. Most patients prefer applying the cream before bedtime since it needs to be left on for several hours before washing off. You should follow all directions carefully. Don’t use more than the directed amount since that can cause unwanted reactions.
Frequency of Using Imiquimod
The medication amount, duration and frequency of the medication varies from patient to patient. Your dermatologist will let you know how to apply the medicine. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved different quantities of imiquimod for treating different conditions.
Maintain Your Follow-Up Appointments
You should be prepared to keep up with all your follow-up visits with the dermatologist. This is important in determining whether the medicine is working as intended or not. Never use your own judgment when it comes to determining the efficacy of imiquimod. Your dermatologist will consider other factors besides clearing of the skin.
Texas Surgical Dermatology, led by board certified dermatologist Dr. Tri H. Nguyen, receives patients from Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and nearby areas for innovative and advanced skin care treatments.
For More Information contact our Board Certified in Dermatologists at Texas Surgical Dermatology in Spring, TX
For more information on procedures and treatments offered at Texas Surgical Dermatology PA please call 832.663.6566 or click here to contact our dermatologists. Helping patients in Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, Katy and other surrounding areas of Texas.
