Low or no data? Visit Zero Data then search for 'Healthify'. Click on our logo to return to our site and browse for free.

Imiquimod (cream)

Sounds like 'im-mi-kwi-mod'

Key points about imiquimod cream

Imiquimod cream is used to treat skin conditions such as genital warts, actinic keratoses (also called solar keratoses) and superficial basal cell carcinoma.
Find out how to apply it safely and possible side effects.

Health professional and patient in consultation room looking at influenza vaccine in adults page on computer

Print this page

Imiquimod cream is used to treat skin conditions such as genital warts, sun damage called actinic keratoses (also called solar keratoses) and a type of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma.
It belongs to a group of medicines known as immune response modifiers or immuno-modulators that work by helping to activate your immune system to fight these abnormal skin growths.

How often and for how long you should use imiquimod cream will depend on your skin condition. Imiquimod cream is applied a few times a week, not every day. Below is a dosing guide but always use your imiquimod cream exactly as your healthcare provider has told you.

Skin condition	Dose
Actinic keratoses	Apply the cream to the lesion 3 times weekly for 4 weeks. You may be asked to repeat the treatment after a break of 4 weeks. If your lesions are very scaly, your healthcare provider may freeze them with liquid nitrogen before starting imiquimod.
Basal cell carcinoma	Apply the cream to the lesion, and to the surrounding 1 cm around the lesion, on 5 days each week. Continue for 6 weeks.
Genital warts	Apply the cream to the wart 3 times a week (on alternate days followed by a 2 day treatment-free interval). Continue until the warts have cleared or for up to 16 weeks.

Imiquimod cream should be left on your skin for about 8 hours, so it’s best to apply imiquimod cream at night and wash it off in the morning.
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying imiquimod cream.
Make sure your lesion is dry before you apply the cream.
Cut the top off the sachet or pierce the sachet with a needle and squeeze out a tiny amount of cream onto your fingertip. Apply this to the affected area and gently rub it in until the cream is absorbed into your skin.
Although the information on the packet states that the sachet is for single use, you could seal it using a paper clip or tape and store it in a closed container to prevent the cream drying out.
If you’re treating basal cell carcinoma, apply the cream to the carcinoma and to the area 1 cm around the skin cancer.
If you have to apply the cream to a large area, treat a small area at a time. This will help make the treatment reaction more tolerable. Your healthcare provider will provide further advice about this.
Always use your imiquimod cream exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much imiquimod cream to use, how often to use it and any special instructions.
If you forget to apply the cream on your usual day, use it on the next night and then continue with your regular schedule. Never apply the cream more than once a day.

What to know while you are using imiquimod cream for actinic keratosis or basal cell carcinoma

After 20 minutes of applying imiquimod cream, you can apply moisturisers and/or make-up as part of your usual skin care routine.
When you're outdoors, you should protect yourself from the sun with clothing and sunscreen.
Don't apply imiquimod cream to broken or sunburnt skin.
Take care not to get the cream in your eyes and nostrils or on your lips.
Only cover imiquimod cream with a plaster if advised to do so by your healthcare provider, otherwise leave the treated area uncovered.
Make sure you put the used sachets into a rubbish bin that children (and pets) can't access.
It can take up to 6 weeks for healthy new skin to replace the damaged skin.
You will need to see your healthcare provider during treatment to see if imiquimod is working and if you have any reactions. They may change how often you use your cream, depending on your response.
If the skin lesion is still there 3 months after treatment, go back to see your healthcare provider.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, if you become pregnant while using the cream or are planning a pregnancy or to breastfeed. Imiquimod cream should not be used during pregnancy. Your doctor will recommend other treatments for you.

Imiquimod cream should be left on your skin for about 8 hours, so it’s best to apply imiquimod cream at night and wash it off in the morning.
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying imiquimod cream.
Make sure your wart is dry before you apply the cream.
Cut the top off the sachet or pierce the sachet with a needle and squeeze out a tiny amount of cream onto your fingertip. Apply this thinly to the affected area and gently rub it in until the cream is absorbed into your skin.
Although the information on the packet states that the sachet is for single use, you could seal it using a paper clip or tape and store it in a closed container to prevent the cream drying out.
Always use your imiquimod cream exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much imiquimod cream to use, how often to use it and any special instructions.
If you forget to apply the cream on your usual day, use it on the next night and then continue with your regular schedule. Never apply the cream more than once a day.
Be careful to apply the cream only to the wart. If the cream spreads on to normal skin it can cause skin reactions such as redness, swelling, flaking and irritation.

What to know while you are using imiquimod for genital warts

Sexual contact isn't recommended while you're treating genital warts. It's best to wait until your warts have gone and your skin has healed.
If you do have sex, use a condom and apply the cream after sex. If you've already applied it, wash the area first as the cream can damage latex condoms and diaphragms.
If you have a penis and you're not circumcised, wash the area under your foreskin daily.
It can take up to 6 weeks for healthy new skin to replace the damaged skin.
You'll need to see your healthcare provider during treatment to see if imiquimod is working and if you have any reactions. They may change how often you use your cream, depending on your response.
If the skin lesion is still there 3 months after treatment, go back to see your healthcare provider.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, if you become pregnant while using the cream or are planning a pregnancy or to breastfeed. Imiquimod cream should not be used during pregnancy. Your doctor will recommend other treatments for you.

Like all medicines, imiquimod cream can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Skin redness, itching and burning	These are common when you first start using imiquimod cream. Usually the area will look and feel worse before it gets better. Tell your doctor if this becomes very uncomfortable or very sore. Stop the cream and tell your doctor.
Black scabs or ulcers on your skin	Tell your doctor.
Flu-like symptoms such as fever, tiredness, muscle aches and pains Feeling unwell Headache	These are common. Taking paracetamol may be helpful. Tell your doctor.