What should you know about how to use imiquimod?

Imiquimod is a topical medicine that encourages an immune response in treated skin. It is prescribed for particular conditions, so advice found for one use may not apply to another. The skin may become red, dry, scaly, swollen, sore or crusted during treatment. A local reaction can be part of the medicine's effect, but severe symptoms still need advice. The cream should not be used on an undiagnosed bump, mole or sore simply because it resembles a condition treated with imiquimod.

Wash the area gently and let it dry fully. Use clean fingers to apply the prescribed amount in a thin layer to the named area, avoiding the eyes, lips, inside of the nose and other sensitive surfaces. Wash your hands before and after use. Leave it on only for the contact time written in your instructions, then wash the area as directed. Keep the tube closed, avoid sharing it and protect treated skin from strong sun. If you miss an application, follow the leaflet or contact your prescriber rather than applying extra cream.

Contact your prescriber if pain, swelling, crusting or irritation becomes difficult to manage, or if you are unsure whether to continue. Ask promptly about spreading redness, warmth, pus, repeated bleeding or a lesion that is not healing. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, facial swelling, eye exposure or a widespread blistering rash. Do not cover the area tightly, extend the course or restart after a prolonged pause unless your clinician advises it.

Ask which exact skin should receive the cream, how much to use, when to wash it off, what products can be applied around it and how the response will be checked. Confirm the plan for a missed application and the contact number to use if your reaction becomes severe.