Imiquimod topical is used to treat external warts around the genital and rectal areas called condyloma acuminatum. It is not used on warts inside the vagina, penis, or rectum. Imiquimod topical is also used to treat a minor form of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma, when surgery would not be an appropriate treatment.

Understanding the Context

Imiquimod, sold under the brand name Aldara among others, is a medication that acts as an immune response modifier that is used to treat genital warts, superficial basal cell carcinoma, and actinic keratosis. The following table shows the typical treatment plan for each of the skin diseases that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved imiquimod to treat. What is imiquimod, and what is it used for?

Key Insights

Imiquimod is a topical cream used in the treatment of certain skin disorders including external genital warts, scaly skin, and superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC), a type of skin cancer. Overview: Topical imiquimod is a cream you put on specific areas of your skin for certain skin conditions. Common side effects may include redness, pain, itching, or burning where you apply it.... Imiquimod works by stimulating the immune system to release a number of chemicals called cytokines, which are important in fighting viruses and destroying cancer cells. When used to treat skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions it results in inflammation, which destroys the lesion.

Final Thoughts

Imiquimod cream is used to treat certain types of actinic keratoses (flat, scaly growths on the skin caused by too much sun exposure), superficial basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer), and warts on the skin of the genital and anal areas.