Imiquimod Cream, Aldara, Skin and Hair Care

Some people are familiar with medications such as Aldara, Zyclara or even Beselna. Individuals who have seen or heard about these aforementioned medications know that these are creams. However, not all of them know what these are for or what they contain. Aldara and Zyclara are both topical treatments for actinic keratoses, while Beselna is used as a therapeutic agent for genital warts. All three drugs have one thing in common: the active ingredient known as Imiquimod.

Imiquimod is a medication that works by stimulating the body’s own defense mechanism: the immune system. It is said that it binds to immune cells in the skin, forcing the skin to release chemicals called cytokines. An example of a cytokine is an alpha interferon. Alpha interferon and other cytokines has several functions in the immune system. One of those functions is to prevent viruses from multiplying in cells, making the cytokines natural fighters of viral infections. In addition, cytokines also impedes the increase of abnormal or malignant cells.

The functions of cytokines make the drug effective in the treatment of several skin conditions including genital warts, superficial basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis. Genital warts are a sexually transmitted skin condition which are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). The cream stimulates the body to release the cytokines, which would fight the virus; as a result, the warts would be cured. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, and arises when abnormal cells grow on the deepest layer of the epidermis. The cream allows the body to attack the abnormal cells with the cytokines and stop the cancerous growths in the process. Lastly, actinic keratosis is a skin condition wherein a person develops rough patches on the skin as a result of excessive sun exposure. The skin lesions are often harmless, but in some cases they become malignant. If Imiquimod is used as treatment in the early stages, the lesions need not become cancerous. The cream will let the immune system attack the abnormal or damaged skin cells before the situation worsens.

Those who have been prescribed with the medication need to carefully follow the instructions provided by the physician and those which come with the drug. Individuals should not be alarmed by inflammation, as this is a natural reaction to the use of Imiquimod. Redness, itching, burning, flaking and even slight pain should also be expected.

Every year, many individuals lose their lives because of cancer. The most known types include breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer. Skin cancer also affects many people annually, but it is often not perceived as something as threatening as the aforementioned types. People should know that a condition such as basal cell carcinoma should be treated immediately to avoid disfigurement.

Most people are unaware that basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is not only the most common form of skin cancer, but it is also the most common of all cancers. In fact, this condition affects about two million Americans annually. As the name implies, this kind of cancer begins in the basal cells—those that line the deepest layer of the top skin, also known as the epidermis. The cancerous skin growths emerges gradually and painlessly, and are usually caused by excessive sun exposure. This is why basal cell carcinoma occurs on body parts often exposed to the sun such as the ears, face, neck, scalp and shoulders. Any person who has been exposed to the sun for long periods of time can develop this type of skin cancer; however, individuals with fair skin, blond or red hair, as well as blue, green or gray eyes are at the highest risk.

In the case of superficial basal cell carcinoma, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Imiquimod as treatment. The prescription medication, which comes in topical cream form, is gently applied to the tumor five times a week for about six weeks (or more). It is said that the cure rates are between 80 to 90 percent.

Imiquimod belongs to a new class of drugs that stimulate the immune system, which is why the drugs are called immune response modifiers. In the case of Imiquimod, it stimulates the immune system and makes it release what is called cytokines, which are chemicals that help fight viruses and kill cancer cells. The cream works for superficial basal cell carcinoma by destroying the cancer cells.

Those who would use the cream should know that inflammation is predictable. It is an expected response to the use of the drug. It is the inflammation that destroys the cancerous lesions found on the skin. Other side effects of Imiquimod to be expected include redness, burning and irritation. If the side effects become severe, the use of the drug must be stopped immediately.

The body is a wonderful thing. While it is true that medications are needed for healing, the body is also capable of healing itself. In the case of Imiquimod, a medication can help the body help itself.

Imiquimod is a prescription medication, in the form of topical cream, which is known as an immune response modifier. As the phrase suggests, this drug triggers a response from the immune system. The medication was created to activate the immune system to release cytokines. Cytokines are actually chemicals which are very important in the fight against viruses and cancer cells. Hence, the drug brings out chemicals from the body which are crucial in protecting the said body from harm.

This prescription medication is used as treatment for various skin problems. One of these skin problems is actinic keratosis. Usually found on the face and scalp, actinic keratoses are flat and scaly skin growths that are caused by too much sun exposure. These are premalignant, which means that they can become cancerous in the future. Naturally, the drug is also used to treat actual skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma. Basal skin carcinoma looks a bit different from normal skin: the growth or skin bump has a waxy or pearly appearance and can be colored white, light pink, flesh, or brown. It can be found in the feet, legs, arms, hands and neck. The medication works for the aforementioned conditions because it helps destroy cancer cells.

Imiquimod is also used for the treatment of genital warts. Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection which are made evident by flesh or gray colored soft growths on the genital areas of men and women. These can occur in the penis, vagina, vulva, cervix, urethra, larynx, around and in the anus. Genital warts are not a form of skin cancer, but they are caused by a virus. This particular skin condition results from the human papilloma virus or HPV. Because the drug allows the body to fight viruses, it proves to be an effective treatment.

People who have been prescribed with the drug should prepare themselves for inflammation. This reaction should not be seen as a bad thing, especially since inflammation is a good sign that the medication is working. It is actually the inflammation that destroys the skin growths. However, Imiquimod should still be used with care as it has some other severe side effects.

Genital warts is a problem for many people. Unfortunately, some people are probably not even aware they have genital warts. This is because most individuals do not have symptoms. The lack of symptoms, however, is not an indication that the person does not have genital warts.

Genital warts, also known as condylomata acuminata or venereal warts, are soft growths on the skin and mucus membranes of the genital areas of both men and women. Often colored flesh or gray, the warts are actually a type of a sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by HPV or the human papilloma virus. It can be found on the vagina, vulva, urethra, cervix, larynx, penis, as well as around and in the anus. This infection is passed from one individual to another through sexual contact.

One known treatment for genital warts is Imiquimod. In the United States, the medication is more popularly known as Aldara and Zyclara. The medication is known for extreme skin reactions and side effects, which is why it can never be purchased off-the-counter; an individual can only get this specific topical cream if it is prescribed by the physician. Despite the reactions and side effects, most doctors still recommend it because of its effectiveness.

Imiquimod can treat genital warts because it serves as an immune response modifier. This means that the medication will boost the immune system and cause it to release chemicals known as cytokines, which enable the body to fight the virus. It must be noted that the medication itself does not destroy the virus; it merely allows the body to fight the virus that causes the warts.

Imiquimod is available in cream form and is applied in the affected areas. The areas where the medication is applied will eventually become inflamed. The inflammation is an expected reaction to the cream, as it is what eliminates the warts. The level of inflammation will differ from one person to the next, and the factors to be taken in consideration include the kind of warts present as well as genetics. Aside from inflammation, other reactions to be expected include redness, burning, itching and flaking. These reactions are also signs of the medication’s effectivity. Side effects of Imiquimod also include flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever and muscle pain. When sores and black scabs become evident after using the cream, the individual must stop treatment immediately and see the doctor.

Staying under the sun is fun, especially during summer. It is nice to bask in the sunshine while doing summer activities such as playing volleyball or having a picnic with friends. Enjoying the sun for a few hours is alright, but being exposed to the sun for long hours is never a good idea. Unfortunately for some people, their jobs force them to deal with long-term sun exposure. It is these people who are most at risk for actinic keratosis.

Actinic keratosis is a small and rough raised area on the skin often found on the scalp, face, back of the hands, and chest. It starts as a flat and scaly, then turns into a hard surface with a texture similar to sandpaper. This specific kind of skin lesion is mostly felt instead of seen, since often the lesion is the same color as the skin. Sometimes, the lesion is colored pink, red or even gray.

Actinic keratosis is mainly caused by long-term sun exposure. It takes many years or even decades to develop; in some instances, the skin condition can develop into a type of skin cancer after several years. To prevent mild cases of actinic keratosis from worsening, some doctors recommend the use of Imiquimod as treatment.

Imiquimod is a prescription medication that is utilized as treatment for specific kinds of actinic keratosis, usually those on the face and scalp. This medication, which is available as topical cream, belongs in a class of medications known as immune response modifiers. In this particular instance, the medication does not treat the skin lesions directly. Rather, it enables the person to better fight the skin condition by boosting the immune system. The topical cream stimulates the immune system to discharge cytokines, which are chemicals that are crucial in destroying cancer cells.

Unfortunately, an individual who would use Imiquimod would experience much discomfort. Areas treated with the cream will become inflamed. Aside from the inflammation, the person would also have to endure redness, itching, burning, flaking and scabbing. These reactions are natural, and can even be taken as indicators of the cream’s effectiveness. Side effects of the treatment also include flu-like symptoms such as headache, fatigue, nausea, fever and muscle pain. If the reactions become severe and the flu-like symptoms become bothersome, it is necessary for the person to stop the use of Imiquimod immediately and ask the advice of the physician.

Most people are unfamiliar with Imiquimod, but those who suffer from skin disease and external warts know about it. It is actually a type of medication used to treat certain skin conditions. It would be helpful for people to know about this medication in case they develop a particular skin condition and the physician prescribes it.

Imiquimod belongs in a category of prescription medications known as immune response modifiers. It works by activating the immune system, making it release chemicals known as cytokines. Cytokines are crucial in fighting viruses and eliminating cancer cells. This topical medication, which is available in cream form, is used to treat some kinds of actinic keratoses on the face or scalp. Actinic keratoses are flat and scaly skin growths resulting from excessive sun exposure. The prescription is also used to treat a type of skin cancer known as superficial basal cell carcinoma, which can be seen on the neck, hands, arms, legs or feet. The topical cream is also used to treat genital warts. This medication is most beneficial on areas where other treatments and surgery may be difficult or complicated.

Those who have used this type of medication knows that Imiquimod causes inflammation. When the cream is used as treatment for skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions, inflammation is expected as it is what destroys the lesion. The degree of inflammation that will result from the use of the prescription is not the same for every person; it will depend on the kind of skin lesion, as well as genetic factors. Because of the effect of the medication, its usage comes with several disadvantages. People who will use the cream can expect redness, itching, burning, scabbing, flaking and even pain. However, these reactions are signs that the cream is working. In the instance that the reaction has become so severe that there are already black scabs and ulceration, the individual must stop using the cream and visit the physician immediately. The other side effects of the cream include headache, nausea, fatigue, muscle pain and diarrhea. These are often mild and can be treated with paracetamol; the moment the

symptoms because burdensome, it is necessary to stop using the cream and see the doctor as soon as possible.

In the market, Imiquimod is also known as Aldara, Zyclara and Beselna. Those who have been prescribed the cream should strictly follow doctor’s instructions to prevent any problems.

There are many different places you can find Imiquimod cream on the internet. We have searched and have found some of the best prices on the medication from only the most reputable and trustworthy places. Imiquimod cream is also known as Aldara.