of application. Wait for 10 days until the redness or rash clears, then restart the Imiquimod cream. Continue starting and stopping the Imiquimod as directed for a total of 12 weeks.
After each application fold the packet over and store it in a plastic baggy. Ignore the “single application” labeling.
Imiquimod Treatment Reactions
After 2-4 applications the skin may become red and scaly, heaped up and crusty or weepy and crusty. This is an anticipated side effect. If your skin becomes too irritated from the product, stop product application and apply Polysporin or Bacitracin 2-3 times a day for 3-4 days after soaking the crusts with some plain warm water for 5 minutes. Once the reaction response has been minimized, begin with the Imiquimod again but less frequently, maybe once or twice a week. I f no reaction occurs, increase to 5 days for a week, then daily for a week. Some people do not react at all. On occasion one can get a very big aggressive inflammatory reaction with extensive crusting. This response does fade after discontinuation of product and any residual skin changes will fade.
At the end of treatment the skin in the pre-cancerous areas usually looks smooth and soft. In the areas where you have had cancer it may be white and there may be some scarring. If the cancer was large enough to destroy tissue, there may be a depression left behind. It does take at least 3-4 months for color changes to blend with the rest of the skin and there may be areas of blotchy pigmentation where the color is just not quite even. The cosmetic results are generally better than surgery; however, further treatment may be needed for deeper lesions before using Imiquimod.
You can learn more about skin cancer & pre-cancer treatments at American Academy of Dermatology.