Second week using Aldara cream

Barbados Girl 33

Hi Linda

I'm glad to hear that your treatment has started but not glad to hear that you're experiencing some side effects. You should have been given a leaflet with the cream that explains how to use it and what side effects you might experience.

If you click on this link to the British Association of Dermatologist's patient leaflet on Aldara cream you will see that having flu like symptoms is one of the common side effects and they go on to recommend taking paracetamol.

It also says that within 3 to 5 days the skin may weep and that the skin's reaction tends to be worst in weeks 2 and 3. 

However, if you're not sure about anything speak to your consultant and also tell them off for not giving you the leaflet that explains all this!

I hope you start feeling better soon

x

Thank you Latchbrook for your reply....yes I did get the leaflet and am having regular paracetamol...

I think I am surprised how quickly the side effects are happening...a bit naive perhaps?

Also, I have Fibromyalgia which is a chronic muscular pain condition so perhaps the medication is not helping with that as well...

I think I needed a little bit of reassurance, so thank you .

Hello Linda

I used Aldara for 4.5 months last year on my left cheek. 

Mid tou go into the British association of dermatologists website, there is a really useful fact sheet about the cream. 

Everyone reacts differently and flu like symptoms is a possible side effect. When I used the cream, I really tried to look after myself - I ate well, did yoga, avoided partying etc and I think it made a huge difference. 

Please do let me know if I can support you in anyway  

Rebecca x

Thank you so much Rebecca for your kind email...

To be honest, I wish I could have them all cut out right away... they're my 3 aliens!!!!

I understand why im to use the cream...at the moment they would need skin grafts.. my dermatologist is hoping they will shrink in size...he mentioned radiotherapy too.

I am looking after myself...pacing myself and resting when I feel tired...

Once again, thank you for your support....x

Hi. I used this cream for 6 weeks December last yr. This was on a superficial BCC on my forehead, having also had another more advanced lesion excised from above my eyebrow. I did not feel great on the cream but the main thing was the violent skin reaction I had. It was itchy and sore and looked awful. However, now it’s just left a pale pink area of skin on my forehead. So in my opinion was worth it compared to the scar from excision on the other one. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon 

Thank you Makka Pakka for your email...

I actually phoned the clinic today, for reassurance I think...my hair keeps sticking on the lesion overnight and then when I go in the shower to try and soften the area so that I can release the hair, it leaves the lesion raw and so so painful....

I left it with the secretary to pass the message on but have not heard back..

I just want to know if this is normal...

Linda x

My picture attached is the reaction I had. As you can see it was awful. My fringe stuck to it often and the scab oozed a lot. I was told the stronger the reaction the more tumour cells it was clearing. Good luck x

[edited by admin]

Dear Makkapakka and Linda

I used Aldara for 4.5 months last year and share your pain. I had a big wound on my left cheek which weeped, bled, was sore, crusted over etc. It was an ongoing nightmare plus I kept reacting severely to the cream and I had to have breaks. 

I found that it helped to use damp cotton wool to clean the area rather than soak it. Maybe tie your hair back if you can? And it might be that you need to have a break for a few days/week, which is what it says in the leaflet. 

Pkease so try to persist with it because you will get there in the end. I felt so self conscious and felt that my cheek looked unsightly whilst I went through the treatment but unbelievably you really can’t see a thing now which was the case a few weeks:a month after using it. Try and hold onto the bigger picture and the end result  

Thinking of you and please do let me know if I can support you in any way. 

Rebecca xx

Sorry I have had the picture removed by the admin. I hope you will have the same positive result I have had. It’s just a small pink patch now, 8 weeks after ceasing use. Xx

Thanks Rebecca and MakkaPakka, thank you for your input... I pinned my short hair back around the big lesion at the front and it helped overnight...

So pleased you both have had positive outcomes..x