Aldara

Aldara (Imiquimod) Cream Treatment at Shellharbour Skin

Topical Treatment for Skin Cancer and Pre-cancerous Lesions

At Shellharbour Skin, Dr. Barney Gordon offers Aldara cream (Imiquimod) as a highly effective topical treatment for certain skin cancers and pre-cancerous conditions. Aldara is a non-surgical option that allows you to treat your skin at home, providing a convenient and effective way to address skin issues.

What is Aldara?

Aldara cream is a topical medication containing Imiquimod 5%, used to treat skin cancers and premalignant diseases. It works by stimulating your immune system to attack and destroy abnormal skin cells. This treatment is ideal for:

• Actinic keratoses (precancerous skin lesions)
• Superficial basal cell carcinomas
• Bowen’s disease (a type of early squamous cell skin cancer)

How Does Aldara Work?

Patients apply Aldara cream at night before bed, following a schedule prescribed by Dr. Gordon. The typical treatment duration is 6 weeks, followed by a 2-week healing period. Signs of inflammation, such as redness and swelling, indicate that the treatment is working effectively. The cream causes the treated areas to peel, blister, and scab over, progressively destroying the abnormal cells.

Treatment Timeline

• Weeks 1-2: Mild redness and inflammation
• Weeks 3-4: Increased redness, blistering, and scabbing
• Weeks 5-6: Peeling and healing phase

Benefits of Aldara Treatment

• Non-invasive, at-home treatment
• Effective for treating pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions
• Better cosmetic outcomes compared to surgical options

What to Expect

During treatment, your skin will appear irritated and inflamed, which is a sign that the treatment is working. It’s crucial not to stop the treatment without consulting Dr. Gordon. You will also receive detailed instructions on how to care for your skin during the treatment period.

Schedule a Consultation

If you believe Aldara cream may be the right treatment for your skin condition, contact Shellharbour Skin to schedule a comprehensive skin cancer check with Dr. Barney Gordon.