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.

Aldara – Shellharbour Skin

Discussing Imiquimod (Aldara) Cream at Shellharbour Skin

A Topical Management Option for Certain Skin Conditions

At Shellharbour Skin, a consultation with Dr Barney Gordon is the first step to understanding management options for certain skin conditions, such as actinic keratosis. One non-surgical option that may be discussed is the use of Imiquimod cream (Aldara).This is a prescription topical cream applied at home as part of a medically guided management plan.

Understanding Imiquimod (Aldara) Cream

Imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara) is a prescription only medication.. Its mechanism of action involves stimulating a local immune response in the area where it is applied. During your consultation, Dr Gordon may discuss this as a potential management option for conditions such as:

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

The Application Process

If Imiquimod cream is determined to be suitable, Dr Gordon will provide detailed instructions for its application. Typically, the cream is applied at home, usually at night, for a prescribed period which is often several weeks, followed by a recovery phase. An inflammatory skin response, such as redness, swelling, peeling, crusting or blistering,may occur as part of the process.Your clinician will explain how to recognise and manage these effects and provide after-care guidance before you begin..

Typical Skin Response Timeline

While individual experiences vary, a general overview of potential changes may include:

Weeks 1-2: The area may begin to show mild redness and irritation.
Weeks 3-4: The skin’s response may intensify, with redness and possible crusting.
Weeks 5-6: The skin may often enter a peeling and healing phase towards the end of the application period.

Key Points for Discussion

This is a non-surgical approach involving a prescription topical cream applied under medical supervision.
The consultation includes a full skin assessment to confirm whether this is an appropriate option for your specific presentation.
Your clinician will discuss the range of possible skin responses and the recovery process to help you make an informed decision.

What to Expect

Redness, irritation, or flaking can and may occur while using Imiquimod cream.

It is important to follow your prescribed plan and discuss any concerns with Dr Gordon before making changes to your routine.

You will receive detailed instructions on skincare, sun protection, and when to contact the clinic for review.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are concerned about a skin condition or would like to explore management options, you can arrange a consultation at Shellharbour Skin with Dr Barney Gordon.

Your consultation will include a thorough assessment and discussion of whether Imiquimod cream is a clinically appropriate consideration for you.

Have a Question?

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