Imiquimod cream has many uses, including the treatment of genital warts. Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection – also known as an STI – which can be contracted from penetrative or oral sex, and they usually take the form of painless lumps around your genitals or anus. Genital warts are caused by a viral skin infection known as human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of over 100 viruses that can affect various parts of the body. In most cases, genital warts are caused by two specific types of HPV, which aren’t linked to genital or cervical cancer.
While there’s no cure for genital warts, when properly treated, the body can keep them under control. Unfortunately, there can still be a stigma around conditions such as STIs, which is why some people choose to look for genital wart treatments online.
When you apply imiquimod cream, it causes inflammation to your skin, which encourages your body’s immune system to release chemicals called cytokines. This means that your body begins to fight the infection over time. Unfortunately, it also means the area in which it’s applied will become red and sore, which usually settles within two weeks. It’s also common to notice side effects such as cracked, peeling, or weeping skin. While this is normal, if it becomes unbearably uncomfortable, you may need to speak with your doctor.
While imiquimod cream has been shown to be effective in treating outbreaks of genital warts, it’s not a cure for the condition. However, it can help outbreaks of warts disappear more quickly. If left untreated, genital warts can eventually go away on their own, which can take up to two years, but the outbreak can also get worse, which is why many people choose to buy imiquimod cream online to manage the infection.
Imiquimod cream is typically applied at night and washed off upon waking in the morning. Apply a small amount to the clean, dried area, leaving a margin of about 1 cm around the warts on the healthy skin. This ensures that the affected area is well covered.
If possible, the area should be left uncovered once the cream is applied, and no creams or moisturisers should be used. You can use a mild moisturiser eight hours after application or in the weeks following treatment, but ensure there’s nothing left on your skin when you reapply the imiquimod cream. Once you've applied the cream, you should wash your hands thoroughly.
Your doctor will instruct you on how long to apply the cream, which will help you determine the correct amount of imiquimod cream to purchase. They’ll usually recommend applications three times a week, allowing for days off in between to allow your skin to recover. Imiquimod cream comes in small sachets for easy application.
Imiquimod cream can take several weeks to work, and according to the British Association of Dermatologists, it’s not effective in all cases of genital warts, but has a higher success rate than other treatments.
Imiquimod cream is designed to create inflammation, so localised swelling and redness can simply mean that it’s working. The area where it’s applied can change colour, flake, scab or crust over. Some users also notice that they develop cold symptoms such as sneezing, fatigue, a sore throat or congestion. If these side effects become more serious, it’s worth speaking to your prescribing doctor about your concerns.
While using imiquimod cream, avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds, as this can increase your skin's vulnerability to sunburn. It’s also important to avoid unprotected sex, as you could pass on genital warts to others, and you are also at risk of other STIs.
Buying imiquimod cream online can be a good option for those who are uncomfortable discussing their condition with their doctor. Prescription Doctor offers a confidential and discreet service, with prescriptions sent directly to your door in plain packaging.
When you submit your details online, it’s essential to inform us about any other medications you’re taking, as this may make Imiquimod cream unsuitable for you. We’ll be happy to make suggestions based on your needs if this is the case. Imiquimod cream may not be suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and only small studies have been carried out, so if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, be sure to let your doctor know.
If you are suffering from genital warts, then imiquimod cream may be helpful in treating external warts. Simply click ‘Quick Checkout’ and fill in our simple questions, so we can assess whether it’s the right choice for you. Your prescription will be dispensed by qualified, experienced pharmacists and delivered quickly to your home.
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