Imiquimod is prescribed as a treatment for three distinct skin conditions. As a topical medication, it is meant to be applied to the affected area during treatment.
Genital Warts: Imiquimod is prescribed as a treatment for warts on the exterior of the genitals and rectum (also known as condyloma acuminatum). These warts are caused by an infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection.
Imiquimod does not cure genital warts. It works on the immune system to fight the virus (HPV) that causes these warts.
Actinic Keratosis: Actinic keratosis (also known as solar keratosis) is characterized by rough, flaky, and scaly patches on the skin caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. It is commonly found on the face, back, hands, scalp, and neck. While actinic keratosis can affect people of all ages, it is most common in older adults.
According to Skin Cancer Foundation, actinic keratosis is the “most common precancer that forms on the skin”. When applied to the affected area regularly, imiquimod has been shown to reduce the scaly, flaking skin caused by this condition.
Superficial basal cell carcinoma: Superficial basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that commonly develops as a small bump on the trunk, head, or neck. Superficial basal cell carcinoma is the least aggressive form of basal cell carcinoma. While it rarely causes serious medical complications, it can cause open sores or lesions that do not go away.