Skin Cancer Forum - Aldara For Actinic Keratoses

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Q: Aldara For Actinic Keratoses

asked by: texas amy on August 9th, 2007

New User

I recently had mohs procedure done to remove squamous cell carcinoma on my scalp. The scar has healed, and my dermatologist prescribed Aldara cream to be applied daily for about 3 weeks to a large area on my scalp where there are several actinic keratoses visible (she biopsied them). After 8 hours I wash it off. My concern is about the side effects I keep reading about Aldara. I've used it for 2 nights in a row now and am already feeling flu like symptoms and have noticed that my occipital lymph node is swollen and tender. Other than some slight itching, I'm not having much reaction at the site of application. Could the other symptoms be related to the Aldara or have I just been reading too much on the internet?

Replies(7)

MandMs

replied on September 6th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

Hi!
Flu-like symptoms ,together with headache and muscle pain, are rare side effects while using Aldara. More common are mild local skin reactions such as itching, peeling, burning, rush, pain, erosion and edema at the site of application or surrounding areas. If you experience a severe skin reaction like erosion, you should wash it off and notified your doctor.
I'll suggest you to inform your doctor and ask to decrease the application, because some trials showed that the side effects were more common and more intense with daily use rather than 3 times a week.
All best to you!

texas amy

replied on September 6th, 2007

New User

Thanks for your response. My dermatologist did cut me back to 3 applications per week. I'm still having the swollen lymph nodes in my neck, but they are worst the day after application. Anyway, she wanted me to continue and said that my body was responding as it should, so I'll tough it out a couple more weeks!

MandMs

replied on September 7th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

Lymphadenopathy(swollen lymph nodes) can be seen in 5% of patients during 6 weeks treatment with Aldara. This sign, together with flu-like symptoms, can be a enough reason to make an interruption of dosing. You should know that you can develop treatment site infection, which can be also reason for swollen lymph nodes. This, also, requires a rest period and antibiotics can be taken. After the interruption or rest period you can continue with your treatment and still have good results from the treatment.
You can ask your doctor about the rest period.
Please, write me back!

texas amy

replied on September 7th, 2007

New User

Aldara

I did see my dermatologist 1 week ago and she seemed pleased with the way the aldara is working. There doesn't seem to be any sign of infection at the site of application, (no real pain or swelling) and the flu-like symptoms don't seem to be quite as severe since I'm only applying the medication 3 times a week now. I have one week to go, so am hoping that it will all be over soon. I'll see the doctor again on the 19th for a follow-up. Thanks again for your information!
Amy

debm

replied on September 8th, 2007

New User

I had a biopsy yesterday. I was just wondering whaththe aldara is used for.

MandMs

replied on September 10th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

Aldara is used to treat Actinic Keratosis, Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma and External Genital and Perianal Warts.
Have you been suspected for skin cancer? Did you receive your biopsy results?

MandMs

replied on September 10th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

Texas Amy

I'm happy your feeling much better. Hope you'll have good results with the treatment. Please, keep me up dated about your condition!
All best to you!

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