How to Alleviate Side Effects from Aldara?

I have been prescribed Aldara for BCC(Basal Cell Carcinoma) and precancer on my entire face. Will I be toxic to my young grandchildren as with other chemos? Is there a way to alleviate the burning and itching?

Asked 24 months ago by jaimmersd in IL

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face burning cancer itchy side effects skin

Aldara is an Immune Stimulant, more than Chemotherapy

Aldara is not strictly chemotherapy. It wakes up the immune system to attack cancers. To be safest, you could visit your grandchildren after you shower or bathe to remove the cream. It is not a 24 hour application. Or you could visit them on your off days of treatment. Other than the youngest newborns, or a seriously ill infant, I think the grandchildren will be safe. Itching can be treated with benadryl (careful driving) or claritin. Hydrocortisone cream could also help. I tend to... more

Keith Denkler, MD

Marin Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Aldara side effects

I generally do not recommend Aldara be applied to the entire face at once since most people cannot tolerate the inflammatory response over the entire face. Rather, I limit the application to a certain region, for example, treat the forehead for 4 weeks, then the right cheek for 4 weeks, then the left cheek for 4 weeks...The symptoms of itching can be relieved with the temporary application of a mild over-the-counter cortisone cream (e.g. cortaid) as needed. I would check with your pr more