I have had two MOHS surgeries and have been prescribed aldara for use 3x per week all over the face. Unfortunately, I also have rosacea. I am not quite sure if it is just the aldara (or if the aldara has perhaps aggravated my rosacea as well), but my skin is becoming sooo itchy! What can I do to make it more tolerable?
Answer: Irritation from Aldara
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Irritation from Aldara
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
March 8, 2010
Answer: Itchiness from Aldara I doubt the itching you have is from the Mohs surgery. Depending on the reaction your skin is demonstrating from the Aldara cream, some patients do have more itching than others. The Aldara works by stimulating your skin's immune system to help get rid of precancerous cells that are not even clincially visible. This inflammation might be the cause of your itching. Call the physician who prescribed the Aldara and let them recommend a treatment that may help you feel more comfortable. They may want to see you to be sure you are not developing an infection, which would be very rare. They may tell you how to use a dilute acetic acid compress, which can help keep the skin clean and may help reduce some itching, but could overdry the skin too, so don't do this without seeing your dermatologist.
Helpful
March 8, 2010
Answer: Itchiness from Aldara I doubt the itching you have is from the Mohs surgery. Depending on the reaction your skin is demonstrating from the Aldara cream, some patients do have more itching than others. The Aldara works by stimulating your skin's immune system to help get rid of precancerous cells that are not even clincially visible. This inflammation might be the cause of your itching. Call the physician who prescribed the Aldara and let them recommend a treatment that may help you feel more comfortable. They may want to see you to be sure you are not developing an infection, which would be very rare. They may tell you how to use a dilute acetic acid compress, which can help keep the skin clean and may help reduce some itching, but could overdry the skin too, so don't do this without seeing your dermatologist.
Helpful
March 17, 2010
Answer: Itching from Aldara It is not uncommon to get an "eczematous" (inflamed, red and itchy) area after and during treatment with Aldara. Typically, this is treated with a cortisone ointment. On the face, the strength of the ointment should be limited to over the counter or non fluorinated steroid ointments. In either case, you should make the doctor aware of the symptoms and treatment.
Helpful
March 17, 2010
Answer: Itching from Aldara It is not uncommon to get an "eczematous" (inflamed, red and itchy) area after and during treatment with Aldara. Typically, this is treated with a cortisone ointment. On the face, the strength of the ointment should be limited to over the counter or non fluorinated steroid ointments. In either case, you should make the doctor aware of the symptoms and treatment.
Helpful
March 7, 2010
Answer: Perhaps a Contact Dermatitis from Aldara I would call the dermatologist who performed the Mohs chemosurgery. In the meantime you might try Prax Lotion OTC or Aveeno Anti-Itch Lotion with Oatmeal. If your dermatologist permits you might stop the Aldara cream for a few days. You may have developed an allergic contact. If the rash resolves, but recurs upon resumption of Aldara, you have your answer.
Helpful
March 7, 2010
Answer: Perhaps a Contact Dermatitis from Aldara I would call the dermatologist who performed the Mohs chemosurgery. In the meantime you might try Prax Lotion OTC or Aveeno Anti-Itch Lotion with Oatmeal. If your dermatologist permits you might stop the Aldara cream for a few days. You may have developed an allergic contact. If the rash resolves, but recurs upon resumption of Aldara, you have your answer.
Helpful
