What is Aldara 5% Cream?

Aldara is a prescription-only topical treatment that stimulates the immune system to fight abnormal skin growths and viral infections. It contains 5% imiquimod and is used to treat external genital warts, actinic keratosis (sun-damaged skin), and superficial basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer).

How Does Aldara 5% Cream Work?

The active ingredient, imiquimod, does not act directly on viruses or abnormal cells. Instead, it works by stimulating the body’s own immune response. This boosts the release of natural defence chemicals (cytokines) that help destroy virus-infected cells or abnormal skin cells, leading to clearance of warts or lesions.

Symptoms Treated by Aldara

Aldara may be prescribed for:

Genital warts (external): Small, raised or flat growths in the genital or anal area caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Actinic keratosis: Rough, scaly patches of skin caused by long-term sun exposure, which can sometimes develop into skin cancer if untreated.
Superficial basal cell carcinoma: A slow-growing form of skin cancer that appears as red, scaly patches or small pearly nodules.

Alternative Treatment Options

Other treatments will depend on the condition being managed and may include:

For genital warts: Podophyllotoxin solutions/creams, cryotherapy (freezing), or surgical removal.
For actinic keratosis: Cryotherapy, topical treatments (e.g. 5-fluorouracil), or photodynamic therapy.
For superficial basal cell carcinoma: Surgical removal, cryotherapy, or other topical therapies.

Can Aldara 5% Cream Be Purchased Over the Counter?

No. Aldara is prescription-only in the UK. A doctor or specialist nurse must assess your condition and decide whether this treatment is appropriate.

• Genital warts (external): Apply Aldara cream three times per week (e.g. Monday, Wednesday, Friday) before bedtime. Leave on the skin for 6–10 hours, then wash off with mild soap and water. Continue until warts clear or for up to 16 weeks.
• Actinic keratosis: Apply cream twice weekly for 16 weeks to the affected area, following your prescriber’s instructions.
• Superficial basal cell carcinoma: Apply cream five times per week for 6 weeks to the affected lesion.
• Wash hands before and after application. Apply a thin layer and rub in until the cream disappears.
• Do not cover with airtight dressings unless advised by your doctor.
• Do not use on broken, inflamed, or sunburned skin.

Active Ingredient

Imiquimod 5% w/w

Inactive Ingredients (Excipients)

Isostearic acid
Cetyl alcohol
Stearyl alcohol
White soft paraffin
Polysorbate 60
Glycerol
Methyl hydroxybenzoate (E218)
Propyl hydroxybenzoate (E216)
Benzyl alcohol
Xanthan gum
Purified water

Very common (affect more than 1 in 10 people)

Redness, itching, burning, or irritation at the application site
Flaking, scaling, or scabbing of the skin

Common (affect up to 1 in 10 people)

Headache, tiredness, flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches)
Skin ulceration, blistering, or hardening at the application site

Uncommon or rare

Swelling of the skin
Changes in skin colour (lightening or darkening at the site)
Swollen glands
Rare allergic reactions (rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing)
Seek medical advice if you develop severe skin reactions, allergic symptoms, or flu-like illness that interferes with daily activities.