Or do you leave the cream on and apply the moisturizer over it?
Fluorouracil - After 2 hours it says you can use moisturizer. Should I wash my face first?
Question posted by Cahamilton on 19 Sep 2016
Last updated on 7 November 2016
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
Answers

No, otherwise you risk removing some of the remaining medication that has yet to be absorbed.
Fluorouracil is a topical cream used to treat simple skin cancers and solar keratosis caused by the sun. It kills the abnormal skin cells and normal skin grows back. As you use fluorouracil, the area of skin you are treating will become red, itchy, swollen and sore. The top layer of skin may bleed, blister and peel before it begins to heal. This reaction can be quite severe, but it is only temporary.
Let me add a note of caution. I had to use it on my face under my eyes and bridge of my nose. I applied it and then went outside to work in my flower garden every day. My skin bled, blistered, and peeled, as you said, but mine became so severe, I didn't have any skin left, it looked like! It would scab, the scab would get knocked off in my sleep, it would bleed and weep and ooze clear liquid and wouldn't heal up.
It would have been nice if my dermatologist would have made it clear to me that you supposed to stay out of the sun! I was working in my garden every day, sweating, and the sun beating down on my face. It finally healed up, but it took it a very long time. I got a terrible reaction to the cream. The toxic allergic reaction came out on my legs. The doctor described it this way: she said it looked like someone had hit my legs with a seedeater that had been used in poison Ivy. It took 3 weeks of agonizing itching and lack of sleep before it cleared up.
The moral of the story is: read and make sure to understand and follow all directions while using this cream!
*seedeater should read *weedeater
Related topics
Further information
- Fluorouracil uses and safety info
- Fluorouracil prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Fluorouracil (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.