I will be starting fluorouracil treatment on my face on 1/1/2016. I work as a receptionist so I am the first person seen at my business. Will I be able to work the first few days? How many days into the treatment does the irritated skin start? Hoping to be able to work at least the first 5 days.
Fluorouracil - When does irritation start and can it be covered with makeup during treatment?
- Asked
- 16 Dec 2015 by gab53
- Updated
- 11 April 2017
- Topics
- fluorouracil, treatment
Details:
Responses (4)
Official Answer by Drugs.com
16 Feb 2016
Fluorouracil is a topical cream that used for treatment of pre-cancers called actinic keratosis. It is used for 2-6 weeks depending on the area being treated. Most patients use the cream twice a day for 4 weeks from start to finish. The treated areas may begin to get itchy, red, irritated, or sensitive by 10-14 days. Once you finish the full 4 week treatment, the areas calm down over the next 1-3 weeks. Many are able to use make-up over the cream, others find make-up irritates the skin and best not to use.
https://www.drugs.com/comments/fluorouracil-topical/efudex.html
montyson
9 Jan 2017
Diantix33
22 Feb 2017
CincyMom
11 Apr 2017
I only had to do between my upper lip and nose. It started to get a bit red near my nose after a week and at first just looked like I had a cold. After about 1.5 weeks it was much more irritable-looking. It scabbed over very quickly too so it was impossible for me to use make-up. I simply used vaseline or aquaphor 2x per day about 2 hours after I would use the cream. About 3 weeks in I tried my normal Neutrogena moitsturizer with SPF on it and that burned horribly. I made it the full 4 weeks and am now about 4 days post and it looks much worse. You know when a sore heals and it looks worse before it gets better? I am in that phase.
montyson
11 Apr 2017
My sores seemed to continue for another week and then began to fade. They stick around for another month or more.
Further Information
- Fluorouracil Information for Consumers
- Fluorouracil Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Fluorouracil (detailed)
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I started my treatment yesterday. Very anxious about my face. Any helpful hints?
My face took about 2 weeks to react. Small amounts at first with scaling and blistering after 3 weeks, I used it 3x per day. I used Fallene Total Block Face to cover bad areas when I went out. It cover really well and you can blend the color to match your skin tone. Available at Amazon. My Dr. had me continue treatment for 4 weeks and then used Triamcinolone Acetonide 1% for healing, this is a prescription. I also used aquaphor advanced therapy on top of that to aid healing. As far as looks, again not bad for first 2 weeks then not so good. Just tell people you see everyday what you're doing and eventually you don't care any more. Healing for me was about 4 weeks before the area was just red with not really noticeable markings. Good luck -hang in there - email with other questions etc.