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?
Question posted by gab53 on 16 Dec 2015
Last updated on 11 April 2017
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4 Answers
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
CincyMom
11 April 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 April 2017
My sores seemed to continue for another week and then began to fade. They stick around for another month or more.
Diantix33
22 Feb 2017
How did your treatment turn out? Curious bc I have started mine this week and looking for some feedback as to how it all worked out and if you think it was worth it to use the cream
montyson
9 Jan 2017
I just started my treatment today and am anxious about it. I was glad to see your question and the reply. How did you make out with everything?
Diantix33
22 Feb 2017
I started my treatment yesterday. Very anxious about my face. Any helpful hints?
montyson
22 Feb 2017
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.
Related topics
Further information
- Fluorouracil uses and safety info
- Fluorouracil prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Fluorouracil (detailed)
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