Efudex and Itching: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2021

For Keratosis "I’m a 73-year-old throat cancer survivor who never wore a hat or sunscreen but loved the beach and golf. I’m paying for that now after just finishing three weeks of Efudex to whole face. It was tough getting through radiation/chemo with tonsil cancer, and this is short of that discomfort but nevertheless challenging with the itching, burning, and soreness. Hiding under a hat and mask means I can go out without scaring the children. The biggest problem has been finding relief as the flaking and scabbing picks up speed in the week after treatment. I tried all of the recommended solutions I found on the net, but none really helped me enough to sleep more than an hour or two at a time. In desperation, I went to an Amcal chemist and asked for some Famigel, which I know works with burning from cancer treatments. He didn’t have any, but the pharmacist recommended a cooling, soothing, hydrating gel called Solosite. It worked, and I am so, so happy now."

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 7, 2019

For Actinic Keratosis "Was prescribed Efudix by the NHS to treat incorrectly diagnosed psoriasis (they thought it was Actinic Keratosis because I have AC on my arms/hands from growing up in a hot country) on my ankle. Used the cream for roughly 6 weeks in 2018 and stopped using the cream after the 6 weeks. Developed a case of discoid eczema which originated from the psoriasis spot and I've had it now for a year. Have to apply Epimax cream twice a day to contain the eczema, which is incredibly/unbearably itchy and causes red welts to appear on my legs below and on the knees. If you have a choice, I would not use Efudix."

• Tan...
• January 28, 2021

For Keratosis "Started Efudex on nose, lips, chin 3 weeks ago. Very red areas, ulcerated, pus, very painful. I had few instructions from derm or pharma. So, googled it. Seeing derm tomorrow. I was meant to do this for two weeks, twice a day, then two weeks, once a day. That's for center nose, lips, chin, as had SCC lip and excision 3x5cm. After this area, I do the same on one cheek, then other cheek, then forehead. Not all at once due to the danger of anaphylaxis. On the nose, it is a small area, very red, etc. Lip lower, all along and below, itchy, painful. Will post how it goes in a few weeks."

• Pip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 23, 2021

For Actinic Keratosis "After my 11th basal cell carcinoma, my dermatologist found some actinic keratosis on my nose and above my upper lip. I have been using fluorouracil for seven days. Today is the first day the redness has really appeared, especially above my upper lip. My skin is starting to itch and burn, mild right now. I am supposed to apply once daily for two weeks, then take 2 to 3 weeks off, and apply again daily for two weeks. I had one basal cell carcinoma on my lower leg two years ago. I used the Aldara cream on that and did not like it at all. I had systemic side effects and burning, painful skin for 23 weeks. I am hoping this experience with fluorouracil will be better."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2021

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "My partner and I started applying Efudix at the same time. Me on my nose and forehead, he on the back of his neck. We've both used it before on specific lesions and had good results. He started showing red spots within 5 days. I had to wait 10 days before anything showed up, and I've taken photos of our journey together! His skin is far more reactive (skin damaged?) than mine, and after 3 weeks the back of his neck is a red, sore mass with oozing parts. Time for him to stop treatment and move to recovery. I've applied Efudix to the odd BCC on his back, and his skin has responded well and cleared up beautifully. I'm interested to see how the larger area of his neck will respond. Me, I'm still going. Some areas have reached the erosion stage and are itchy, while a couple of new red spots have just emerged. Looks like I'll be applying for another week until they scab over. Looking forward to the new skin!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2022

For Actinic Keratosis "I am using Efudex on my chest. I thought I had 5/6 spots diagnosed, but after being told to use Efudex cream again, my chest is now covered in far more than I thought. They are very itchy red spots. It drives me crazy at night, but I’m determined to stick it out. I’m almost at the end of my twice-a-day treatment for 3 weeks. I can see they are drying up now too. I’ve used the cream once before when I had just one or two keratosis, so I know it works. Don’t be put off by how awful it looks. If it goes very red and itchy, that shows it’s working, just be patient. It should be worth it."

• Jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2022

For Actinic Keratosis "As expected, this treatment is horrendous. Week 1 was not too bad. Week 2 was extremely difficult, lack of sleep, etc. Week 3, truly awful! Extreme pain, care must be taken when showering. I used lukewarm water on my face, I found this helped, but then the skin went tight. After applying Efudix, I waited an hour or so before applying a moisturizer (Nivea for Men Sensitive, alcohol-free). Sleep is extremely difficult due to the terrible itch - scratch - itch! Week 4. I had to stop using Efudix! Swollen face, half-closed eyes, however, it has definitely worked, with blistering, weeping, and peeling beginning. Because of the swelling around my eyes, I rang my doctor, and we agreed to cease any further application, as Efudix has done the job! I am now experiencing bouts of severe itching - tried all sorts of lotions and potions, but alas, no relief. Nivea seems to give a little relief. I've read you often feel worse when you stop using Efudix, and it's true!"

• Hel...
• September 13, 2021

For Keratosis "My husband was using Efudix cream 5% for 2 weeks. Though painful and itchy, too extreme, he was prepared to see it through the course. Last night was traumatic as he awoke shaking uncontrollably at around 4 am. He soothed his face with cool water and a soft cloth, reapplied cortisone (Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.02%) cream, and took more Panadol Forte (paracetamol 500 mg plus Codeine 30 mg) before going back to bed. It’s now just past midday, and he’s taking more pain tablets and going to sleep after a light lunch. He said he’ll now try Efudix on a small area soon on the back of his forearm and see how it goes. Due to see the dermatologist in 2 months' time. We know of other people who have benefited from using Efudix and feel it’s really worth trying more for a good outcome. Thank you."

• Mil...
• June 17, 2024

For Keratosis "This is my 3rd time using Efudex cream. I have been told by my dermatologist to use Efudex cream 2 times a day for 2 weeks on lower lip, forehead (1 spot), between upper lip and nose (1 spot), and both hands. I have very fair pale skin. My skin reacted really quickly to the cream. In 5 days, my skin was red with blisters and itchy, very uncomfortable. Now I am on day 10 and my hands are swollen, itchy, with scabs, very dry, and uncomfortable. I am applying fresh aloe vera gel from my yard 2 to 3 times a day. I am not sure I can make it to 14 days. I will write to let you know the results."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2023

For Keratosis "Used on nose, cheeks, and chin every night for 18 nights when scabbing became apparent, so stopped using. From today, June 3, I can use Canestan steroid cream on the affected areas. Also using oatmeal cream, which is very mild. Areas are very red and unsightly with scabbing and some tightness. Redness and tightness have moved towards my eyes, and this is quite uncomfortable. Persevering. Can’t comment on the outcome as the process is still ongoing."

• DCI...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2025

For Actinic Keratosis "Used nightly for 4 weeks as instructed by a dermatologist. Live in Scotland, so advised to only use on specific areas of actinic keratosis. Several areas on the forehead, under my eyes, and the entire nose where the sun would hit my face under my glasses/sunglasses, and a couple of spots on my right cheek which had shown signs of bleeding. Used a Q-tip to apply. 1st week itchy and burning. 2nd week redness and a more burning sensation, so I applied Tropic Skincare Tamanu balm during the day to keep skin moist, which helped hugely. 3rd week, skin redness spread to a wider area than I thought it was going to, and skin felt very tight. 4th week, I was glad I wore glasses as it hid a lot of the redness and crusting which started this week. I’m now two weeks post-treatment, and having used the Tamanu balm and castor oil on my face day and night, it is almost healed with only very slight redness remaining. Most areas appear smoother, though I may have to repeat on my nose. Would use again. Very pleased with results."