Efudex and Pain: What Users Say

• j m...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2015

For Keratosis "This is the best!! I've been using it for 4 years and it is absolutely the best solution for AK's. I am 60 years old, fair skin, been outside for years and developed way too many AK's, not to mention basal and squamous problems too. For years, the dermatologist only used spot nitrogen and prescribed caramac. I can only assume she didn't prescribe Efudex because she needed the steady income stream from me and my insurance. By chance, I was having a physical from my family doctor. He asked me when I was going to address my AK's on the forehead. I told him I did, and he told me he could write me a prescription for medicine that solves it, Efudex. He did and I am amazed at the end results. Yes, the Efudex was painful, looked bad when it was working, but results speak for themselves."

• JGa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2020

For Keratosis "This is my second time around for using Efudex. The first time was 6 years ago. I've grown up on the West coast and spent my summers in the deserts or at the beach. I am of Irish descent, brown hair, blue eyes. By the time I was 60, my face looked terrible. High danger for skin cancer, many trips to dermatologist. Began to hurt significantly on day 14. Everything I read and saw on the web said 'stick it out'. I made it to day 25. Couldn't do another minute. Dragged myself into the doc's office on a Friday afternoon. I looked like Frankenstein. Appt's clerk gasped. Doc said 'Great job. Looks like it was very effective.' That night I washed everything off, and applied Aquaphor. Next two days were most painful. After that, it got better every day, and within two months, there was no trace of the 40 years of sun damage on my face. So...I would give this a 10. I'm a teacher, and did the treatment over the winter holidays. It was all done by January 7."

• for...
• May 14, 2015

For Keratosis "I am now into my 15th day of using the Efudix cream, and I look scary. I was told by my skin specialist to do my whole face, and as directed, have done so. I am a 51-year-old woman that grew up on the coast and never thought anything of it. After having a melanoma removed last year, the ugliness, pain, and itchiness of this treatment is far better than an alternative outcome. Like others, I googled pictures and was horrified, but I remember the outcome will be beautiful. I would do it again in a heartbeat."

• Joj...
• October 19, 2019

For Actinic Keratosis "I am a 60-year-old with very fair skin and blue eyes who grew up at the beach. I was regularly burned to a blister stage every year. I had many keratosis burned off from age 30 to 50. Finally advised to use Efudex. I have completed treatments on my face 5 times now over the course of these 10 years. I have an unusually mild reaction each time. In fact, I have to use it for 40 days to get the full benefit. So, you never know how your own skin will react. The dermatologists have been amazed at the length of time it takes me to get a reaction. But for the chest area, the reaction is incredibly painful, red, and fast. Maybe the constant freezing of those places on my face helped more than I know? In any case, maybe it could be recommended to try a small area before using on the entire face. The end results are very good and I would not let fear keep you from trying this."

• LTO...
• January 3, 2015

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "This is my second time around. I am on Day 10 of a 14-day regime, then steroid cream for another 14 days. I am in excruciating pain and I look horrific. I know it's a good thing, but it is so painful. I wanted to write here to help encourage others; I found this site because I needed encouragement. I use a dish towel with fringe to flap against my face, and that's the only relief I get. I forget how awful I look until I catch myself in a mirror."

• Sno...
• January 31, 2020

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Face was covered in about 7 areas after years of sun damage from working in the sun, used Efudex for 15 days applied 2 times a day till the 40mg tube ran out, week 2 the pain was not nice but honestly go through it, it is worth it. Like having a face lift looking 10 years younger! Believe me it is truth. Using it on my arms now just started. For anyone going through a course, it really is an impressive cream."

• Car...
• May 2, 2016

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "This is my third time over the past 10 years doing this treatment. I'm scheduled for 4-6 weeks treating my legs, stomach, and chest areas. I like that the medication seeks out and treats damaged skin only. My stomach has only 3 small spots. However, my legs and chest area that have been far more exposed to sun have a much more aggressive reaction. The pain, redness, swelling, and sores are extremely painful, however, my history reminds me that in 3-4 weeks, I will be finished, and my skin will look and be much better. Skin cancer gone and baby-smooth new skin. It's affordable and a more complete overall treatment that definitely works. Stick with the plan, you won't be disappointed!"

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2014

For Skin Cancer "Before I started with Efudex, I googled pictures and reviews. On seeing the pictures, I decided to do one part of my face at a time. I did my lip first, and now I've just done 2 weeks on the right side of my face. I'm glad I did, especially because I work in retail. The pain of feeling like you have cold sores all over your face, thank God for makeup is all I can say. I will do my right side once my left has healed, and then my forehead followed by a microdermabrasion. I think this product is amazing, and the way it keeps working after you stop applying. Those who did your whole face all at once, I take my hat off to you."

• urp...
• July 12, 2009

For Keratosis "Efudex works great but is very painful and itchy after about two weeks. I tried many creams to relieve the symptoms between applications of Efudex. One cream that REALLY helped was Traumeel. What a sanity saver. Just thought I would pass this on for others to get some relief. I hope it can help you too."

• Sar...
• October 7, 2017

For Keratosis "I was diagnosed with actinic keratosis in August and then decided to apply the Efudex cream to face in the middle of September. I thought that I only had a couple of spots which I was concerned about, but after applying the cream to my forehead, temples, cheeks, nose, around the eyes, and my ears, it became quite apparent that there were a vast amount of areas that had been affected. In the first week, I saw that these areas became inflamed, although not painful. In the second week, these areas started to merge together and then looked like blisters and sores on my face, especially below my eyes. In the third week, these started to scab a little and became a bit painful, I think due to the skin feeling very dry. I am now in my fourth and final week."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2019

For Actinic Keratosis "One of the most painful experiences of my entire life. I thought childbirth was the worst pain I ever experienced, but this pain is indescribable. I'm at 5 weeks now. Hope to come off soon. Just opening my mouth to try to eat is excruciating. My doctor never warned me about any of this, nor did he tell me I was going to look like a monster."

• ETa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2019

For Skin Cancer "Used Efudex on my whole face 10 years ago. I think it was for 4 weeks. Week 2 the redness turned into lesions on my whole face, especially my left side (driver's side). Hurt like hell. I play poker sometimes at a casino. I didn't have to look at me so my appearance wasn't my problem. After the lesions healed, my face was as smooth as a baby's butt. A couple of the players were surprised I was still alive because I looked like I had full-blown AIDS. I recommend it as I had no idea my face was such a mess. It is an ordeal. Using it on my ear now, started 6 weeks ago and in the last few days. Fingers crossed. Not pleasant but hopefully I can avoid surgery and plastic surgery."

• JMe...
• January 18, 2020

For Skin Cancer "Two weeks after Efudex, my skin looked incredible - soft, and everyone asked if I got a peel! One day later, on day 15, there were burn abrasions, raised cuts, and I went to my scheduled two-week check-in with the doctor. She said it’s “working beautifully” and to continue for two more weeks. During week 3, I had small “cuts” all over my face where I applied the cream twice a day. Small scabby cuts also appeared on my scalp and chest, even though I didn’t apply the medication there. The doctor said that was strange, but I read in the leaflet that it’s plausible. I had a horrible taste in my mouth and felt sick to my stomach within 20 minutes of applying it. I’m in horrible pain, look awful, and have two more weeks to go. I had SCC with two Mohs surgeries and then reconstruction of my nose and head earlier last year. I'm 47 years old and grew up in California sun. Hope this prevents future SCC."

• Boa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2020

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Ten years ago, I used Aldara over my whole face. 20 minutes of pain after each application and a violent reaction after nine days. My face looked as though I had been in a bad fire and scared the kids at school. It did heal, and I looked 10 years younger. I have just finished three weeks on Efudex and three weeks healing. My skin looks like the proverbial baby's bottom, and I am very happy with the results. This time, I treated my whole face, ears, and parts of my neck. Applying the Efudex was less painful than the Aldara, even a little bit soothing. It was hard to sleep with sore ears. Tried all kinds of moisturizers, and they caused stinging for five to ten minutes. I used Vaseline two to three times daily, and it was by far the most satisfactory. Very pleased with the results. Also treated both arms at the same time. Used three tubes of Efudex in this session. Always worked outside and did lots of boating. I am 76 years young now after this treatment."

• Nin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I had a very tiny split on the side of my nose that wouldn’t heal. It was BCC. It was surgically removed. One of the most horrible experiences, emotionally. I used Efudex a year ago for a spot that appeared on my chest. It worked well, although painful and itchy. I am now using it on my forehead, nose, and upper lip area. I was shocked at how many spots appeared! Extremely painful when touched, but otherwise just a little itchy on occasion. I am grateful for all the comments here... it gives me courage to keep going. Week 2..."

• Rud...
• December 20, 2019

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I was prescribed this cream to treat BCC on my nose. I had a red spot with suspected basal cell carcinoma. My dermatologist wanted me to treat my entire nose to get any spots that hadn't emerged yet. I put it on twice daily for two weeks. It took about a week for anything to happen, but then the spot turned red. Soon my entire nose turned pink. At day 14, my nose was red, with purple areas, blisters, and depressions. I had to put Vaseline on it to tolerate the pain. It felt like someone had burned my face with a hot iron. The skin was pulled taut, and I was afraid of scarring. It has been 8 weeks since the application stopped. It is still a little pink. Unfortunately, it did not get my spot, it is not superficial enough. The cream's redness lasts longer for me than I anticipated. It was an 8-week process for me, and I still have a pink nose. Hope it isn't permanent."

• Phi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2017

For Skin Cancer "At 65 years old and a lifetime in the sun and numerous treatments including surgery, cryotherapy, etc., the doctor said I would have to use Efudex on my whole face as I had untold AKs plus Bowen's Disease. I was told it was a 'brutal' treatment. He was right. All I can say is that this treatment was the most painful experience of my life. By week two, I was in agony but forced myself to continue with the three-week treatment. A word of warning: under no circumstances get this stuff on your genitals. I did, and it was agonizing. The pain was so intense it sent me into depression for 3 months. Results were excellent, however, I have no regrets."

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2020

For Keratosis "I am a 70-year-old woman originally from Britain. Used Efudex on chin, side of nose, and cheek. Went up a little too close to the corner of my eye, which swelled up. I used it twice a day for 15 days, which was enough to bear. Big crusty scab on chin. Very sore, itchy, and burning. Can't do the other side of my nose as it's too painful."

• Did...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2020

For Skin Cancer "Being a white Aussie girl who loved being outside, my skin was a mess. I’m now 58. I’ve used Efudex several years ago with great success. Started again due to scaly patches on my face that never went away. These reacted instantly and then disappeared. After having a break, I started using it on pigmentations on my face. These too reacted, interestingly, I started getting reactions on places I didn’t put the cream. So I started putting the cream there too. My face is a mess, very itchy, sore. I certainly wouldn’t recommend using this on large areas at a time due to the uncomfortableness of the process. I know it will be worth it, so I will continue on. I have some lumps on my head, once my face is done, I will be doing my scalp."

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 20, 2020

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I am up to my last day of treatment, day 21. I have treated my entire face once a day with Efudex and would never do it again. After the first couple of days, red spots start to appear, after a week, my face looked like a severe case of sunburn and felt like it. The intensity of the redness increased along with constant burning. By day 12, I was ready to give up but reminded myself I was over halfway. I didn't know how I could bear to apply more Efudex, but perseverance and willpower have been on my side. It is a painful experience, which I would only recommend as a last resort. Even today, I dread putting the cream on for the last time, but after that, I know each day will be a slow pace of healing. I look forward to the end result and hope all the discomfort is worth it."

• ras...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2019

For Actinic Keratosis "Had to stop using Efudix on my face after 2 weeks and 2 days because of pain, dizziness, and mouth sores. My face was a fright, bright red all over as the cream seemed to creep when used. One week later, the rash has settled and the pain has subsided, but I fear it will be weeks before I return to my normal look. I have dry, flaky scabs on my face where scabs were not evident before Efudix. I regret using this cream on my face. My chest looks like I have been blasted with both barrels of a shotgun. Red welts everywhere as I dressed the whole area with Efudix as advised by my doctor. Not really painful, but starting to itch. I am 3 weeks into this area, I feel I could stop now, but will give it a few more days. The jury is still out."

• afo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2012

For Keratosis "Be careful not to exceed the recommended time period, otherwise, there will be extreme redness and pain. On the whole, it seems to work, but I have still got red skin after a few days without using it. The doctor recommended following with Eumovate, but I'm not too happy with the results."

• Sni...
• October 22, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "My GP saw some actinic keratosis on my head and said I should mention this at my appointment with a dermatologist. I am using fluorouracil 5%. The regime was 4 weeks once a day, followed by 3 weeks of healing, followed by 4 weeks. The 2nd treatment is to reveal and fix any actinic keratosis missed in the first. I have nearly finished the all treatment on my head - I am bald. I am 78 years old. The treatment on the head was itchy and, at the end, painful - the 2nd treatment did not show any remaining AKs. I could see that some of the 'rash' raised by the drug extended to my face, so I started a treatment there. This was more painful - particularly around the mouth and cheeks as these move if you smile or speak. I am in the healing phase now and will start a second treatment in 2 weeks. COVID has meant that my scary face has not scared the neighborhood! This was free on the NHS (National Health Service UK) - they are great."

• Rac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2016

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I have basal cell carcinoma on my cheeks and face had lumps. I have Scottish skin. Started Efudex treatment, and after day 3, I became violently ill. For 10 days, I couldn't hold any food down, whatever. Both exit body points were hammered with oozing duck poop-like stuff I have never experienced before. Bloated stomach, gas buildup, and always on the toilet. After day 10, the symptoms eased, and I started to hold some food down. Currently on day 16 of treatment and my face looks like an iron has been applied to both cheeks. Very painful and still feel unwell. This better work because I have researched this product before commencing, and there were no side effects listed like I have had. Met another patient of Efudex with similar side effects."

• Dee...
• March 12, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I am on Efudex for a few spots of actinic keratosis on my face. I am on day 15 and was prescribed to stay on it for 21 days. My face is raw, swollen, and monstrous looking. I feel like it’s super glued. I’m gonna do my best to stick it out for the next six days. Like many others, my doctor did not tell me about the intense pain and scary look. However, my father-in-law was on the cream a few years ago, so I knew what I was in for. I also went through phototherapy 12 years ago, where that result was immediate, I threw up on the way home from the pain. Efudex has the same pain, just a long drawn-out process to get there."