Efudex and Peeling: What Users Say

• Lar...
• March 5, 2013

For Keratosis "Used the product on my face for 6 weeks twice a day for two days every week. Depending on the extent of sun damage, the effects are dramatic and nasty looking. After the 2nd week, the treated area looks like a bad sunburn, it itches, peels, weeps, bleeds and burns. But the results after stopping for 3-4 weeks are very good."

• coo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2016

For Actinic Keratosis "I was prescribed Efudex to treat various Actinic Keratoses on my forehead and balding front pate. Firstly, my overall rating is that the treatment is very effective, and I now have a beautiful forehead of smooth skin after 2 weeks and 2 days of treatment and 2 weeks of recovery post-treatment. It may be that my skin damage was mild. In any event, I found the process quite bearable. I applied the cream sparingly at night and in the morning, and there was little to see for 3 or 4 days, the skin then reddened and peeled/flaked - no ulceration or discharge. Although unsightly (looked like a bright rash), as a male, I was still happy to go out and socialize. I used my wife's hair colorant plastic protective gloves but still washed hands thoroughly after use. Happy."

• Dav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "My dermatologist said to apply on the face twice daily for 10-12 days. Well, my skin is super sensitive. After 2 days, I was red, itching, and in pain, so I stopped at the end of day 5. I’m at day 9 and look like I have severe sunburn with scaling, peeling, oozing, and burning. I am hopeful I’m about to turn a corner toward clearing up. Argh! It worked great on my legs after 2 weeks of treatment. My facial skin, another story."

• 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."

• Dav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2021

For Keratosis "Have used before under the nose with good results - this time used all over the face for three weeks, dabbing on face twice a day as advised by doc - but not on forehead - first week not bad - second week really sore and painful - third week nearly unbearable, looked like a monster from the deep, face covered in scabs and peeling skin, so, so painful to touch, a few sleepless nights - rinsing face with lukewarm water was like putting acid on my face - now, three weeks after treatment and using a mild steroid cream to help healing, boy, was it worth it - told by my friends how it actually made my skin look younger and still getting better by the day. So stick with it, no pain, no gain in this case, never more true - just using good old E45 moisturizer to retain my new looks."

• 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!"

• kzn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 8, 2021

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I was told it won't work on a squamous carcinoma. Applying to the tip of my nose for 3 weeks and only slightly red with no discomfort, hoping it's not irritating a squamous cancer! On my face for 10 days so far, and red and flaky but no real discomfort. Some of the stories on here are horrific, but so far so good. Will do one side of my face and evaluate the benefits. Big fan of freezing them off, so will weigh it all up."