Fluorouracil topical and Burning: What Users Say

• BQa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2020

Fluorouracil topical for Keratosis "I'm a 68-year-old male. This is the second time I have used this fabulous cream. Enjoy the results, YES! Enjoy the experience, NO! I applied the cream twice a day to my entire face for two weeks. After two further weeks, all of the scabbing has gone and my face has peeled. Still a few weeks to go before the worst of the redness goes. I must be honest - the pain was bad: Burning sensation, needle pricks, scabbing, and blood spots on my pillow. Sometimes it was so bad, I had to ease the pain with ice. But all of the pain described above was worth it. The cream detects the worst-affected areas - some I had no idea were damaged. It leaves the undamaged skin alone. This cream has reduced my number of visits to the seriously expensive dermatologist to almost zero. My skin feels and looks twenty years younger. I cannot recommend this cream enough. You should be thrilled with the results. But, as with most rewards in life, there is some serious pain involved."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2020

Fluorouracil topical for Keratosis "I’m 52-year-old sun-loving female and started treatment of Efudex. I’m 3 weeks in and last dose on day 20. I didn’t react too badly to start at all. 3rd week in saw big changes as skin became more inflamed but very manageable. I was anxious with all the reviews I read but think it’s important to remind ones that everyone is different. The last day and night after finishing has been the most painful. I’m putting 1% hydrocortisone on in ointment form. Keeps area oily. Some benefits of COVID are mask-wearing. With hat, sunnies, and mask, I can go out and people don’t notice how hideous I look. Taking pain relievers to sleep. Itching, burning at night is worst. I’m a runner and I’ve continued all the way through but will see what the next few days bring."

• Ced...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2020

Fluorouracil topical for Actinic Keratosis "57-year-old male, brought up in South Africa, lived in Australia, and 30+ years in the military with sunny deployments. Previously suffered two SCCs and Bowen's disease. I'm on day 25 of Efudex treatment, stopped applying the cream after 21 days. My face is very red and itchy, it's amazing how the cream identifies areas of damage. It's been tough at times, sleepless nights with burning/itching. Strangely, when I stopped applying the cream I suffered from stomach acid, unsure if it's related. The biggest challenge is to persevere to the end. I use Aquaphor from Amazon to soothe the itching. Good luck to everyone!"

• Lar...
• March 5, 2013

Fluorouracil topical 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."

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2010

Fluorouracil topical for Keratosis "I just finished a 14-day usage of Carac, as prescribed by my skin doctor. After the first two days, my skin started to turn red, by the 7th it started to flake, and the areas that I needed to apply it to (cheeks, temples, and forehead) turned dark red, like a bad sunburn. Days 8-14 were the worst as to pain on these areas when showering in lukewarm water or washing from the sink bowl, either way I could feel a burning sensation, as well as light bleeding at some areas on the next-to-last day. Flaking of the skin and an itchy feeling now that treatment is done. I wonder how long before my skin color returns to normal. Would I do this again? Yes."

• fly...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2019

For Actinic Keratosis "My dermatologist prescribed a 14-day treatment of Fluorouracil Topical Cream 5%, applied 2 times daily, to treat actinic keratosis on my face, forehead, and temple areas and the beginning of a lesion on my face. During the first few days, there wasn't much different feeling to the skin, but on day 5, the skin started turning red. On day 6, the burning feeling commenced. On day 8, the flaking and peeling started, and it even burned to wash my face, but what I finally found out worked well. After applying the medication, I washed it off after 2 hours as my dermatologist said that's OK because the medication works during the first 2 hours of application. I then applied to the areas a broad spectrum SPF 50 liquid sunscreen, letting it dry, and then a moisturizer, Vanicream Lite Lotion. After stopping treatment, it took about 7 to 10 days for the redness, burning feeling, flaking, and peeling to stop. Now, there are no indications of any actinic keratosis, and the affected areas are all clear."

• Oil...
• December 25, 2014

For Keratosis "I was on Fluorouracil two times a day for two weeks. It wasn't too bad for the first 10 days, then it continued to burn more with every application. The most painful part of the Fluorouracil treatment was after I completed the applications. A nurse recommended that I mix ⅓ cup of white vinegar with 6 cups of water and place the mixture in the refrigerator until chilled. Then, use a very soft washcloth and the vinegar solution to cleanse my face. She also said to take the damp washcloth and place it over my face for 15 minutes 4 times daily. Contrary to what I thought, the vinegar solution did not burn, it soothed incredibly."

• MHe...
• November 7, 2009

Fluorouracil topical for Skin Cancer "I have used Carac for 4 weeks. After the 1st week, I began seeing flakiness, redness, burning, and itching. Taking a warm shower was painful, being in a car with the heat on was painful. But I've gotten through it. Layers and layers of skin have peeled off. Underneath, my skin is as soft as a baby's bottom and clear. Compared to having these lesions continually burned off, this short-term uncomfortable condition was a better method."

• isl...
• August 4, 2015

Fluorouracil topical for Keratosis "62-year-old blonde with blue eyes and fair skin. Spent 50 years in CA and HI getting sunburned. Now... paying the price. I have used Efudex and Carac cream treatments, both burn like crazy, peeling several layers, and red, red, red. I did my whole face at one time but had to stop after 18 days applying once a day. Had blisters and bleeding, crying quite a bit. It took two months after stopping the treatment for the pinkness to disappear. Using SPF 50 every day now under my makeup. Get lots of compliments on how young my skin looks."

• Jul...
• July 30, 2019

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "I'm an 'efudex veteran,' having applied the cream to different areas of my sun-damaged face four times in the last 5 years. I've found it very effective in accomplishing what it's supposed to do. The cream does sting and burn for about ten days, but I find the discomfort manageable. Those planning to use this should recognize that the affected area will be somewhat larger than the area that is treated - apparently, the med travels subdermally to neighboring tissues. Also, recognize that for at least 1-2 weeks you will look like hell - take this into account if you need to deal with the public (or closely with colleagues) as part of your work. Once you've developed a nice crust on top of your skin and it's turned brown, apply Vaseline liberally - you will find that you can slide the dead cells off your skin, which is a somewhat gross yet pleasant sensation since it means you're heading to the endpoint of the treatment. Good luck!"

• cow...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2019

For Skin Cancer "I am on day 14. I am doing my whole face at once. Luckily, I work from home because it looks terrible. I refuse to go out in public, that is why I am doing the treatment in January. I did not realize how much damage was on my face until I started the treatment. I started out by putting it all over my face, then, once it attacked the 'bad' spots, I just put it on the areas needed (which is my whole forehead, nose, and some of my cheeks and chin). My skin feels tight and really dry, with some scabbing. Very slight burning, no pain. After 14 days, it feels like it is taking forever, and it does not look as though it will heal anytime soon. So, be prepared for a long process."

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

Fluorouracil topical 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."

• Ber...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2023

Fluorouracil topical for Actinic Keratosis "My first 3 days, there was little evidence of use. I've now applied for 12 straight days, and I'm very red and blotchy, with some signs of flakiness. I've been living with a burning sensation on my face, but it was so bad last night I couldn't sleep. I'm struggling to make 14 nights, but hope my dermatologist says I don't have to keep applying... I don't think I can keep going!"

• In...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2020

Fluorouracil topical for Actinic Keratosis "I spent years in the sun, scuba diving and hiking in Mexico and Arizona. For years, I've constantly had to use lip balm because my lips were so dry. I tried many products, and they never worked. My lips would crack and peel all the time. Just recently, I got diagnosed with actinic cheilitis. I have been prescribed Efudex 5% once a day for 3 to 4 weeks. I am at Week 2 and experiencing severe, almost unbearable burning pain because of deep sores with massive amounts of oozing and crusting and now bleeding, tightness, and severe dryness. I will try to endure another week, but I think I would rather have surgery any day than this."

• Joe...
• April 18, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "Asked to use 5% fluorouracil cream by my derm, but I have always refused them. I have had Mohs surgery and a few PDT treatments over the past 15 years. Due to COVID-19, I am working from home and can take the time. My derm prescribed 5% at 2 times per day for 14 days. Applied to my entire face and forehead (minus the eyes, mouth, and chin). Day 4 - pain intense, made it difficult to smile, eat, or sleep. Face and forehead red, the skin weeps, burns, and is turning a deeper maroon color. At night I get chills but keep praying that I will make it through. Day 9 now, many areas have blended together around my nose and cheeks as well as some areas on my forehead and temples. The pain is difficult to handle, but not impossible. We are tougher than we think! It is important that I do this for myself and my family. I love them more than I hate the pain. You can do it too! Praying for strength for all of you who are about to join this battle and for those who are in treatment trying to tough it out. You can do it!"

• Sla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 20, 2016

For Actinic Keratosis "I had extensive AKs for the past 10 years on my forehead, scalp, temples, face, and hands. Regular liquid nitrogen treatments removed those that were visible. They would return, and other unseen AKs would appear. I wanted more effective treatment, so I did almost 3 weeks of heavy applications of fluorouracil 5%, 2x/day. The burning, blistering, cracking, stinging, and swelling are most impressive. After nearly 3 weeks, my derm said I was done, and it would take 2 weeks to improve a lot, and 4 to be all better. He was right. My skin is great now, looks good, and no AKs! It's miserable getting there, but less cancer risk - why wouldn't you do it?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2015

Fluorouracil topical for Skin Cancer "Like many other topical creams for skin cancer, it has a burning effect. Dryness, then flaking on the areas applied. It helps when the flaking has stopped and your skin has had time to repair the dead drying, and sometimes a bit of bleeding in my cases. But seems to get rid of the skin cancer. So for about a week, you will look a little scaly, best used before or after any family photos."

• mar...
• May 1, 2020

Fluorouracil topical for Actinic Keratosis "I grew up in Canberra, Australia. Sunburn every year, never wore a hat, didn't know about sunburn cream. I started using Efudex when I was 38. I'm on my fourth facial using it. I can last 16 days at the most. I would be so painful if I used it for 28 days. I know it's time to stop when it is so itchy that I don't get a single minute of sleep at night. I have to stay at home for 3 or 4 weeks - I scare too many people otherwise. Before bed, I have to take mild sleeping tablets (Restavit) and ibuprofen. I used to use Lucas Pawpaw ointment at night, but it's too thick and itchy. I use Dermeze treatment ointment. Lucas' is good for recovery. I have to wash the Efudex off before I go to sleep - otherwise, I can feel its horrible burning all night. If I accidentally touch the treated spot and then rub my eyes, they get swollen for days. I hate the treatment (0/10) - torturers could use it. But I love the results (10/10). My skin feels so good for 4 years."

• deb...
• December 24, 2015

For Actinic Keratosis "I have been applying cream to my face for actinic keratosis for 3 weeks, and my face looks horrible, like I have been burned bad. I have 1 week to go and hope I make it. It makes your skin burn and itch so bad, but that is better than someday having to have surgery to remove skin. I found that if you apply Vaseline to lips and eyelids before you wash your face, it helps not getting it on them. You do not want to get it on your lips, it burns them really bad. I hope I make it through this."

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

Fluorouracil topical 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."

• Ang...
• June 27, 2016

Fluorouracil topical for Actinic Keratosis "The cream works wonderfully. It is a little bit hot, and you really feel the burn. The outcome is worth it, but it is criminal how much the drug company charges for this medication! It has been around since 1957, and in 2009 it cost $157.00 per tube, today it costs $2,865.00. Absolutely abuse!"

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

Fluorouracil topical 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."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2024

Fluorouracil topical for Actinic Keratosis "I was scared to use this TOLAK cream. I am fair, freckled, and 60. I noticed red spots changing on my face. Doctors and 2 dermatologists convinced me to do it (took 6 years). My bathroom looks like a pharmacy. I was ready for whatever was going to happen. I have Aquafor, Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, Cerave Facial moisturizer with SPF 30, Tylenol, and Benadryl, and I cut off the fingers of plastic gloves to use for the application of Tolak. Yes, a little over the top, but I felt ready. Eight weeks prior to treatment, I got my skin as healthy as I could. I went to a Medical Esthetician and did the 8 weeks cleaning/moisturizing steps (faithfully). Everything on YouTube, internet talks about Effudex, not Tolak. I carried on. Those YouTube videos were helpful. I took photos and watched my progress. Day 1-5 - not much change (felt dizzy at times); Day 5-10 a lot redder (itchy/prickly feeling - crease at nose painful - avoid putting cream there); Day 12-17 redder/scaly/burning in one spot."

• Ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2022

For Skin Cancer "Age 77. Now: I used it about ten years ago. I did one side of my face, then the other side, and then my chest. The skin turned red and lots of scarring. There was oozing, and I called it zombie skin. It took much longer than anticipated-into months. I did do one section and then another once I was finished with one section. So that is why it took so long. The skin healed fine. I just started again on both forearms, the back of my neck, and the top of my head. I had buzz cuts as a kid, so I guess there was no protection. By the 8th day, the itching, stinging, and burning were so unbearable I had to stop. The typical redness and bumps are there, but the itching is constant. I take pain meds and use ice packs. I know that I have to continue. Tomorrow I will see what the doctor can recommend. The bad reactions mean I really need it, but when the itching, burning, and stinging are constant, something has to be done to give relief. This is not something one can just 'tough it out.'"

• dou...
• June 10, 2011

For Keratosis "So glad to find this forum. I'm 8 days into treatment and boy, am I splotchy bright red on my face. I can tell it's working, but I didn't follow my doctor's suggestion that I wait until late fall to start treatment. About my 3rd day of treatment, I slathered Banana Boat SPF 30 sunscreen right after applying fluorouracil. It burned for 3 days. I'm 60 and have a fair complexion. I've spent many hours on the water, and my forehead, nose, and temples were cracking and scaly, often bleeding when irritated. The doctor said my damage was too widespread for other methods of treatment. I think it's working, but I'm sure looking forward to getting this next week over. I'm using baby oil and Neosporin, as well as some fancy oil my wife gave me to keep my skin moist."