Fluorouracil topical and Itching: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Jig...
• January 17, 2017

Fluorouracil topical for Skin Cancer "10 days into the treatment and my face is borderline unsightly. Had to stop the treatment on my chest because it started scabbing. Just hoping it starts flaking soon as expected! Major pain on my chest when I took it starting around day three. Have not experienced much pain on my face, just a little bit of tightness and itching. Trying to avoid putting moisturizer and makeup on, as my dermatologist says it will slow the healing. That is probably the worst part so far!"

• Big...
• May 29, 2016

For Actinic Keratosis "Used Efudex for 3 weeks per derm's direction. Derm said Efudex was the 'gold standard' and would leave normal skin untouched. I have very fair, thin skin and was left with a second-degree burn, permanently reddened wherever cream was applied and acquired rosacea from the new network of blood vessels."

• 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.'"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2023

Fluorouracil topical for Actinic Keratosis "On day 12 of applying Tolak on my nose once daily. It took a few days for the redness and swelling to appear, but then BAM! Much better experience with this cream than others I tried. On day 7, I started to experience mild headaches and nausea, but they are bearable. The burning and itching are also tolerable - nose is starting to crust over. Hopefully, will leave good results, and the nausea and headaches stay at a minimum."

• Car...
• July 17, 2016

For Skin Cancer "Tolak 4%. I used it for three weeks every night. Also used hydrocortisone 2.5 every morning. Treating my chest-this had been so, so painful for me. Couldn't wear clothes. The itching and burning at times were so unbearable. I avoid moving, it hurts so bad. Applying Vaseline from the fridge gave me about 2 seconds of relief. I'm in the 4th week, and my chest is still burning and itching so bad. Hard to eat, hard to sleep. I hope this agony was necessary and worth doing."

• Tan...
• January 28, 2021

Fluorouracil topical 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

Fluorouracil topical 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."

• 42p...
• April 3, 2018

For Actinic Keratosis "FYI: Efudex is fluorouracil. It was discovered in the 1950s by a fellow that noticed liver cancer cells took it up readily. It works by not allowing a cell to replicate (divide). A cancer cell that cannot replicate dies. Yes, it does affect regular skin cells too, but cancer replicates much faster, so most skin cells are not affected, but the cancer cells are. I've used it on three BCCs, the common skin cancer. It works well. When treating one on my forearm, I'll do the whole arm. I've used 5% cream, a little goes a long way. A 20-gram tube will do my whole forearm over 40 days. It did not do much the first week, but by week 3, the cancer area had a scab and was getting smaller. By week 2, small 'other' areas lit up (turned red), which are probably actinic keratoses. I'd rate the reaction as mild and really not a bother at all. In fact, the carcinoma 'itched' terribly, and the Efudex/5FU stopped the itch. I have seen photos of pretty nasty reactions on the scalp and face."

• For...
• November 26, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I'm a Caucasian, blue-eyed, 74-year-old woman. I live in CA, at 3,500 ft. elev. A lot of my youth (pre-sunscreens) in San Diego, CA at the beach-lots of sunburns! I lived in New Mexico at 5,414 ft. elev. for 20 yrs. I asked for this cream because of a couple of spots on my forehead that wouldn't heal. I've been using the cream for about 3 weeks-at first, to the areas I suspected were a problem. Skin is warm, so when the cream is applied, it softens and seeps into other areas. A few surprises developed. I now have a 'T' from across the top of my eyebrows, down both sides of my nose, to my chin-a spot on my bottom lip (I was a smoker). I apply the cream 2x a day. Afterward, the pain is very intense for about 15-20 minutes, then it stops. 2-3 hours before each application, my face will start to itch and become uncomfortable. Last night-NO PAIN! It may take longer than I thought-but it's nearly winter, so the best time to tackle this problem. My Covid-19 mask helps conceal most of the redness."

• Gus...
• November 3, 2017

Fluorouracil topical for Actinic Keratosis "I am in the middle of a Carac cream treatment (2 weeks of twice a day, then 2 weeks off, then 2 more weeks of treatment). This is my 4th time using the cream (face, chest) over the years. The results will be good, but the treatment can be challenging. Here is what I have found to be helpful: ice packs make all the difference for me. Whenever I feel the itch coming on, I grab ice and leave it on the area until the itch subsides. Also, triamcinolone cream really helps. My doctor prefers the ointment, but I find it difficult to remove. The cream goes on easily, helps with the itch and the healing. On the worst days, I took a prescription pain pill, which saved me. My doctor recommended it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2020

For Basal Cell Carcinoma "Been on fluorouracil for 1 month, can't take it any longer, the pain and fully unbearable itching, sleep is impossible. This is not a treatment, it's torture. I would never put myself through this again."

• mas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2019

For Keratosis "Using fluorouracil for the second time. This time on the hands and neck, the first time was on the face only. The first time I went 2x/day for 3 weeks on the face. Very, very sore and uncomfortable, but it did heal and worked very well. The hands take a bit longer to show any spots. I applied 2x/day for 3 weeks, getting some crusting and scabbing now, but wonder if I should have gone longer. The neck is acting like the face did and is very spotty and quite sore. I only went 2 weeks on the neck, but I think that will do it. I'll repost after I heal and find out whether it was long enough."

• Aus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2017

For Actinic Keratosis "The chemist (pharmacist) suggested the generic brand for Efudix, which for me is APOC - 5FU (fluorouracil 5% w/w cream). I have been applying the cream twice a day for the last week, and my face looks unsightly as the cream has brought out all the precancerous AK - my face is very red and a little sore, but not unbearably so. It is also itchy - I have three weeks to go for the treatment, so hopefully this treatment will negate me having to go to the next step of biopsy then removal by surgery. If it does, then I will consider it a great success. Best wishes to all other AK sufferers."

• Bre...
• March 25, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "First I used this on my chest once a day for 2 weeks. After the first 10 days, I had red lesions all over, but I continued for the full 14 days. It itched like crazy, hurt when I washed it so that the washcloth felt like a Brillo pad, water felt like fire. After completing treatment, my chest cleared up. Now I am using it on my entire face. On day 12, burning, itching looks awful. I have had 2 Mohs surgeries on my face, 2 surgeries on my chest, and one on my arm, this has all been in 7 months' time. Hoping my face clears soon. I will have to have a laser treatment on last month's surgery to help the scar out on my face, and I will have to have corrective surgery next to my eye from 1st month's to loosen the tension of the skin. All worth it in the end."

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

Fluorouracil topical 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!"

• Sue...
• March 22, 2023

Fluorouracil topical for Actinic Keratosis "Stopped applying Tolak yesterday. Now burning and itching in affected areas. Some scabbing and very red blotches too. The burning and itching is extremely uncomfortable. I hope the results in a few weeks will be worth it."

• Sue...
• March 22, 2023

Fluorouracil topical for Actinic Keratosis "Stopped applying Tolak yesterday. Now burning and itching in affected areas. Some scabbing and very red blotches too. The burning and itching is extremely uncomfortable. I hope the results in a few weeks will be worth it."

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

Fluorouracil topical 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2016

For Actinic Keratosis "On day 17 of 25-day Efudex fluorouracil 5% cream treatment on entire face, once a day, in the morning. Redness started on day 5 and now I am very red, face feels tight and dry. Some slight itchiness but not too uncomfortable. Bottom lip feels chapped. Face looks awful. Use cortisone cream at night. Fair skin, never tan, only sunburn."

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

Fluorouracil topical 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!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2025

Fluorouracil topical for Actinic Keratosis "I've been taking Tolak cream once a night for 20 days now. Very difficult, painful, itchy, burning. I'm hiding inside, started slowly, but now my face is totally crusted, swollen spots all over. So I reckon this means it's working as I watched some YouTube videos with people using Efudex (also fluorouracil 5). Now my dermatologist has said to stop using it or give it a break for a while. I have an appointment with her in 3 weeks. I'm just afraid it won't have got rid of it all as I was supposed to do 28 days. Any ideas?"

• Hel...
• September 13, 2021

Fluorouracil topical 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."

• Gar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2025

Fluorouracil topical for Actinic Keratosis "I'm very new to this medication, presently on day #7. I have all the familiar symptoms: redness, itchiness, stinging, etc. I will be evaluated in 5 weeks by the dermatologist after completing the 2-week Tolak regimen. If I can avoid any more cancer surgeries on my face and ears, and there have been several, the inconvenience that this medication produces will be well worth tolerating the uncomfortable symptoms of this medication. I can only hope and pray that this medicine will kill any cancer cells lurking below the outer skin's surface. Keep your children safe from this dreaded condition by limiting sun exposure and using a sunscreen of 30 or more when spending time outdoors. Lying on the beach and baking under the sun will not bode well in the later years. I'm speaking from experience! I've rated this medicine a 5 because I'm just in the beginning stages of trying to arrest the pre-cancer symptoms and won't know the outcome for several more weeks/months."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2016

For Actinic Keratosis "I was prescribed fluorouracil for actinic keratosis, used it on my face, was told any redness, etc. would be temporary. That was four years ago. I'm permanently scarred w/ a few pock marks, particularly around the mouth. My face skin is now so much more sensitive than it used to be. Below my chin also gets red super easy, like if I just rub my hand across that area once or twice. (I later read a dermatologist say that he recommends excluding the chin area from treatment.) The one actinic keratosis on my nose had been removed and this was a prophylactic use. I'm very sorry I used this on my whole face. As far as being effective, I can't really say, because I'd be speculating as to if I would have gotten more or not."