Fluorouracil topical and Peeling: What Users Say

• 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."

• pdx...
• August 9, 2010

Fluorouracil topical for Keratosis "Just finished my 4-week course of Carac cream. Here is my advice: MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE! I went to Rite Aid and purchased a large bottle of Vitamin E and ALOE gel moisturizer (nothing with alcohol, which will burn, or oil, which is difficult to remove), as well as a bottle of Baby Wash (you know, 'no more tears'). Only wash your affected area (mine was face and scalp) with the baby wash (doesn't dry out the skin), and once the Carac has been applied, wait about 1/2 an hour before begin applying the moisturizer. I used the moisturizer heavily 5 or 6 times a day. It soaked right up and worked great. Felt like a light sunburn with moderate peeling, and when I was done, I healed up in a snap."

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

Fluorouracil topical 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2015

For Keratosis "In week 3 of Efudex treatment and my skin is still raw and peeling, though less than at day 14. I applied it twice daily for two weeks; I personally could not have gone one more day past day 14. The first week was not too bad without much noticeable effect. Week 2 was a different story. My skin, especially on my lower forehead, nose, and cheek area adjacent to my nose, became extremely red and raw, like a severe sunburn. Also behind my ears and in the folds of my neck. I found it difficult both physically and mentally to apply more cream to those areas because of the pain. My doctor says everything looks excellent. Applying a prescribed cortisone cream now, but fading is very slow. Best I can offer is hang in there."

• Tma...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I used Fu-5 cream on my face recently for sun-damaged skin. I had several bad sunburns 40 years ago in my teens. This product has wiped out most of that old damage! Scaly, red, and/or brown spots are about 90 percent gone. Applied twice a day for 2 weeks (28 applications). Here's how it goes: wash face, dry, and apply a thin layer. Nothing happens the first few days. Days 4 - 7, dark spots and redness should appear only on the damaged areas. Beware, days 8 to 14 can be holy hell with stinging, soreness, inflamed, red, raw skin...looked like a horror movie monster. Took Aleve and used pure aloe vera gel for relief. Don't use ANY other lotions and do stay out of the sun that second week. Third week healing starts, but expect lots of peeling and crazy itching (Neosporin helps). Week 4, WOW, the new improved skin shows...just a bit of redness that will fade over time. End results were well worth the pain. I recommend only doing one side of your face at a time - makes it easier to sleep."

• 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."

• JBa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2018

For Keratosis "This is my second application in 5 years. The first time was tough with the redness, itchiness, peeling. It was worth it to see how much potential cancer spots came to the surface and eventually flaked away. Really, what is 30 days or so of some suffering to potentially save your life? It can be costly, but I got the generic cream."

• 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."

• Dub...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2015

For Skin Cancer "I am on week 8 using 5% fluorouracil once a day for 6 weeks, M-F. Thank goodness I had weekends off, or I might not have stuck with it -- weeks 5 and 6 were exceptionally painful. My chest is still red and flaky, and there is still pain/itching (reminds me of shingles, just not as intense). And I'm able to sleep through the night again without waking due to pain when shifting in my sleep. I'm glad I stumbled on this site. I'm stopping on the way home for vinegar and moisturizer since several of you seem to have found relief."

• 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."

• Spo...
• April 20, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I was never told the clinical name of my condition. Only told 'precancerous.' On my face. I wanted to post because I see so many scary stories here, and so far my story is not scary at all. Just completed the prescribed 2 weeks of fluorouracil treatment. The first dermatologist I saw was a bit vague about where to put it. 'Cheeks and sides of nose.' She said unneeded areas would not be affected. When I called back to check, another dermatologist said, 'No, just on the visible spots.' But I'm kind of glad I first put it all over because it revealed a lot of spots I was totally unaware of. No pain, only some slight tingling and itchiness. Totally manageable! Some areas have developed minor scabbing, others just peeling a bit. I'm kind of wondering if I've done enough? Will check in with the doc to see."

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

Fluorouracil topical 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."

• Too...
• March 27, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "After five years of refusing to use Efudex, I agreed to since I was working from home due to the COVID-19 crisis and would be at least through August. At the time of this message, I have concluded my tenth day of Efudex, and it’s a miserable and very painful experience. My lips are swollen and blistered, and my face is spotted with dark red and purplish spots where the precancerous tissues reside; many are beginning to crust, weep, and peel, while my lips are a complete mess, making it difficult to smile, drink, and eat. Swelling has spread to the tissues around my eyes as well. In a phone call, my dermatologist said to stop putting Efudex on my lips and allow them to heal (I forgot to mention the swollen skin around my eyes). I’m debating whether or not to continue the rest of the treatment or maybe just apply it to the suspect areas that are very easy to see. While I don’t want to go through another MOHS or other surgery, I also don’t want to use Efudex ever again."

• Pal...
• May 12, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I used fluorouracil cream for the first time in 2018 for AK spots on my face. I applied a.m. and p.m. for 1 week. By the last day, my face burnt so bad I would almost cry when washing my face. I had more spots than I thought. I was told the cream would only affect areas that needed treatment, and I agree. The main spot I was treating didn’t completely go away, so the dermatologist told me to apply again this past December (2019). I was dreading it, and the dermatologist said the second treatment wouldn’t be as bad. I didn’t get as red or flaky, and the pain was pretty much nonexistent (except for the areas that I didn’t really get the first time). So, if you have to treat the same area again, it’s not going to be as bad as the first time. I have never really tanned, even though I tried really hard... grew up without sunscreen, slathered baby oil and iodine on, and used tanning beds for years after they first came out. Only in my 20s did I realize I needed to use sunscreen because I hated being burnt."

• Dic...
• February 3, 2017

For Actinic Keratosis "This is the fourth or fifth time I've used Fluorouracil in the past thirty years or so. I'm sixty-four, have spent a lot of time in the sun, with a lot of exposure on my arms and face. I started at age 35, the first time on my face, and went back three more times over the next twenty years, strictly on my face, ears, and back of hands. The first time, I freaked out after a couple of weeks. But after the four-week treatment, it peeled off and my skin underneath came in baby-butt smooth. I'm doing my arms now (hint: always do this in the depths of winter), but my arms were really damaged, and it's been almost five weeks now. I look like I survived Chernobyl, and long sleeve shirts hide it. I really recommend this for a widespread treatment."

• Jpl...
• April 21, 2017

For Keratosis "My first time using this cream, and man, it's no fun, but it's effective. I apply it twice a day on my forehead and the left side of my face. About 10 days later, now it's pretty red and peeling in places. Hope I won't have to take time off work. Don't think my hat will cover it up enough soon as a delivery driver. I'm only 31, I'm too young to be having these problems."

• 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!"

• For...
• December 5, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I've had a 'remarkable' reaction to this fluorouracil cream. It burned through multi-layers of skin in the center of my face - and like a 'T' across my forehead. Once I stopped using the cream, I tried several things to relieve the pain I was still having due to the peeling. Without question, the 'Bacitracin Plus' (with pain relief) (in the RED package) is the best of all. It has a topical analgesic in it, called 'Pramoxine HCl'. The manufacturer used to include Lidocaine, but has discontinued that in favor of Pramoxine. I now apply it to all of the affected area in small circles gently - and give it about 3 minutes to fully work. You'll need to apply it about every four hours - while awake - as newer, drier, flakier skin surfaces."

• B H...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 5, 2021

For Actinic Keratosis "I’m on day 6 of recovering from 14 days of 2x per day treatment of my full face: forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, and around lips. I’m a light-skinned Scotch-Irish complexion who has spent many summers near the equator on 4 continents and 4 winters in Siberia. The whole face lit up like a Christmas tree at about day 6 and then at day 8 or 9 with little blisters and sores that turned to scales over a lot of my forehead, cheeks, and chin. The last 3 days of applying Efudex were torture. I did this treatment in 2006, so I knew ahead of time that it would be rough, but now at age 68, the reaction was more widespread and intense. The worst were blisters on my lips. I used Tylenol during the day and hydrocodone on the worst nights for pain and applied Aquaphor salve during treatment and am now using aloe vera gel with itching and peeling. I have also taken Benadryl to help with itching, and last night I was able to sleep several hours. If doing this again, I would do parts of my face at a time."

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

Fluorouracil topical 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."