Fluorouracil topical and Redness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Blu...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 8, 2019

For Keratosis "My Derm Dr. prescribed fluorouracil 5 years ago to use on a dark skin spot I was worried about. Used once a day for three weeks prior to anything happening. I increased the area to my entire cheek. After three weeks, the skin started turning red and I continued to use it until it started to blister. I stopped using it, but it continued to progress and the area became one big bloody mess like a skinned knee. In the end, a month later, the scab is gone and the skin is fresh and new. Five years later, I started using it again and this time on one side of my face. Interestingly, the previously treated area is unaffected and new areas all scabbed over. I'm into my 4th round on this side of my face and now most of the unaffected area is getting red and starting to dig out more damaged cells. I'm getting good at knowing when to stop applying, and when the first scab appears, I stop and the cream continues to peel the entire area. I look like I came off a motorcycle now, but know once it heals it will look great."

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

Fluorouracil topical 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."

• 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."

• Red...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2018

Fluorouracil topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "Just got done using this for a superficial basal cell on my nose. Week 1 wasn't bad, just a little redness and irritation at the end. By the end of week 2, it was red and very itchy. I can't say it was ever very 'painful,' just uncomfortable and irritated. It has felt like something crawling across my face/nose since the end of week 2, and itchy. Lots of trouble getting to sleep because of this. 2 weeks once a day, 3 weeks twice a day. It's still red and very itchy, and I'm told it will be for another week or two. Now I wait for follow-up."

• Kal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2022

Fluorouracil topical for Actinic Keratosis "This is day 27, the last of 4 weeks of use of the cream, putting it on in the evening after washing and drying the affected areas. In the first 2 weeks, nothing much happened, some redness, a little soreness in one or two places. I felt a little dizzy on a couple of occasions. In the third week, the spots began to become apparent, and flakes of stiff dry skin began to peel away from the worst areas. In this last week, the redness has increased, the spots have gone darker and darker, and some scabs have formed. Today and tomorrow are supposed to be peak horror according to the literature that I was given with the prescription. After that, it should start to subside. Right now, when I look in the mirror, I see an unfamiliar walk-on part from a rubbish zombie film, and it feels as if I have a layer of stiff chili-based lacquer painted on my face and forehead. Whenever I've been outside, I've worn a broad-brimmed bush hat to shade my face from the sun."

• Ret...
• March 27, 2015

Fluorouracil topical for Keratosis "Keratosis on my scalp is an ongoing problem. Carac proved to be a great treatment to remove these unsightly pre-cancerous growths. On it for a two-week treatment period. No pain, just some small patches of redness. The only problem I have with this medicine is the outrageous cost for a tiny tube. Be certain to wash hands immediately if you apply it that way, or even better, use a Q-tip."

• 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.'"

• Por...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2023

For Skin Cancer "Having been using fluorouracil for 9 days between my nose and upper left lip for two precancerous areas. I have been extremely careful to use a Q-tip to apply and not get any on my hands or in my nose or mouth. I have experienced additional redness and tightness in the area and can feel my heartbeat in the affected area as well. I’ve been using a straw to drink fluids for the past 9 days so as not to get any residue in my mouth and only apply after brushing teeth and not eating for several hours or at bedtime. However, upon the beginning of day 10, I experienced extreme pain in my intestines, diarrhea, cold sweat, dizziness, very hard stomach, and fatigue, exactly matched (with the exception of vomiting) toxic poisoning either from ingesting, or touching (which I have never touched the medicine) the fluorouracil. So I have stopped use of this drug as of day 10. I was able to fully recover after a few hours with a lot of fluids and rest. The affected area on my face is red and tight."

• Goh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 20, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I applied fluorouracil to my entire face for 4 weeks (28 days) from mid-March to mid-April. It had caused several permanent hypopigmentation (white) spots on my forehead where cryotherapy was performed last year by my dermatologist to treat actinic keratosis. It has also caused severe inflammation and redness on my cheeks since I stopped taking it over 3 months ago. I now suffer from severe anxiety, stress, and depression. I think really dark thoughts every day. I wish that I had never heard of this medicine."

• Dr ...
• June 4, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I was prescribed fluorouracil in Dec 2019, 2x/day for 30 days. White male, medium skin tone. 48 and lived in AZ a few years and 20 years in SoCal. Never used sunscreen - ever. Started using on chest, arm, and both temples and a small cheek spot - turned bright red after a week. I’m now 20 days in, and the problematic spots have turned brown and are finally peeling. Waaaay more damage than me of the derms thought. Been putting Vaseline on for a week now, which helps. My face looks better when I wake up, but dry and patchy. Super, super bright red in the areas with no damage, so I’m stopping tonight after 21 days. 30 days seems aggressive, esp considering everyone else’s treatment plans listed here. Very glad I didn’t do my whole face at once, but my prior small patch face test results were stellar."

• Tuc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2019

For Skin Cancer "Just finished two weeks on top of head. Ten days on nose and one cheek. Seems the wider the area I spread, the more pops up. Just started on a 4x4 area on chest to see if anything comes up there. Don't know what the end result will be, but seems to be working good. No pain or suffering so far. Just some red blotches and some sores on the oldest parts. 5% fluorouracil, I'm giving an 8 only because I don't know what the end result will be, but probably good."

• Tim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2019

For Actinic Keratosis "I just completed a fluorouracil 14-day/2x per day treatment on my forehead for actinic keratosis. Progressive reaction during this and three previous treatments in the past 15 years have been consistent and typical: redness, dry crustiness, mild discomfort in the last few days. End results a month after treatment have been good: smooth, normal color skin. I’ve never experienced side effects until now. On the first day after treatment, swelling began in both eyelids and in the area below both eyes. On the second day, today, swelling is less in lids but severe below one eye. I thought the ointment may have gotten in my eyes via my bed pillow. My dermatologist says probably not and that swelling will resolve over the recovery period. I hope he is correct."

• Dav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2022

For Skin Cancer "I tried fluorouracil 12 years ago with great results and applied it on my face again 5 years later. The first time, my whole face was red with blotchy sores. The second time, the areas were less sore. Yes, I looked hideous and was self-conscious in public. I did this around Halloween to fit in. I am using it again to clean up any new spots. Each time, there are fewer sun-damaged areas. It is a bit painful for the 2-3 weeks I apply it, and I feel like a freak in public, but the results are incredible! No more scaly and dry spots. No more getting zapped with liquid nitrogen. Some of my sores from the cream bled a little and scabbed over. I also treated my arms the first 2 times with great success. It isn’t an enjoyable experience, but the results are well worth it! It rejuvenated my skin with new, softer, and healthier-looking skin. My treated skin truly is soft as a baby’s bottom. Many agree with me. Truly a miracle cream. Do it!"

• 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."

• Blu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2018

Fluorouracil topical for Actinic Keratosis "Used this once daily for two weeks on my cheek. After the last day, I was out in December sun for approximately an hour in LA, with sunscreen. However, days later, I developed swelling and then large blisters, which healed with large scabs. Thankfully, when they fell off, I was left with only red skin, with a few blood spots under the skin. All healed over in three weeks. Unfortunately, this experience has left me weary of using it again."

• NAH...
• February 24, 2014

For Skin Cancer "Used Efudex 7 years ago. Now using Carac 0.5%. Apparently the same dosage of fluorouracil but in a different cream base. My dermatologist said that the Carac seems to be less aggressive. Only use once a day versus twice with Efudex. From my memory of Efudex, Carac seems much less raw so far. Still have the redness and tenderness but much more tolerable. One more week to go. Not sure on cost. Insurance covered it, luckily. (Using tazarotene with Carac on scalp, which helps absorption - skin is tougher)"

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2021

Fluorouracil topical for Actinic Keratosis "The reviews posted are really helpful as I am two weeks into a 4-week course, and the effects of the cream were giving me concern. But looking at other people's experience, I am much relieved and will now see the course through. As with others, by applying the cream, it has exposed more damaged areas of my face I wasn’t aware of. Two weeks into the application, all areas are red blotches, some of which are ulcerated and very painful. At night, I’m having to have the electric fan directed at my face for a cooling effect as it’s on fire. With broken sleep and the pain, it’s hard going, but having read the reviews, it seems it is normal, so I will stick it out."

• 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."

• Ara...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "56-year-old female. Lots of sun damage. Prescribed for 14 days, twice a day. I am on day 10. I applied it on my upper lip and hairline. I was terrified after seeing the pictures on the internet. I'm happy that I am only doing a couple of patches. I would not tolerate my entire face at once for this treatment. Section it off. Spots above my lip turned bright red, then brown, and then crusted. It's tolerable. Don't panic."

• 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."

• Nor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2021

Fluorouracil topical for Actinic Keratosis "I'm using Efudex on my forehead - the second time that I have been asked to treat this area for AK - although previously I was prescribed a stronger lotion that had a more sudden reaction. Anyway, I am now in week 3. My forehead feels very tight and hot (some discomfort sleeping), and yes, it feels sore and looks awful with very red blotches. What is surprising is the patches being worked on are lower on my forehead than I anticipated - I had felt the sun damage areas higher up on a receding hairline but not these just above and to the sides of my eyebrows. Yes, it is painful and looks horrid (but shows that it's working), but I've invested in a flat cap to hide at least some of the horrors. I also volunteer at a cancer charity, so I know that staff and probably customers too will be understanding whilst treatment is ongoing. I encourage everyone to try to keep going and to stay the course, but of course to speak with your GP or the skin clinic if you are finding it very hard. Take care, folks!"

• 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."

• 1st...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2022

For Actinic Keratosis "62 yr. old male. This did work, but beware, for 'most' using this RX is very tough physically and is also mentally challenging. I had to treat my whole face, and after approx. days 5-6, my face began to get very red & tight, sores appeared all over, SEVERELY itch and started looking quite horrendous-which got progressively worse looking every day thereafter. I missed 3 weeks of work as I did not want to be seen/stared at by others as it's next to impossible to hide your face. The dermatologist did not say much, other than how to apply it.....I now know why!! The severe non-stop itching was the worst part for 'me'. Nothing I was told to use (anti-itch cream and Benadryl) gave me much relief. Sleep became hard to get (even though I was exhausted), felt nauseous at times, irritable, and loss of appetite. Back in my day, a sunburn was just a sunburn. You stayed out of the sun a day or two and then we'd be right back outside in the sun! I pray I never have to use this again!!!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 26, 2022

Fluorouracil topical for Basal Cell Carcinoma "Using Efudex for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on my nose. Have finished 24 days and plan to go for 4 more days. My dermatologist feels if it hasn’t done the job, then it most likely will not work. My nose has been red since week one, then the affected area scabbed over during week two and three. It was uncomfortable but tolerable. Since I began week four, the pain has become intense at night, almost intolerable. I am trying to soldier on, but it is very stressful. I am using Tylenol and Benadryl, but nothing eases the pain but ice packs. It feels like someone is driving needles or glass in my nose. It’s brutal. My phone doesn’t recognize me anymore."

• Fem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2023

Fluorouracil topical for Keratosis "I used Efudex for 6 weeks in total. I did stop the treatment at intervals when the blistering became too bad. I used it at night and put makeup on during the day to cover all the redness. It is the worst experience I have had with my skin. But looking at my face now, it was worth it. It is 2 months since I stopped, and I still have slight redness in certain areas. However, the improvement in my skin has been wonderful. I will always use 50 factor sun cream when I go out. Heliocare is very good. I hope and pray that I never will have to use Efudex again."