Zyclara and Pain: What Users Say

• Max...
• January 23, 2014

For Keratosis "I used Zyclara for 2 months, applying it for a week and then taking a week off. I have to say, it does work. I had many pre-cancer spots on my forehead, face, and shoulders that stayed there for years, despite annual freezing treatments. Zyclara cleared up these spots, and they seem to be gone permanently. As for side effects, it was a terrible experience, but only for the first couple of weeks. Basically, the first week of treatment was Hell, the second week was Heck, and the third and fourth weeks were Gosh and Golly. So, only the first week of treatment was painful. For that first week of treatment, it was like being hit with both a body-aching flu and a sleeping sickness at the same time."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2013

For Keratosis "I am on week 5. I first used it on my arms with no result, so I decided to do my forehead. A few spots came out. Now I'm doing my chest area... major sun damage! I'm not going to lie, it itches and burns. If all these spots are pre-cancer cells, then it's definitely worth a few weeks of pain and discomfort! I just told my co-workers what I was doing, so I didn't feel the need to 'cover up.' It actually feels better not to have clothes rub on it. I take Advil for the pain. If only I could go back in time and tell myself to get out of the tanning beds, it's not worth it!"

• Anonymous
• January 19, 2012

For Keratosis "I took Zyclara for the first time a year ago at the age of 34 after my doctor froze off 3 actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis on my nose is back, also, I still have red spots where lesions were during the initial treatment. Doctor says I need another round to finish off the damage and as a last best hope to avoid having to surgically remove the spot on my nose. I have fair skin and tons of sun damage (including 2nd-degree burns over 20% of my body). My doctor initially recommended that I take 2 months off for the treatment, this time, I will take her advice! I found the treatment too intense to work through due to pain and fatigue. Moisturizing the area with petroleum jelly and a topical anesthetic and antimicrobial (Neosporin or Polysporin) helped a lot!"

• Fac...
• April 20, 2013

For Keratosis "I just finished the second phase of two weeks on Zyclara. It is doing its job for sure. A lot of open sores at the surface. Doctor put me on antibiotics as I have some infection going on. Also, using an antibiotic topical cream to help. It is painful but worth the time going through this as I have heard good results. I have had the Mohs surgery and also Efudex. Hope this clears it up for good."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2019

For Keratosis "I have had a recurring actinic keratosis on my temple (beside my eye) on and off for several years, plus several eczema-like lesions on my cheeks, neck, and behind my ears. I have gone through the recommended 6-week Zyclara treatment, and my skin is much better, almost completely clear, with just a few little areas remaining for which my dermatologist has recommended a further 'cycle' of 6 weeks, which will start in the next few days. I had the usual unsightly red scabs on one side and then the other. They were rather sore and itchy, but not unbearably so. Many friends have commented on how much better my skin looks, which is encouraging! I also have a compromised immune system due to chronic leukemia, but no obvious side effects. I live in Spain, so I have had to be careful about further sun exposure."

• 58a...
• August 21, 2011

For Keratosis "My bald head, forehead, and face have the actinic keratosis spots to be treated. I tried one laser peel, and it did well for about 6 months. It was painful, and the recovery was as well. I tried Efudex cream several times and had some success. I am on the Zyclara now for 7 days with just some itching, redness, and minor swelling. I made the mistake of being in the sun for 5 hours on the sixth day and had to skip the treatment one night due to some pain. Some sores have begun to appear like old zits. It won't be pretty for several weeks, but it should be worth it to avoid cancer."