Zyclara and Swelling: What Users Say

• Sun...
• November 14, 2013

For Keratosis "I feel much better after reading the experiences of others, which are so like mine. I'm a 44-year-old Florida native who spent way too many hours in the sun. I had my first basal cell excised at age 26; several more removed through Mohs, and actinic keratosis 'frozen' off since. I tried Carac on my chest last year with little response. Now on day 13 of using Zyclara on my chest and shoulders and -- wow. By day 2, I had spots appear, and the number of red, swollen, itchy lesions has multiplied every day since. I do NOT think I would be brave enough to use Zyclara on my face, given my significant (and unsightly) response. It IS uncomfortable, but hopefully worth it. Fabric-covered cool packs, ibuprofen, and Neutrogena Eczema Essentials cream have helped."

• 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."

• bpa...
• May 12, 2011

For Keratosis "Yesterday was Day 14 of my Zyclara treatment. Using it on my forehead where there was a previous basal cell, and on my chest where I currently have a basal cell. I decided to do the whole top of my chest. Wow, I have many actinic keratosis. It's really scary. No real bad side effects other than the swelling and rawness on my chest. Forehead, found 1 AK, appears to be working. I have been experiencing some lower back pain, as I did when I used the Carac Cream. Wondering if this is a side effect or not? I hope this works! Will be doing Carac again in the winter on my cheeks."

• Sta...
• June 23, 2017

For Keratosis "I am currently using Zyclara for a basal cell in my ear. I have had this before about 7 years ago and used Aldara at the time that completely cured it. I was prescribed this cream this time at my doc's recommendation because it is a little milder than Aldara and the skin is thinner in the ear. I have been using this now for 3 weeks without any breaks and have 3 more weeks to go as per my derm. I haven't had any flu-like symptoms, and side effects are just on the treated area: extreme swelling, raw skin, oozing, redness, slight burning, and scabbing. I started with one spot that looked like a pimple, and with the cream came many more. Once I'm done, I am hoping, obviously, that my basal cell is gone and my ear looks like an ear again."

• Tpm...
• August 10, 2016

For Keratosis "I have been using this cream on the front of my ear for a week. There is swelling, itching, crusting, and so much oozing it will drip down my face. Around day 5, I started feeling tired and weak. Then, day 6 and 7, I have felt like I have the flu. I feel awful. Lymph nodes seem swollen, and my throat is sore. My lower back hurt as well one day, but not every day. I was worried the fluid dripped down into my ear canal. My doctor told me to stop using it and come back to see him in 3 weeks."

• Jea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 11, 2015

For Keratosis "I've been on Zyclara close to a year. Only off of it for about 3 weeks in a year. My limbs are covered with hundreds of actinic keratosis, and I also have had squamous cell carcinoma removed. I am now experiencing swollen and tender lymph nodes under my arms and in my groin. Is this a side effect of the Zyclara, or is this a sign that the cancer, squamous cell, has spread? Any info would be appreciated."