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Efudex as treatment for damaged skin
Skin Health | Last Active: Feb 19, 2020 | Replies (8)Comment receiving replies
Hi @leper! We took your questions to a pharmacist here at Mayo Clinic. She writes:
"Efudex is a very powerful medication. It is not typically used long term. Most courses of treatment last 2 to 4 (sometimes 6) weeks if treating actinic or solar keratosis, and up to 12 weeks for superficial basal cell carcinoma. It is important to wear a glove when applying it and/or washing hands immediately after application. Common side effects include: scaling at the application site, dryness, crusting, skin erosion, redness, stinging, burning, itching, swelling, and pain. The side effects may last for several weeks after stopping the medication. It will also cause you to be even more sensitive to sun leading to severe sunburn, so use additional care while outside.
The side effects are intense and most occur in at least half (scaling, dryness, and redness occur in about 95-99% of patients), but the medication is widely used and works well.
The best way to avoid needing it again in the future is to use high SPF sunscreen on a daily basis, even when going outside for a short amount of time. I hope the treatment goes well for you with minimal side effects."
I hope you find this information helpful and empowering.
It sounds like you love being outside. Do you have any tips for protecting your skin from the sun that others may benefit from? Any particular sunscreen you really like?
Replies to "Hi @leper! We took your questions to a pharmacist here at Mayo Clinic. She writes: "Efudex..."
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Hi to all... I have malignant melanoma, multiple squamous, and basal, actions keratosis...have had several general surgeries for the melanoma. I never am able to lengthen my appointments because the squamous cells are aggressive and also have required surgery. I am writing to say I had a wonderful experience with effudex. As an RN, I was aware of the severity of the skin reactions and held off a while till my doctor convinced me to try "his way". That meant to apply to my face Monday and thurs nite only, once a day ,twice a week. It worked without the horrible burning . A treatment lasted 6 weeks.
6 months later, we moved down to my neck, and upper chest. My chest was a mess of ketosis and minor damages. Pretty clear now. Well worth trying it this way if doctor permits. I could not have tolerated the every day,twice a day regime. My face and chest look a hundred times better. Ps I never ever go out without high spf.
My entire family has skin cancers of various degrees, including my 17 year old with malignant melanoma who never left the house without sunscreen. I am convinced this is a combination of things, ozone, gene pool, etc. Good luck,all. Stay healthy