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5-fluorouracil & calcipotriol for actinic keratosis
My doctor has prescribed a combination 5-fluorouracil and calcipotriol topically for solar actinic keratoses on my face. Has anyone undergone this regimen? Is it as bad as it appears to be on Dr. Google? Does the treatment work? What have you is most useful to reduce pain? Are cold compresses or acetaminophen allowed or helpful? Tips for keeping the cream from getting in your eyes? How close to the hairline and onto neck do you apply it? Long-term is your skin more sensitive? Has anyone used low-level light therapy (LED) to promote healing after completing the regime? Any insight or tips you can share would be greatly appreciated. I’m so very apprehensive.
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@comeoutdancing Perhaps trying a lightweight moisturizer/sunscreen will help. Be very careful of sun exposure! If this is the first time you have used fluorouracil ointment, it might be a few weeks before your face returns to its normal coloring. That means the stuff worked! Yay!
Ginger
Thanks, Ginger. I did not ask how long this treatment takes. I am a bit chagrined at my schedule requiring me to be in public with this red face. And I bet the peeling will be even more off-putting. Day 8-10 have zapped my energy. Did others feel their energy drop as the skin becomes burned and raw? I feel quite vampire like too; the sun is absolutely horrifying to me during this second week.
I am also into week 2.... very red, sensitive, and unpleasant. I have been applying Aquaphor ointment a few times a day, which gives some relief. One thing I've noticed is an elevation in my blood pressure. I've read that this can be a side effect. I agree with you, that even going out into the heat is annoying.
@comeoutdancing Everyone experiences are different, even in the face of a similar treatment. For me, I react very strongly at about the week mark. Sometimes I will use a light foundation or concealer, but over the years, I just grin and bear it. We gotta know it is helping us, so who cares if people stare!?
Ginger