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5-fluorouracil & calcipotriol for actinic keratosis

Posted by SRKONA @trixie5141, Aug 1, 2024

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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pagstar | @pagstar | May 7 3:54pm
In reply to @comeoutdancing "A week after I stopped using the compound on my face, I look almost normal. Tho..." + (show)
@comeoutdancing

A week after I stopped using the compound on my face, I look almost normal. Tho there seems to be crusty dry skin left on my cheeks. I hope it will peel.
I used the compound on my chest, which had seen too much sun over the years. That was a worse experience than my face. It is ten days out from the use of the cream and it is ugly with red splotches and itches a lot. I have used hypericum extract, and that offers relief from the itching on my chest.
I have CeraVe cream and will also try that.
I am surprised to hear that some of you have had to use this multiple times (annually?). I do not look forward to another round.
Thanks to all who have offered advice, support and information.

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I'm into the 5th day after stopping the compound cream. Less red and inflamed, but still a little burning sensation. Now the skin is starting to peel.

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pagstar | @pagstar | May 7 3:55pm
In reply to @gingerw "@comeoutdancing Everyone experiences are different, even in the face of a similar treatment. For me, I..." + (show)
@gingerw

@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

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My doctor said no makeup.

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emilygordon | @emilygordon | May 13 8:46pm
In reply to @bkouv "Yes. Thank you for your response." + (show)
@bkouv

Yes. Thank you for your response.

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I have used fluorourcil several times. The last time was several months ago. I used it around my mouth, chin and just under the chin. I had a massive reaction that still has not completely healed. Also on my lower lip which has peeled chronically for years. I had large, angry sores with very thick scabs every place I applied it. I may have made it worse by trying many things that I hoped would speed the healing. Tea tree oil, various essential oils, calamine lotion, hydrogen peroxide, aloe Vera cream, hydrocortisone, Aquaphor, bacitrin, vitamin C serum and maybe others that I have forgotten. My doctor told me to never use it again. I had him take two biopsies in the worst areas to be sure it wasn’t skin cancer. It was hard not to pick at the scabs but it is finally healing.

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SRKONA | @trixie5141 | 5 days ago

Sorry you had such a rough experience. I only used a mild Vanicream moisturizer sparingly.

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