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Fluorouracil treatment
I went to my dermatologist yesterday. I have sun damage on my face, legs and arms. I am have bumps on my leg, and it is itchy. He suggested I try the Fluorouracil treatment. He did tell me it will get red and may become uncomfortable. When I picked up the prescription I read the possible side affects. This scares me. Can someone who has gone through the treatments help me with some advise. Thank you.
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It’s not really painful unless you get it into a fold of skin, so avoid the inside of the elbows, back of the knees, and be careful on your neck.
Wear tight fitting sleeves and avoid the pool.
The redness goes away in a few days.
The latest treatment has Florouracil combined w Calcapotriene. I just started that this week. Really does work better than Florouracil on its own.
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1 Reaction@bill60 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Topical treatments can have different effects on us. @davef gave you some great tips!
As fluorouracil starts to work, you might get reaction in an area where you didn't apply it. Not to worry, it just means the medication is tracking down the bad stuff and fighting it. I remember the first time I had that happen to me, rushing back to the dermatologist and their amused response to my concern! Be careful about using any lotions while you do this, as it will negate some of the medication action if you use anything in the same area. After the redness and scabbing starts to go away, it's okay to go back to a light lotion. Stay out of the sun! Cover up! I like to think that when I see the redness appearing, it means things are working and I am taking care of myself. Oftentimes that redness appears on my face, and oh well! just ignore the stares from people.
Ginger
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1 ReactionThank you. I have lots of questions. Can we connect via phone? I'm new to this.
Thank you Ginger. I want to start on my leg or legs first tomorrow. Not sure whether I should start both on the same week. I am nervous. If this works, I will wait until next winter to do my face. Thank you for you input and encouragement.
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1 ReactionHi Ginger. Question, you last sentence, often times... does the redness occur at times after the treatment is completed? Thank you.
@bill60 No, the redness will disappear as the medication does its job. It might appear where you didn't put anything, because it found something to battle. Does this make sense?
Ginger
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1 ReactionYes it does. Thank you again. I start tonight on my legs.
Any comments on using flour or ail on the scalp to remove possible precancerous lesions?
Several months ago I was prescribed this medication for sun damage/spots on my nose. I used a very small amount on my nose and within 2 hours began having unusual pain in my abdomen. I reread the possible side effects and learned that this could be a serious side effect and to contact my Doc. I stopped the medication and have not used since. That said, I have known quite a few people who have used this medication with no serious side effects. It does usually cause intense redness, dryness and intense discomfort, but if it can prevent future skin cancers, then I guess it’s worth it?
Best of luck!
Thank you.
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