Connect
Skin cancer: Has anybody had fluorouracil treatment?
My parent has hit the point where she gets four or five pre-cancerouas growths on her face every year. The doctor has been freezing them off with good results.
The Dr. recently suggested she apply a fluorouracil lotion to her face two times a day for two weeks. Apparently, this kills off the defective skin cells and holds down the development of the pre-cancerous growths for about two years. But, my mom is worrying about the redness and unpleasnt effects of the treatment during the 2 to 3 weeks she is dealing with it.
Can anybody who has used this treatment pass on their experience. She wants to hear from people who have done the treatment.
Thanks.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Skin Health Support Group.
Connect
Do you put aquafor on before or after Fluorouracil?
Use after treatment with Fluorouracil
@hayes1202 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Are you on a Fluorouracil treatment program? If so, your provider should have reviewed this with you.
I also use this topical a few times a year, but do not use any moisturizer until several days into the regimen. Then, it is several hours after applying, to allow the medication to absorb and do its job.
Ginger
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have used it. It's very effective, but she should be prepared for the redness and irritated spots. I have very sensitive skin, so my experience may not be typical. My skin looked great after the redness went away. It took a couple of weeks.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@farmgrrl57 Same as you, my skin gets very irritated looking, and the areas responding to that topical get really red! During the period I am using it, my skin gets pampered with gentle cleansers. Need to do another session here soon.
Ginger
I just finished a two week regiment of florouracil. At this point I have redness and slight burning...I have not starting using aquaphor yet, and from what I read, foundation should not be applied to cover the redness. Has anyone in this group used any foundation to cover the redness?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@lindasuzanne Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Using florouracil seems to differ for many people. For me, my system reacts really well to it, meaning my skin gets very inflamed looking and irritated. My dermatologist has to remind me that means it is working ;)) I use a mild moisturizer after the first week, to minimize my discomfort. As for foundation, I use a powder, not liquid, most of the time, right over the moisturizer.
Here is what WebMD has to say about using this medication: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-16269/fluorouracil-topical/details
As you will read many differing opinions, it is best to check with your own doctor, who knows your skin best.
Ginger
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactionsthx...
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have used the flourcil treatment for many years on my face, I think it is a good and positive thing to do for pre mature skin cancers.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI used it on two precancerous moles that were on my legs. The pharmacist cautioned me to use in tiny amounts, but the doctor said to spread it all over them. I used it per the doctor and now, two years later, I have two large dark spots that haven't gone away. My husband used it on his forehead and it was ok. That's all I know.