You may use bland makeup/cover-up as long as it doesn’t sting or cause you discomfort. 4. Use a topical cortisone to help decrease itching or irritation while using Efudex. Apply Locoid Lipocream, Cortaid, Desowen lotion, Desonide Lotion, or Hydrocortisone cream, two to three times a day only if needed for itching or irritation.
Full Answer
What do you use fluorouracil on the skin for?
Fluorouracil - What do you... Fluorouracil - What do you use on the skin after treatment to make the skin heal? I use it on my feet for a month 2 times a day for precancerous skin. After the treatment the skin remains blotchy, red, scabby, dry, and my feet feel like they are on fire.
Can I cover over the redness caused by Fluorouracil?
Fluorouracil - Can I use a cover-up or make up to cover over the redness? Fluorourcil yes can cause the redness. I would talk to your Pharmacist and see if you can use a organic or natural make up to cover the redness.They may have a suggestion of brands to use.
Is it safe to take fluorouracil topical while breastfeeding?
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of fluorouracil topical in geriatric patients. There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Is there a relationship between age and fluorouracil topical effects?
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of fluorouracil topical in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established. No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of fluorouracil topical in geriatric patients.
Can you use makeup over fluorouracil?
After using fluorouracil cream, wait 2 hours before applying sunscreen or moisturizer to the treated area. Do not use other skin products including creams, lotions, medications, or cosmetics unless instructed by your doctor to do so.
What do you put on skin after fluorouracil treatment?
The day after your last Efudex application, begin moisturizing all treated areas with either Vaseline or Aquaphor Healing Ointment (over the counter). Apply frequently every day to keep skin soft.
Can I use makeup over Efudex?
Ladies: Makeup is permitted throughout the entire treatment period. Wait 30 minutes after Efudex use before applying makeup directly on top of the medication.
What should I put on my face after Efudex treatment?
You may apply Aquaphor, Vaseline, or over-the-counter Hydrocortisone ointment to the area treated after applying Efudex.
What is a good moisturizer to use during fluorouracil treatment?
Wash with a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil or Dove during treatment, and you may moisturize each day with Cetaphil or Eucerin lotion.
Can you put Vaseline over fluorouracil?
Once you finish the medication, the area of skin treated will be red and raw. It generally takes about 3-4 weeks for all of the inflammation to resolve. You may use Vaseline or Eucerin cream to soothe the skin.
When can you wear makeup after Efudex?
- After using the cream, wait at least 20 minutes before applying sunscreen, moisturiser or make-up to the treated area. Avoid make-up creams if you notice erosion or ulceration in the skin. - Efudix cream can be applied with a clean fingertip.
Can you cover Efudex with a bandaid?
If you apply fluorouracil cream using bare fingertips, wash your hands thoroughly, immediately afterwards. Do not cover the treated areas with a bandage or dressing unless your doctor tells you to.
How long does it take for redness to go away after fluorouracil treatment?
Most people using this drug get skin reactions where this drug is used. These reactions include burning, dryness, irritation, redness, pain, and swelling. Irritation may last for 2 weeks or longer after you stop using this drug. Call your doctor if you get a skin reaction that bothers you.
How long does it take for skin to heal after fluorouracil?
This usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks. However, the lesions may not be completely healed until 1 or 2 months after you stop using fluorouracil. If you are using fluorouracil to treat basal cell carcinoma, you should continue using it until the lesions are gone.
Is 2 weeks long enough for fluorouracil?
Adults—Apply to the affected area 2 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks.
Does fluorouracil cause weight gain?
Does Fluorouracil cause weight gain? Fluorouracil intravenous injections used in treating cancers can lead to weight loss. This is caused due to the other side effects of the drug, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite as a result of intense nausea.
How long does it take for fluorouracil to fade?
Sometimes a pink, smooth area is left when the skin treated with this medicine heals. This area will usually fade after 1 to 2 months.
Can you use 5% cream on your hands?
The 5% cream is sometimes used on the hands. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. For skin cancer: Adults—Use the 5% cream on the affected areas of skin two times a day. Treatment may continue for several weeks. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. For topical solution dosage form:
What is fluorouracil used for?
It can treat rough, raised areas of heavily sun-exposed skin ( actinic or solar keratoses ).
What is Efudex used for?
Efudex is Fluorouracil topical cream 5%. It is used to treat areas of actinic keratosis and superficial basal cell carcinomas or skin cancers. I had to use the cream on my face twice a day for two weeks.
Using Efudex for actinic keratoses
In 2014, when I was first prescribed Efudex for treatment of recurring actinic keratoses on my chest, I had very few questions because I assumed I was going to be applying a cream not unlike others I already used.
Skincare when using Efudex: Advice from my dermatologist
Before leaving the office with my prescription in hand, my dermatologist provided the following guidance:
Water, it is!
It all seemed very straightforward. Don’t use anything but water. That’s easier said than done when you are used to washing with cleansers, lotioning up, and going about your day. However, once I got used to the treatment phase and found support to help deal with the side effects, rinsing off and patting dry became my new normal.
Healing and avoiding makeup
Three years later, when my dermatologist prescribed Efudex for my face to treat what appeared to be two large precancers, I found out a little more about how long I would have to follow the water-only regimen. Following almost four weeks of applying the cream twice a day, I entered the erosion phase and began healing.
Here comes the concealer
Even though I looked forward to getting back to normal, using my usual products, and wearing makeup again, I had become more than accustomed to going without all of it. The focus was on healing. Makeup was the last thing on my mind by this point. Watching my skin make almost daily dramatic changes for the better, was far more satisfying.
You don't have to face it all alone
I don’t want you to go into treatment blind. Hopefully, you have a dermatologist who covers all the bases for you before you leave the office. If you don’t, reach out to us. You will have questions about products and when it is safe to use them.
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Healing after Efudex: your tender, new skin
If you are using Efudex now or gearing up to start treatment, you will soon realize that the area following treatment is nothing like it was when you started. Healing after Efudex can be hard! You may, in fact, wonder if your skin will ever look normal again.
I've finished my Efudex treatment. What's next?
Your doctor may or may not address the next steps with you. From discussions I have had with friends and other skin cancer patients, it seems we all receive varying levels of advice for healing after Efudex.
Your skin after healing from Efudex is fragile!
Keep in mind, redness will likely persist, and you may want to baby that area for a good while. Healing after Efudex can be emotional, difficult, confusing, frustrating, and uncomfortable. When in doubt, give your doctor a call. Your medical providers can answer questions that arise post-treatment.
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This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The SkinCancer.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.