5-Fluorouracil (5FU) Post-Treatment
5-fluorouracil is a chemotherapy medication that is used to treat actinic keratoses (precancers) and certain types of skin cancers. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells.
If your dermatologist has recommended this treatment during the fall or winter, please plan for 1-2 weeks of downtime for the peeling side effects. You may notice pain, throbbing, redness, and swelling in the treated area(s) during the course of treatment. This is a normal part of the healing process. We recommend applying Vaseline or Aquaphor to reduce any discomfort.
Instructions
Apply a thin layer to the instructed areas (face/scalp/neck/hands) twice daily (Compounded version: 7 days, Efudex: 2 weeks).
For sensitive areas around the eyes and lips, you may apply Vaseline or Aquaphor as a barrier.
Expect the skin to “light up” red. This cream targets precancerous spots that may not be visible to the naked eye.
After treatment, protect the areas from direct sun exposure with SPF30+, reapply every 90 minutes.
Clouds, shade, and tinted windows do NOT offer protection
If you experience a severe reaction when using this cream, you may stop using it sooner than the prescribed time frame.
You may see a cosmetic improvement after the healing is complete.
If any of the precancerous spots fail to resolve before your next appointment, please let us know. You must return to clinic in order to have it reevaluated.
If you have any questions regarding this treatment, please feel free to call us. Thank you!