Hi - I have been using Efudix for 19 days for AKs on face. I joined this forum to see how others have coped with this cream.
I applied it to my forehead twice a day. Days 16 to 19 were intolerable. My eyes swelled nearly shut, I couldn't sleep for the pain, watering eyes (I think the cream must have got into them a bit, not by my application, but by warming up and migrating from my temples). I wanted to scratch my face off, rubbing it against my pillow uncontrollably at night.
I went to the GP who gave me antihistamine and agreed 19 days was enough. My skin has cracked and is peeling off and I really hope that I haven't stopped too soon.
If I feel it doesn't heal perfectly, showing that AKs haven't gone completely, I shall start again, but by doing a very small area at a time so that my eyes don't get so much fluid under them (I think it is fluid from the white blood cells flooding the site to heal the skin).
TIA for any tips
Hi and welcome to the Online Community. I am so sorry to read about the problems you are having but I do hope you will find the support available in the community helpful at this difficult and challenging time.
Talking with others who are walking the exact same type of treatment path (my one is completely different) will help you navigate this unwanted journey.
The New to Community is like the Community Reception area and as there are many cancer types and experiences so likewise the Community has many dedicated support groups to connect into so can I recommend you start by joining our supportive Skin cancer group as this will be a good place for you to connect with other folks who may be on the same treatment pathway.
Navigating the community will depend on the device you are using. To join a group just click on the green link above then scroll down and choose 'click to join' or 'join' on the page that opens.
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a post by clicking on ‘New Thread’ or ‘New here, say hello’ then hit the box with the X on the top right (phones).
You could just copy and paste the text from this your first post and you can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, emotional support, benefit and financial guidance or just a listening ear.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section.
All the very best ((hugs))
Hi and welcome to the online community
I'm sorry to read how painful you found using Efudix for your actinic keratoses was.
The online community is divided up into different support groups so I'm going to recommend that you join us over in the skin cancer group. I hasten to add that actinic keratoses is not skin cancer but you will find posts there from people who have used Efudix for basal cell carcinoma and you could have a read through some of those.
To join just click on the link I've created and then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens. You can then introduce yourself and post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
If you have any difficulty navigating the community just drop me a reply and I'll be pleased to help
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
