Actinic keratosis

My hubby used this and left the scabs to fall off before moisturing which is what surgeon advised. Not sure about dressings as his was a smallish area near his eye so not really possible to put a dressing on.  It does work and his face is fine now, all healed and back to normal skin, but the in between stage is, like you say, messy, but shows it is doing its job. x

Harlyn thanks so much for for your advice. I've seen so many different opinions about which way to go with the healing process but the way you describe seems like the best way and the least messy! Hope hubby is continuing to be well. Thanks again x

Hi Sonning You are welcome.  If yours heals as well as my husband's has you will be amazed. No scar nothing just lovely new skin.  Unfortunately I wasnt as lucky as I had 2 basal cell cancers on my face and had to have skin grafts on them, but they too have healed really well.  My plastic surgeon looked atfer my hubby too and this was his guidance on how to deal with the ointment.  Good luck and here if you need any further advice.x

Aw bless your heart. I had an SCC removed from my upper lip 9 years ago but I am prone to hypertrophic/keloid scarring so the scar left from the surgery is still very visible but I'm used to it . The AK took me completely by surprise and I mistakenly thought I could breeze right through the treatment, but of course, how wrong was I!! I'm going to try letting the scabs dry but might have to give in now and then as the itching is driving me crazy. I know that's an indication that the Edufix is working as it should but today it's been really bad. I thought I might try a cold compress - did your hubby experience unbearable itching?x

Just asked him and he said no it didnt itch.  Cold compress might be a good idea.  Hubby and I both used bio oil for massage once scabs had gone x

Hi Sonning and Harlyn 

Haven’t been on here for a while (very long story) but there’s lots here that chimes with my experience so thought I would add my tu’pence worth. 

I completed a 7 week course of Efudix two months ago. I’d bought Aquaphor to use post cream but was advised not to put anything on the treated area until the scab fell off (using the Aquaphor on my feet so it hasn’t gone to waste ).

Used La Roche Posay Toleraine moisturiser for sensitive skin for the first few weeks post treatment but have now returned to MooGoo (which I love). I also apply La Roche Posay Factor 50+ hydrating cream sunscreen daily and carry a can of their spray Factor 50+ around in my handbag/rucksack/golf bag to top up when necessary (if works on top of make up really well). I did try the La Roche Posay tinted sunscreen but I’m very fair skinned and was worried people would think I looked like an Oompa Loompa! It didn’t cover the redness so I still ended up putting concealer over the top of it. 

Sonning, I tried covering the scab with a dressing but found it quite irritating. If we do also right in my peripheral vision. Itching wasn’t too bad but when it did bother me I found tapping round the area with two fingers helped a bit. 

I’m 9 weeks post treatment and the area is still quite pink. Dermatologist has said this should continue to fade over time and seems happy that the area is now smooth. So, I’m ‘self monitoring’ for now… 

Hope this helps. x

Thank you both so much for your responses and excellent advice. I bit the bullet and have left the scabs to dry out for the last 2 days. During the day it's not too bad as far as the itching and stinging are concerned but sleeping at night is difficult as I usually sleep on my left side predominantly which is where the biggest area of AK is. However, I know that things will improve daily so I there's plenty of time to catch up with sleep as time goes on. I am so grateful to you both for sharing your experience; I hope you both, and of course, Harlyn's hubby continue to make good progress

I was lucky in that only my right cheek was affected and I sleep on my left side. I do remember having a panic when I woke one night with a throbbing cheek and thought I’d knocked the scab off but I’d only rolled over in my sleep and ‘squashed’ my face into my pillow . Keep in touch and let us know how you’re getting on x