Hi 
I’ve just completed an extended course of Efudix. Applying the cream once a day for four weeks didn’t work so I was advised by my dermatologist to continue using it for a further three weeks which I’ve done. Final application was last night.
AK is now twice the size and very red with a dry, crusty centre which weeps a bit when I wash my face. Bought some Aquaphor cream to use post treatment and looking for a bit of advice on when best to start. Should I leave the crust to dry up and fall off or should I try to soften it with the Aquaphor? I’m worried the latter might encourage the dead cells to hang around or, worse, rally and gain strength again! Ridiculous, I know, but just want the damned thing gone.
Grateful for any advice or anecdotes about others’ experiences. Thanks!
P.S. Not sure how to tag members into my post but @Missie2, if you happen to read this I hope you got my reply in the Skin Cancer Group and have been able to get some proper advice from a clinician. Keep hounding! You’re entitled to have your questions answered.
Hi FaithA
I haven't used Efudix, so don't have any personal experience, but thought I'd suggest that you spoke to your dermatologist for their professional advice on when it was safe to start using Aquaphor cream.
I've done a search in the group and found these posts from people who've used Aquaphor for you to have a look through.
You mentioned about 'tagging' people so that they are notified that they have a message. To do this you need to type the @ symbol followed immediately with the username exactly as it's spelt. When the correct username appears in a box select it and you'll then have tagged the person.
Anne
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Hi Anne,
Thank you so much for your reply 
Unfortunately, my dermatologist isn’t the easiest person to get hold of. She only works part time (tail end of the week) and, last time I called and asked to speak to her, she took 9 days to get back to me 
Fortunately, the local pharmacist who was able to give me some advice. I’ll pay her a visit on Monday and will certainly have a look at the posts you’ve highlighted in the interim.
Thanks also for the ‘tagging tip’. IT isn’t exactly my forte 
and I didn’t want Missie2 thinking I hadn’t bothered to acknowledge her reply to me.
Thanks again, Anne. Really appreciate the support and advice.
FaithA
P.S. Yes, very happy to post any advice I receive once I manage to talk to someone
Hi latchbrook
As promised, just popping back to share the answer (or rather answers!) I received to my, “When to start using Aquaphor” question. Spoke to two different pharmacists today with very different views
The first wasn’t sure, looked Efudix healing stage up on her computer, couldn’t find an answer, looked at my face and said it was probably ok to start using it now as the ‘wound’ looked quite dry (skin hasn’t wept or bled for two days).
The second suggested waiting a bit longer (until it’s more pink than red) as the scab looks a bit ‘new and deep’ and there’s still a lot of inflammation. This is the same pharmacist who gave me good advice at the end of week 3 (advice my dermatologist agreed with when I eventually got hold of her) so I’ve decided to take the latter’s advice and hang fire for now. Will keep you posted.
Thanks again,
FaithA
