Efudix

Kia Ora (Hello) 

Firstly, to those who have posted messages of their experiences of Efudix, thank you.  (My dermatologist was dismissive of the nature of the treatment ...)  Your messages, experiences and tips are invaluable. 

I commenced use of Efudix after drawing my dermatologist's attention to some spots on my face.  He told me everyone over 60 was likely to have similar spots  (I reminded him I was 52) - he gave me an information sheet on Efudix (which led me to do an internet search, but perhaps fortunately I did not find this message board until about day 10 of the treatment...it may have put me off commencing, which at this stage of the treatment, I would regret).

I am currently at day 20 of 21 and day 18 of 21 (I put the efudix on a small area of skin on my face for several days to check that there was no significant adverse reaction).

It took about four days for the treatement to show ...initially red patches that got bigger and for some time darker (reacting especially to heat).  Now, 80% of my face is very red, with the skin peeling in various spots.  Fortunately my reaction is less severe than some others...the only adverse reactions being a mild headache after each application, slight itching of the face, reddening of the face and peeling of the skin. I was amazed at the large area of my face that has reddened ...I am pleased I have commenced the treatment now and not later (I am already steeling myself for a repeat at some future time but heartened to see that many others who have repeated the efudix have found later treatments not quite so severe).

Actions I have taken during the treatment period:

- I have made a big effort to keep out of the sun

- I have exercised (mental health as much as anything) at night so as not to scare the neighbours - sweating has not caused any significant irritation however on completion of the walk/run I bathe almost immediately to cool my body.

- I have applied efudix at about 0600 and 1500, and once the dryness of the skin became irritating, I used Eucerin (Aquaphor) that has helped a lot (I know the instructions are not to apply anything without medical advice).  I found the reference to Aquaphor on this website - before that I used a cloth wrapped in ice ...that was soothing as well.  I see one suggestion is also baby wipes (the only baby in this household the last few weeks has been me!).

Good luck to others who are using it or will use it in the future. 

 My dermatologist was very negative about photodynamic treament (laser) - quoting skin pigmentation damage (I have seen that this is a risk with Efudix as well) next time I will explore this option further... 

I will post another message in two weeks to inform you of the healing process (seemingly anything from 2 to 6 weeks - I do hope it is the former!).

 MarkonBribieIsland

On 1/13/2008 MarkOnBribieIsland wrote:

Kia Ora (Hello) 

Firstly, to those who have posted messages of their experiences of Efudix, thank you.  (My dermatologist was dismissive of the nature of the treatment ...)  Your messages, experiences and tips are invaluable. 

I commenced use of Efudix after drawing my dermatologist's attention to some spots on my face.  He told me everyone over 60 was likely to have similar spots  (I reminded him I was 52) - he gave me an information sheet on Efudix (which led me to do an internet search, but perhaps fortunately I did not find this message board until about day 10 of the treatment...it may have put me off commencing, which at this stage of the treatment, I would regret).

I am currently at day 20 of 21 and day 18 of 21 (I put the efudix on a small area of skin on my face for several days to check that there was no significant adverse reaction).

It took about four days for the treatement to show ...initially red patches that got bigger and for some time darker (reacting especially to heat).  Now, 80% of my face is very red, with the skin peeling in various spots.  Fortunately my reaction is less severe than some others...the only adverse reactions being a mild headache after each application, slight itching of the face, reddening of the face and peeling of the skin. I was amazed at the large area of my face that has reddened ...I am pleased I have commenced the treatment now and not later (I am already steeling myself for a repeat at some future time but heartened to see that many others who have repeated the efudix have found later treatments not quite so severe).

Actions I have taken during the treatment period:

- I have made a big effort to keep out of the sun

- I have exercised (mental health as much as anything) at night so as not to scare the neighbours - sweating has not caused any significant irritation however on completion of the walk/run I bathe almost immediately to cool my body.

- I have applied efudix at about 0600 and 1500, and once the dryness of the skin became irritating, I used Eucerin (Aquaphor) that has helped a lot (I know the instructions are not to apply anything without medical advice).  I found the reference to Aquaphor on this website - before that I used a cloth wrapped in ice ...that was soothing as well.  I see one suggestion is also baby wipes (the only baby in this household the last few weeks has been me!).

Good luck to others who are using it or will use it in the future. 

 My dermatologist was very negative about photodynamic treament (laser) - quoting skin pigmentation damage (I have seen that this is a risk with Efudix as well) next time I will explore this option further... 

I will post another message in two weeks to inform you of the healing process (seemingly anything from 2 to 6 weeks - I do hope it is the former!).

 MarkonBribieIsland

 

 

Ive had treatments involving both Efudix in some body areas and freezing applied to some other areas with liquid nitrogen.

Efudix in my view works OK, but it is a nasty powerfull chemical and the side affects such as redness, blistering etc are very unpleasant. If anyone hopes they might only get minimal side affects - they will be disappointed.

New users should expect the worst scenarios - and be physically and mentally prepared for that.

But of course - theres no gain without pain!!!

My personal view is freezing is much better. (if its possible). Nowhere near so much redness, blistering, pain and discomfort. The resultant scars from freezing are virtually impossible to see - only a shallow hollowing of the skin in that area - looking just like a small previous phsical injury such as a cut or scratch or similar.

I would always choose freezing whenever possible.

MikeO

Hi,
I've written some of this elsewhere but thought I'd reply to your comment about Efudix being nasty.

I'm only on day 21 and am only applying it to my forehead. To date I've found there are about 8 dark browny red blotches that are slightly sore. I've had no other side effects and find the cream quite easy to apply.

The hospital I use, in the UK, seems to be one of the few that recommends only one application a day. I need to ask why. Although I assume it's because initial inflammation isn't as much but it takes longer.

I read a trial that said applying it once a week was much less effective. Although I noted the point that even this low level of application has an effect.

Also it says on my tube that you should not apply it to more than 9ins by 9ins area. Some people seem to be exceeding this. My area is about 3 inches by 6 inches and will be followed up on parts of my scalp which had some cryotherapy to remove larger keratosis.

My doctor is keen on curettage to remove large ones but this is obviously a surgical appointment whereas cryotherapy is in his office.

I've found cryotherapy on my scalp very painful for about 10 minutes then it takes 3 to 6 weeks to heal. I've also had curettage, that needs a local anaesthetic and is similar in healing time but has a deeper scab and he says it is a longer lasting cure.

So I've had the lot all in the last 12 months including 2 skin grafts on my head for a BCC and Bowens and I'm 59. It seemed to all happen at once and I'm hoping it's now in control but you can't be sure.

I've learnt so much about the illness, the treatment and the processes that get you to treatment. You need to know about all three.

I'm 54 and the areas affecting me are generally pretty similar to yourself.

Just too much golf over the years i suppose! I started playing when i was about 11 years old.

Of course, different people react and respond differently to Efudix and you seem to be coping well. Thats good news.

I'm on day 16 of my latest use of Efudix (again with lots of redness and soreness) but this time i'm slightly more at ease with it because im using a different procedure - 10 consecutive days use followed by alternating daily use of Efudix and Hydrocortisone.

Regarsd

MikeO