Side Effects of Carac or Efudex

Hi Jeanne. You will be just fine for you reunion; and you'll be so pleased w/the results of your treatment once the healing is well under way. I ordered the Sunblocks via the internet from Drugstore.com and also from the product label...here is the info? Ti-silc is available at Drugstore.com..when I ordered it several weeks ago, it was on sale $16.00 for 4 oz. The BEST is Fallene Total Block SPF 60. it covers beautifully and evenly even when your skin is "eroding." The web address is www.totalblock.com, phone # 800.332.5536. This will lead you to Total Block, and COTZ, SPf 58 which is great, too. They're a little pricy but well worth it. Yes, my sun bathing regimen was not mentally well; I'd be late for dates and events just to make sure I got my hours in between noon and 2 pm..the WORSE time to be in the sun. And, I started in March, ended in Nov. every year for way too long. I would compete w/everyone and anyone for the darkest tan...I HAD to have it. Consequently, I'm also having problems on my arms. I can't even imagine doing that now and I always wear a hat, sunglasses and sun block on my face and any other exposed areas. Well, good luck to you. And stay healthy. Kathy

Thank you for all of the info! I'll pay anything for a good sunblock.
Yes, I too would compete for the best tan back in the days. Now I cover up like you. For example, I absolutely love water so I got a pool about 5 years ago. You should see me lying on my raft in my swimming pool: I wear sunglasses, hat, then an entire beach towel covering me along w/ a towel hanging over my hat( so I can breathe). I am completely covered head to toe but the cool raft is under me. My husband asks me how I can stand wearing all that stuff. But it really doesn't bother me. In fact it's very relaxing lying in the pool knowing the sun isn't damaging my skin. I have a solar pool so I do the actual swimming at night without having to cover up at all. It's worked out great for all these years.
Good luck to your health. Jeanne

After reading all the things you go through using Carac, I'm now really scared to use it. I have to put it on my nose and I don't know what will happen. I've talked to my boss about what might happen and that I might have to miss time at work. Is it that bad that you don't want to face people (get it?) ha ha, all puns aside, I'm really scared about using this stuff. I can't even find pictures on the internet about what it looks like other than one picture that really isn't a good one. Any advice? How did it go for you?

Hi Julebell. I think that individual reactions vary greatly. Mine was pretty extreme however, after you're finished, your skin will look really great! and you'll have removed the threat of several types of skin lesions. While you are doing the treatment, just be sure to ask your prescribing Dr. about the best way to avoid extreme skin dryness and what products you may use during the week(s) you are using carac/effudex. This will help greatly. Be informed. But, also be informed that the active ingredient is a God send to those of us who have been given this prescription. I'm very glad I did it and plan to try it on my arms when my dermatologist says 'ok.' Good luck to you. Kathy

Thanks Kathy,
How long will the discoloration and shedding/healing last? Of course this has to be on my ****! nose !!! uggg

I suppose maybe it won't be too different from the redness and rashiness that I've been experiencing for so long huh? And itching all the time.

Wish it was on my butt !

Hi Again Julebell. Actually, after you stop the applications, the redness disappears pretty quickly. The redness, peeling seems to peak during the third week. Use Total Block (spf 65) or Cotz (spf 58). These products cover perfectly and you can tolerate them while doing the treatment. Nothing else worked for me except plain vaseline. You can get these two from www.totalblock.com I was so glad to find these and I still use them today. You'll not regret this even though it is so yucky during treatments. Kathy

Hi Kathy & Mike
When I signed up with Cancer Compass I sent a message to you both but I am not sure if it went through. I will wait to see if you did.
Cazza

Hi Kathy & Mike
I have been on Carac (Efudex here in Australia). I am on day 19 of my treatment and last night I could not make myself put the cream on. But after reading your messages, I have found the courage to keep on going. My face has so many spots that I couldn't put a pin between them. It is so sore and tight, I can hardly open my mouth to eat, maybe a good thing, am overweight any way. Your talk of a burka was not silly I have thought of the same many times. I do not leave the house at the moment. My husband won't let me come to work in case I scare the customers (only joking). Thanks once again, if not for your letters I would certainly have finished the treatment.
Cazza

Hi Cazza. Yes, I so understand how hard it is to put the cream on...I felt that way and it sure was difficult. It will be easier and less uncomfortable if you use vaseline two hours after application of the cream. It really helped me...my skin was cracking so badly until I started using the simple vaseline petroleum jelly...over the counter and cheap. The terrible tightness and dryness subsided. I also stopped using any type of soap to wash my face; I just used warm water and patted it on w/a soft wash cloth, over and over until I felt that I'd removed the vaseline (so as not to interfere w/the treatments)...this treatment is not a pretty sight, but it works wonders and I am so glad I used it. I plan, as I've written in earlier messages, to use it on my arms. Good luck to you and also consider the products I mentioned in earlier notes, Cotz and Total Block. They are so easy on the treated areas of your face, no burning or anything, and they cover the redness, blotchiness, darkened areas, etc. very well AS WELL AS protecting you from the sun. Good luck and best wishes and keep your chin up! Kathy

Thank you Kathy for replying to my message and I will keep my chin up, but I am trying not to as it is the worst part of my face, but I know what you mean. Thanks once again, for your advice. I am still battling with myself not to put it on but I know I have to as I have come this far, it would be silly to give up now.
Thanks again.
Cazza