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