CancerCompass message board discussion started by Cindybug56 on 2/7/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,20719,0.htm Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I just finished my last dose of Carac cream for actinic keratosis for a spot above my upper lip and one on my chin. I've previously had three other "pre-cancerous" spots froze or cut off but since we caught these before that stage my doctor suggested I try this cream. In the directions it says not to use anything to cover the area after using it, but it is so bright red and horrible looking, like a bad sunburn, how can you go out in public without some kind of cover up on? I have to admit I have used some tinted moisturizer a few times over the past few weeks tough.  And it burns and stings and itches so bad.  I came across this site and I've read that some people have used vaseline or an antibiotic cream on the treated areas, is that OK, it won't affect the healing process? Cindy  Cindybug56 Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Carac contains 1/10th of the active ingredient in Efudex and a completely different base.  If I were you I'd contact the manufacturer directly and find out exactly what can and can't be used and when. Your Dr. is also a source but best in my opinion is to take the knowledge from the manufacturer to your Dr to get the best results.   Jef1963 Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT I too just finished my 21 day carac treatment yesterday and still look a fright. I tried bare essentials powder..it did not burn but did tend to cake in the rough spots and actually didn't look too great close up. I'm a nurse so not going to work was not an option. Please be sure to wear sunblock if outside even if nothing else.  I found that aquafor healing lotion does not burn and helps with the scaly patches, softening them up and making peeling go faster. My dermatologist said I could use this. Vaseline is also soothing. She also said that my face would peel about 3 times before healed. Hang in there. The worst is over. julie208 Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 2/8/2008 julie208 wrote:I too just finished my 21 day carac treatment yesterday and still look a fright. I tried bare essentials powder..it did not burn but did tend to cake in the rough spots and actually didn't look too great close up. I'm a nurse so not going to work was not an option. Please be sure to wear sunblock if outside even if nothing else.  I found that aquafor healing lotion does not burn and helps with the scaly patches, softening them up and making peeling go faster. My dermatologist said I could use this. Vaseline is also soothing. She also said that my face would peel about 3 times before healed. Hang in there. The worst is over.Thank you for this information, it really helps with what I'm going through. My doctor really didn't tell me much and the instructions aren't even that clear as to what all is going to happen. At least now I know what is happening is "normal" and that I can actually put something on the areas I'm treating. I started using an anti biotic cream at night and it helps a lot.  I think I"m on my 3rd peeling right now and it looks like I just might get through this after all.thanks again   Cindybug56 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT I just finished 10 days, twice a day of Carac Treament.   Has anyone ever been  left with scars from this.  Maybe I am over-reacting, but my face looks like, and feels like, I have third degree burns.  I am concerned that I am going to be scar.  I am using Vaseline, it helps some, but it so messy.  Someone had said Natural Care Gel is good.  Does anyone know about that.  Any suggestions will be appreciated.Thanks,Elaine used2bpretty Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hang in there!  I opted for treatment of my actinic keratoses (AKs) with the Carac cream instead of having them frozen or otherwise removed because with the Carac cream there is virtually no scarring.  I did the Carac treatment back in 2005 and was pleased there was no scarring (I had scarring when they were frozen off before). putzi2 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thanks so much for your e-mail.  My face has healed pretty much, it is still a little red in spots, but I know that will lighten up.  I am glad that I used the carac cream.I would not recommend the "Natural Care Jel" anything water based will sting like crazy!  Vaseline as messy are it is, is the only way to go.  That is what the Dr.'s tell you to use and they know what they are talking about. used2bpretty Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT I'm in the same boat you are in. I hate to go out in public and to work I am one that never goes out in public without makeup and this has been hard for me. My doctor said not to use makeup but to use adopher moistureizer. Also use an anti-itching cream during the day. If you cover the area it just makes it feel a little more uncomfortable. I am doing my face, neck,chest and back. If I had it to do over again, I would not be doing such a large area at one time. It is very uncomfortable. I have a couple more weeks of treatment before I see the doctor again. just hope I can make it that long. Hope you hang in there too. We will get thru this and will have good results from it.  Take care, Janet Janet53 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT