CancerCompass message board discussion started by Chigirl on 9/21/2006 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,6964,0.htm Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hi, I've been reading all the messages regarding carac cream. My Dr. has recommended that I use it on my arms. I've had 2 Bowen's and 1 basal skin cancers on my hand and face, nothing on my arms, yet. Has anyone used this on their arms? I don't know if I should do one arm or do both and get it over with? All of the messages I've read have helped me alot. Although none of use wants to do this, we have to. I am going to start the beginning of Oct and would apprectiate any hints. Thanks for any information you can give me. Chigirl Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT Do you have actinic keratosis (aka solar keratosis) ? Large, multiple or inflamed actinic keratosis need to be treated to prevent their conversion to squamous cell carcinoma. This avoids the potentially more invasive and extensive treatment of a subsequent malignancy. Regular follow-up visits are usually needed when there are many keratoses. Topical cream is effective in removing keratoses, particularly when lesions are numerous. The patient twice daily applies the medication, with progress checked by a physician. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream, the most commonly used medication, is used for 2 to 4 weeks. Treatment leaves the affected area temporarily reddened and raw and will cause some discomfort resulting from skin breakdown. The more raw and inflamed the skin becomes, the better the end result. Amnia Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT