Can Efudex leave or uncover small dark (brownish) areas on lips?
Can Efudex leave (uncover) small dark (brownish) areas? Specifically, I am in the 8th day AFTER completing a 14 Efudex regimen on my lips. Erosion is still occurring but I’m also seeing some small (pencil eraser sized) dark brownish spots on my lips. Can this be normal? Will they stay? They’re unsightly.
...I am so glad you have made it through treatment! You are definitely through the hardest part of the whole process.
As far as the new spots that have appeared--it could be that those are precancers that have been brought to the surface and will slough off. I would guess that is the case since you are still seeing signs of erosion. It isn't unusual at all for me to have skin flake off for a month or more after healing has begun.
I suggest you contact your doctor if the spots don't fade or they don't slough off in the next week or so--maybe shoot him/her a pic by email or schedule a telehealth visit just to get a clear idea of what you are dealing with. It is entirely possible that you may be asked to spot treat those places for a few more weeks.
In the meantime, I would keep those places moisturized with Vaseline or a lip balm, and if you see they are coming to the surface, try to gently roll the dead skin off when your skin is wet in the shower.
Please keep us posted on your progress! We are here for you!
April, SkinCancer.net, ModeratorThanks April. The dark spots were part of the lip erosion process and disappeared as it (erosion) progressed. Whew!
...Oh, that's awesome news! Glad you are on the way back to normal! It's always such a relief to see that you won't have the redness and irritation forever!
Happy healing! April, SkinCancer.net, Moderator
