Using Efudex
I will be starting Efudex cream next weekend and have a few questions. First, should I take time off work? Next, I've read that a person can wear make-up and then have read that a person shouldn't; which is best. Finally, for now, what products do I need to purchase in advance (facial cleansers, lotions, balms, etc.) to help make the process go as smoothly as possible while helping with pain and discomfort. I'm not looking forward to the next few weeks so your encouragement will be appreciated as well.
Thank you! SD
Hi there! I have used Efudex several times and can help with your questions!
Efudex tends to affect each patient a little differently, so it's difficult to say that you will need to take off work. In my experience treating my chest, I worked right up to the time of healing. The healing stage is the most uncomfortable, and I usually take a day or two off to get past the most stressful part. However, when I treated my lips, I worked straight through--smaller areas are much easier to cope with.
As far as using makeup and other skincare products, my doctors always tell me to use nothing but water on my skin during treatment. If your skin does happen to react like many other users, wearing making will become very difficult as your skin grows more irritated.
During treatment, I find that Tylenol and Benadryl help with the pain and itching. I use Benadryl at night to help get some rest. I don't apply any products to the treated area until the treatment time is over, but I do keep Vanicream lotion and ice packs on hand for the healing stage. Vaseline and Aquaphor are commonly recommended by many doctors to soothe the skin during healing.
I am including a few links that might help as you begin treatment.
This is the hub for topical treatments and will take you to many Efudex articles.
https://skincancer.net/topical-chemotherapy-guide
Here, you will find general tips for treating:
https://skincancer.net/topical-chemotherapy-guide
And this one lists some of the most commonly reported side effects:
https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/efudex-side-effects
Don't hesitate to reach out to us as you move forward with treatment. We are here to support you!
April, SkinCancer.net, ModeratorThank you VERY much for your helpful response!! 😀
Hi
, Seems like April did a good job of answering your questions. I'm lucky to work from home as a freelance writer, but of course, during the pandemic, most people are working from home. If I were going into an office, or even working from home during a period of extreme discomfort, I wouldn't take time off from work. I have found that the pain/discomfort period is very short-lived and not bad enough to interfere with functioning. Tylenol and Vaseline or Aquafor usually takes care of it. Good luck with your treatment and let us know how you do. Ronni, Skincancer.net team member Thank you SO much, Ronni! SD
