Efudex Symptoms and What Helps Me

Greetings!

This is my second round of treatments for solar keratosis. The first was in 2014 where I did my face, neck (down to clavicles), and arms. It worked well, but I was ill-prepared for the symptoms and could easily say it was the most unpleasant experience of my life physically, (I have broken several bones and blown out knees).

I am assuming the reality of the precancer treatment isn't forthcoming as it might discourage. Once you've started you might as well continue, as the ultimate outcome (like having a baby) is worth it.

What I learned while using Efudex

I would like to share a little wisdom learned from the first time around.

1. Once you have recovered from this treatment, you need to be diligent about sun exposure as it will return if you don't, and much quicker than the first time. For me it was 58 years the first time and only 5 the second.
2. While you aren't supposed to use aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen do help with the fever, pain, and inflammation. Diphenhydramine helps with mild allergic reactions and does make you drowsy, helping sleep.
3. The only topical that I found to give relief without stinging is either Aspercreme (with 4% lidocaine only, no Salicylate) or taking Lanolin cream (like for breastfeeding cracks-purple tube) and whipping it up with either 4% Lidocaine or other "caine" drugs. It does have a little alcohol in it, so it stings a bit at first. Worth it.
4. If you apply the Efudex too soon before bed and do fall asleep, the itching you do will spread the cream to unwanted areas. I have been waking up with my eyes swollen shut and had to ice them before figuring this one out.
5. The literature plays down the symptoms. If you treat a large area, like I have done (up to 23x23cm) you will most likely have some of the rarer symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, dizziness, etc. especially if you continue normal activity and exertion (I continued to work out). These should be short-lived, however, so if they continue you need to let your doctor know.
6. Speaking of working out, the first time I didn't want to break a sweat, thinking it would worsen the stinging. The fact is the opposite is true. The best relief I get during treatment is while I am working out, exerting, cross-training and sweating.

Everyone reacts differently to treatment

Keep in mind that everyone seems to react differently, so what I've said above may not apply to you. In fact, this time my reaction was as strong on day 6 as it was last time on day 21.

Best of luck, and please don't get discouraged. Remember, this treatment will improve your condition a ton.