Failed treatment with Efudex

By spike

1 min read

I treated my scalp almost a year ago, twice a day for two weeks followed by Fucidin ointment twice a day for two weeks as instructed by my dermatologist. It has never healed. Have you heard of this issue before? What was done to clear up the skin? Thank you, Peggy

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sidneysalehkurtz Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention user-id="2100664" username="spike"/> ! I'm sorry to hear that you haven't healed since using Efudex. I definitely hear your concerns as the area on your scalp is expected to heal within a few months. This is a question that would best be answered by your dermatologist. Unfortunately, we aren't able to offer any medical advice. Keeping the treated area moisturized is important so some have said Vaseline worked, but it's best to check with a physician. Have you spoken to your doctor about this? Please let us know how you're doing, Peggy. Warmly, Sidney
1. spike Member
 My doctor said I either had a failed treatment or psoriasis, wrote a prescription for a gel to treat psoriasis and sent me on my way with follow up in six months. I got a second opinion and that dermatologist did a biopsy after stating it looked like a failed treatment. I am waiting to hear back about the biopsy and follow up treatment.
2. April Pulliam Member
 @spike...I know you are beyond frustrated at this point. I am so sorry you have gotten conflicting information. I am keeping you in my thoughts and hoping you get good news from the biopsy. Please keep us updated. Sending hugs, April, <a href='https://skincancer.net' target='_blank'>SkinCancer.net</a>, Moderator
Ronni Gordon Member
Hi <inline-mention user-id="2100664" username="spike"/> , I'm sorry to hear about the problem you are having with your scalp. That must be very frustrating! I have had recurrent problems with my scalp and have had some skin cancers on my scalp removed through Mohs surgery. For maintenance, my doctor recommended prescription shampoo. Here's what I wrote about it: <a href='https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/prescription-shampoo-dry-scalp' target='_blank'>https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/prescription-shampoo-dry-scalp/</a>
Cross Reardon Member
<inline-mention username="spike" user-id="2100664"/> I am a long term brain cancer survivor and received the maximum lifetime cumulative dose of radiation as part of the treatment. Because of that huge dose of radiation, I've had many basal cell carcinomas, and a few squamous cell, over the last couple decades. After using MOHS to remove the most recent 4 cases, my dermatologist had me using Efudex over my entire scalp for over a month. Eventually my scalp got really sore, chewed up, and red by the time I was done with the treatment. My wife got me a product from Mary Kay called Satin Hands hand softener. I spread it over the scabbed and flaking parts of my scalp every day for about a week, and it all cleared up. Good luck!
1. spike Member
 <inline-mention username="Cross Reardon" user-id="2483587"/> Hi Cross, Thank you for responding to my post. You have had quite a cancer journey and i am grateful and pleased for your survival. As a breast cancer survivor of 25 years I can appreciate some of what you have been through. I was fortunate to participate in a clinical trial. I had a 15% chance of survival and I think the added chemo and radiation saved my life. My skin issues are because of sun worship, growing up when everyone wanted a great tan! I am a senior. Thankfully, with the increased education about sun protection perhaps my son and his children who now know better will continue to protect their skin from the sun. Hopefully they will never face skin cancer because of sun exposure. Your advice about Satin Hands is very much appreciated! My biopsy report came back with no cancer thankfully. But the actinic keratoses had not been treated long enough I guess, as I was diagnosed with failed treatment. I was given a prescription for another round with 5FU called Actikeral which is basically Efudex plus ASA. So once a day for the next month. Hopefully this will work! I will look for a Mary Kay rep where I live and purchase some Satin Hands and be ready for the healing phase when it comes! Your kindness in taking the time to post to me is very much appreciated! Spike