Has anyone used Efudix (Actinic keratosis)?

[Goatblu]

I've been prescribed this to use for 4 weeks on a patch of skin on my shoulder (GP says its actinic keratosis).

Has anyone used it? If so, are the side effects really bad and did you have to keep the area covered when outside?

Just found this thread having been prescribed yesterday for a patch on my nose. Any further advice from those of you who were about to start earlier in the year? And any suggestions on moisturisers for the sensitive skin? Just wondering what grimness I’ve let myself in for (but aware it needs doing and will be worth it)
Consultant did mention cryotherapy as an alternative, but said cream would be preferable as it’s a surer way to catch the whole patch as mine isn’t very visible and has diffuse edges.

With regards to sun cream, Eucerin do a SPF100 actinic control. It’s says it helps to prevent actinic keratosis and non melanoma skin cancer. My mum uses it and I have bought some to prevent sun damage and feels lovely on the face/skin. I bought it from boots 👍🏻

I'd be happy to use Efudix anywhere on my body but my face, the effects must be unsightly and quite painful. Lots of people discontinue use because of this. Good luck!

Is this something you have experience of? I’m a bit confused by your wording as it sounds as though you haven’t, but you obviously feel strongly?

Interesting, I have a patch of actinic keratosis and I was prescribed 3% gel Diclofenac Sodium. Can’t say it’s been a roaring success, the patch of skin reduced and became less red but it’s still there. Maybe need to go back to the doctors.

I had to use it on my face on a basal cell carcinoma. It just turned the skin very red and weepy. I ended up having a minor op. Various elderly relations have used it on lesions on bald heads and it was very successful there.

I thought I'd come back and update as you were all very helpful when I was prescribed Efudix.

I used it daily for a month, just on the small patch the GP had identified. By around the middle of of the second week it was very red and sore; I also had some other spots come up in the surrounding area (no idea why).

I went back to see my GP after a few weeks and she checked it with the dermoscope to make sure it had gone.

I've kept out of the sunshine this summer (I have been unwell with something else so haven't felt like going out much anyway).

I don't think this will be my last rodeo with Efudix as I have many years of sun damage but I'm more confident in using it now.

Yes, I was prescribed Efudix by GP for actinic keratosis on nose. I found it very uncomfortable and unsightly after a few days and discontinued, as so many do. I asked to see a dermatologist who cryoed AK in about 10 seconds. All fine since. I assume NHS prefers Efudix as its cheaper than seeing consultant, but there must be so much wastage with non compliance, especially when prescribed for face. How many people never go out? I do use very high sun factor now. Glad OP found it OK.

I wish I had read this thread yesterday! I have just been diagnosed with this and the dermatologist said I could have the criotherapy or go with the cream. I went with the cream but I have two patches - one on my forehead and one on my nose! Should I go back for the criotherapy instead??

Why didn't you choose cryo as a matter of interest? It's quick, painless and effective.

I treated a patch on my nose, the doctor preferred to use cream as the edges were quite diffuse. It was uncomfortable rather then painful, didn’t look great but healed fast and the patch seems to have disappeared.

Stupidly, I didn't really think about asking questions! She was in a hurry and kept on saying "do you want the cream or the freeze treatment?" The cryo costs 100 euros (I am in the EU) so I thought cream would be cheaper and less invasive. I think I will go back and cough up for the freeze treatment on Monday.

Ah, I didn't know you weren't in the UK. Mine was done under the NHS. The cream will do the job, no doubt. I'm very careful with sun protection now.

Was it really painless? Did they give you any local anaesethic first?

I would.

I had cryo on a patch on my back, I really wouldn’t describe it as painless!!

I need to go back as I’ve now got lots of little patches all around my torso but will try and get them done in batches due to the discomfort.

Cryotherapy stings for the few seconds during the spray and it does feel tender for a few hours afterwards but then it’s fine. A scab will form and then fall off, leaving you with clear skin underneath. Just don’t pick at the scab.

I’ve had lots of facial actinic keratoses removed this way (maybe a dozen).

Just here to recommend Korean / Asian sunscreens to those hating the traditional spf feel!

www.superdrug.com/skin/korean-japanese-beauty/c/k-beauty?query=:ranking:category:Sun%20Protection%20Lotions:category:Face%20Sun%20Cream#scroll-end

No local anaesthetic. I didn't feel a thing apart from a cold blast of air!