Efudex: (Fluorouracil) and shaving

[Purslane]

I lost count of the number of times I have used Efudex over the past 25+ years. Mine was mainly on my scalp. By the 3rd day the burning was harsh like I had been burned with boiling oil and I still had 3 weeks or more to go. Then a few years ago the dermatologist suggested a blue light treatment where a chemical was applied, then a 2.5-3 hour wait, then I sat under a blue light for 17 minutes. By the end of the first minute it was getting painful but she had a cold air blower I could direct at my scalp that helped a little. After 17 minutes it was over and the residual discomfort only lasted about 3 days and it was done. Much better. I also use a thin Fluorouracil liquid between blue light treatments that is not as bad as the Efudex cream.
I usually have to have something done every 6 months. If not a treatment that I mentioned then it would be liquid nitrogen. It is getting better than it has been.

That sounds terrible. I’m doing cryotherapy. And behaving now with hats and sunscreen, including lip balm.

 

[Turbo29]

My dermatologist had me use fluoruracil (5-FU) on my frontal scalp and forehead. After that he just had me apply as a spot treatment as needed any time an actinic keratois (AK) popped up. About 10 years ago during one of my visits he detected a superficial basal cell cancer and had me use imiquimod on it. It worked successfully and since then he has just had me use imiquimod on any AKs. I prefer it as it reacts faster and is much less painful than the 5-FU.

 

[RetiredAt55.5]

My dermatologist always gives me the option of treating spots with liquid nitrogen right there in the office or applying fluorouracil myself at home.

I used fluorouracil once. I always opt for the nitrogen in the office, but caveat my spots might not be that severe so I have the option. It's always covered by the insurance.