(1) Very important instruction... I learned the hard way: Wait at least 10 minutes (20-30 even better) after washing applicable area. Water increases the rate of absorption. (2) the nose, and the area on each side of the nose and mouth absorb higher rates of Efudex, and may become hyper-sensitive, so it's best to apply less to these areas. This is my third time on Efudex in the last 7 years. Other times were 7 years ago and 5 years ago. Published: January 01, 2008 ::

While the product is very effective, its use, esp. around the face, can be very painfull after several days of applications. Published: January 11, 2008 ::

Have finished the treatment. Some redness present after one week following last application. Used 2x/day for 3 weeks. Very little discomfort. Published: January 11, 2008 ::

A bit uncomfortable during the end weeks of usage. You will get a few stares from people who do not know you. I recommend that you use only duing the winter and late fall months. Heat makes the condition a lot more uncomfortable. The healing process is a bit slow, but the end result is well worth it. At 48 completing the process will help off set many further complications down the line. Good luck and keep your spirts up. Published: June 25, 2008 ::

I'm on my 3rd X facial use of this over the past 8 years. Now I only have to use it on areas that show possible pre-cancerous condition. It does get painful, but well worth working through the pain. Better than getting cut for removal and scarring Published: August 31, 2008 ::

This is my second 3-week stint on Efudex, first time was about 10 years ago. Using it on face and chest area. As expected, it caused inflammation and weeping of the cancerous areas, but after about 2 weeks post-treatment, fresh skin emerged with no scarring or discoloration. Hopefully my derm will give me the all-clear; appt is next week. Published: August 22, 2008 ::

Applied 2x day for 4 weeks to left arm, then took 2 weeks off before using 2x day on right arm. I was to supposed to also use on back (next), but will wait until winter to do that. First week--thought this was no big deal; then it started showing. Tightness started hurting that week. Third week was more painful and 4th week was bad enough my Dr. said I'd had a "good" (thorough) reaction and let me quit a few days early. Took two weeks of healing to get my nerve up for next arm. Looked less intense than my driving arm, but seemed to hurt more and heal more slowly. Wasn't as solid but seemed to be deeper. First arm is looking really good, and despite the pain I'd certainly do it over--not nearly as messy as the nitrogen burning and the end result is worth the pain. Dr. gave me some steroid cream to use at the end of the second arm and that really helped. It really does affect only the bad cells, because I was very thorough and the underside of my arms had almost no bad cells, but upper arms by shoulder were almost solid (and I was not avid "sun worshipper"). This has made me a walking advertisement for sunscreen. Published: April 10, 2009 ::

I grew up in the 50's & 60's in So CA. when slathering Johnsons Baby Oil all over you was the thing to use when sunbathing. You weren't in if you didn't go back to school TAN!!! Of course now I'm seeing the results of those stupid decisions but who knew?? Now at this point in my lfe I am being treated for actinic keratosis. I'm just beginning my third week of treatment. I've noticed my lower lip swelling and peeling even though I'm not treating it. It must be seeping onto it. I've noticed some "not feeeling 100%" and also some depression with it. I'm tired of explaining to people what it is. I look and feel awful. It seems to be getting worse as the weeks go on. The burning is getting to me. I'll try the warm towels and letting it dry really good before appying. See if that works... Published: May 04, 2009 ::