How long does it take for fluorouracil cream to start working?

This usually takes at least 3 to 6 weeks, but may take as long as 10 to 12 weeks. During the first few weeks of treatment, the skin lesions and surrounding areas will feel irritated and look red, swollen, and scaly. This is a sign that fluorouracil is working.

How long do you leave fluorouracil on your face?

Dosing

Adults—Apply to the affected area 2 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks.
Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

How do you know when to stop applying fluorouracil?

After continued application, the damaged skin becomes painful and inflamed with a beefy-red appearance with erosions and crusting. At this point, the medication should be stopped.

How do I know when to stop using fluorouracil cream?

Can I use moisturizer with fluorouracil cream?

You may be directed to see the RN for a 2 week checkup after you start the treatment. The day after your last Efudex application, begin moisturizing all treated areas with either Vaseline or Aquaphor Healing Ointment (over the counter). Apply frequently every day to keep skin soft.

Can you use moisturizer with fluorouracil?

After using fluorouracil cream, wait 2 hours before applying sunscreen or moisturizer to the treated area. Do not use other skin products including creams, lotions, medications, or cosmetics unless instructed by your doctor to do so.

Can you put Vaseline over fluorouracil?

Once you finish the medication, the area of skin treated will be red and raw. It generally takes about 3-4 weeks for all of the inflammation to resolve. You may use Vaseline or Eucerin cream to soothe the skin.

When to stop applying fluorouracil?

If you are using fluorouracil to treat actinic or solar keratoses, you should continue using it until the lesions start to peel off. This usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks. However, the lesions may not be completely healed until 1 or 2 months after you stop using fluorouracil.

How to use fluorouracil treatment?

How to use Fluorouracil Cream. Before you apply this medication to the skin, clean the affected area and dry well. Wait 10 minutes, then apply a small amount of medication to the affected skin, using just enough to cover the area with a thin film. Wash your hands immediately after applying this medication, even if you have used gloves.

How much fluorouracil cream should I apply?

Adults—Use the 0.5% or 1% cream on the affected areas of skin one or two times a day. The 5% cream is sometimes used on the hands. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. Adults—Use the 5% cream on the affected areas of skin two times a day. Treatment may continue for several weeks.