Anybody used 5-FU for actinic keratoses?

[trof]

It's a topical solution used to treat premalignant skin growths.
I'm supposed to use it on my bald head, forehead, and temples.

Supposedly it kills the precancerous 'spots'.
First they turn red, then crusty, scabby, and finally clear.
Looks like nasty stuff.
Duration of treatment and recovery is about 4 weeks.
I guess I'll look kinda gross until then.

Anybody have any experience with this stuff?
Thanks.

[LeftyFingerPop]

1. Trof...

I have not used the stuff you reference, but I have used a strong Salicylic (sp?) acid on my hands.

It may work by the same mechanism perhaps.

A lifetime of putting my hands in funky chemicals used for home improvement, wood refinishing, etc. has caused some dermititis on my hands that NOTHING would cure.

This Sali acid literally "burned" off the damaged skin. As you describe, it turned red, then crusty, then finally flaked off. It was the only thing that worked.

I don't know if this comparison is valid or not, but it may work the same way as the drug you are using.

Try going to Google "groups" and searching for "5-FU" to see if anyone has written about their experience with this.

Good luck.

[LeftyFingerPop]

2. Go here trof...

http://groups.google.com/groups/search?hl=en&q=%225-FU%22&qt_s=Search+Groups

[quip]

3. I have, on multiple occasions over the years

By the second week, it can get pretty uncomfortable. One thing that you might want to consider next time is PDT. I just did this last month instead of the full cream treatment and it was a much better experience. Here is just one link about it: http://www.dusapharma.com/february-7-2007.html

[trof]

4. Thanks guys.

I appreciate it.
Looks like I'll be wearing a hat for a while.
;-)