Effect of Efudex on Skin

• Efudex is a type of chemotherapy medication called antimetabolites, meaning they incorporate into cellular metabolism and keep the cell from dividing. During treatment, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun and may swell, ooze and be painful. Your skin may also start to peel. During the first week, you should expect mild inflammation. In the weeks following, the redness and swelling may be accompanied by crusting and burning. Once the medication starts to disintegrate the tumor(s), your skin should begin to exfoliate.
  
  

Diminishing Side Effects

• Treated areas will most likely be red and may blister and form a crust. To reduce the swelling and/or pain, you should stay out of the sun during treatment. You can also apply antibiotic ointments, Vaseline or Aquaphor on the treated areas twice a day. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone ointments and cool compresses may also help decrease the pain and burning.
  
  

Healing and Recovery

• The Efudex-treated areas should start to heal within one to two weeks after treatment and heal completely in three to six weeks. However, some redness may persist thereafter but will eventually fade. To help the healing process, you should avoid sun exposure or wear at least SPF 30 sunblock cream if you have to be exposed to the sun. Keep sun exposure to a minimum.