Topical chemotherapy for sun damaged skin and precancerous changes:

Topical chemotherapy is an excellent treatment particularly when combined with an immune stimulant. The combination of topical 5 fluorouracil (Efudix) and the immune stimulant calcipitriol (Dovonex) mixed and applied together 2 daily for a week gives excellent results but is harsh and the recovery time is in the order of 2 -3weeks.

After 7 days, treatment is stopped                                           After 14 days ( Fucidin cream applied X 3 daily)

Using this combination for a shorter period of time allows for a less traumatic response but can still produce excellent results. The 2 creams are mixed in the palm of the hand and applied for between 2 and 6 days, according to response. The ideal response is redness and inflammation of individual lesions, as seen on my face, below. As soon as this has been achieved, stop applying the mix and instead apply fucidin cream to the treated area 2-3 times daily as a rescue cream. Keep the mix away from the eyes as it is very irritating if it gets into them, and use a sunblock for the duration of treatment and recovery (during treatment the skin is very sensitive to sun light)

How to use:        Each cycle is for 2 weeks

First cycle:           Apply mix twice a day for 2 days then apply fucidin cream until any redness or irritation is completely settled

Second cycle:     Apply mix twice a day for 3 days then apply fucidin cream until any redness or irritation is completely settled

Third cycle:         Apply mix twice a day for 4 days then apply fucidin cream until any redness or irritation is completely settled

Fourth cycle:      Apply mix twice a day for 5 days then apply fucidin cream until any redness or irritation is completely settled

 

 

 

Instructions for treatment with Efudix-Dovonex mix

  1. Mix equal quantities of Efudix and Dovonex in palm of hand
  2. Apply mix to treatment area
  3. Wash hands after application
  4. Once the morning application has soaked into the skin a SPF 50 must be applied before going out because the mix may cause photosensitivity
  5. Do not apply evening treatment just before going to bed. Allow time for the mix to soak in so it won’t wipe off onto the pillowcase or spread to other areas
  6. The treated areas may become inflamed. This is the desired response
  7. After stopping the cycle of treatment apply fucidin cream three times a day to all inflamed areas for a week or until all information has settled

Example of expected effects:

Day 0                                                                                     Day 3