Chemo Cream Instructions

Topical 5-Fluorouracil (Efudex) and Imiquimod (Aldara) are prescription medications FDA-approved to treat pre-cancers of the skin known as actinic keratoses.

YOU WILL EXPERIENCE A SKIN REACTION. These treatments specifically target pre-cancerous cells and sun-damaged skin, but have little effect on normal skin. In general, skin with more sun damage will have a more intense reaction. Treatment will result in healthier, smoother skin with a reduced risk of skin cancers.

Before Starting:

  • Stop current skin products.

  • Use only gentle soap (Dove Sensitive Bar, CeraVe Moisturizing Bar, Vanicream Bar, or Aveeno Moisturizing Bar), plain Vaseline ointment, and a zinc-based sunscreen on the treatment area.

Instructions:

  1. Cleanse the treatment area with a gentle soap.

  2. Completely dry the area with a towel.

  3. Apply a thin layer of chemo cream to your treatment area. Do NOT apply close to the eyes, eyelids, or lips.

  4. You may apply Vaseline every 1-2 hours to keep skin protected and to speed healing.

  • Use ONLY on the specific area(s) discussed at your appointment. Never treat more than one area at a time. Treatment times may vary.

  • IMPORTANT: YOU MUST USE STRICT SUN PROTECTION DURING TREATMENT & UNTIL SKIN IS HEALED.

What to Expect

Common symptoms include:

  • Itching, burning, tenderness, redness, oozing, mild swelling, crusting.

  • Crusting/scabs may take up to 2 weeks to heal.

  • Redness disappears over several months.

Uncommon/rare side effects include:

  • If you experience any of the following symptoms, STOP treatment and please call our office.

    • Ulceration: Deep bleeding sores in the treatment area.

    • Infection: Severe swelling or redness, foul-smelling milky drainage, with or without fever.

    • Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or sores in the mouth.

THIS CONTENT IS INTENDED SOLELY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES AND MAY NOT BE COMPREHENSIVE. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE. PLEASE REFER TO OUR TERMS OF USE FOR FURTHER DETAILS. ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY MEDICAL DECISIONS.