I Am 7 Weeks Post Treatment with Carac Cream for Actinic Keratosis.
asked 11 months ago by BrookeinCO in Colorado
Latest answer by Mary Lupo, MD
Question viewed 347 times
Tags: actinic keratosis, cream, treatment
The treated area is still fairly pink. What is the maximum length of time it could take to fade to normal skin color? I need to be prepared. Also, should the area be moisturized every day? I know a sunblock is mandatory. Thank you.
3 answers to I Am 7 Weeks Post Treatment with Carac Cream for Actinic Keratosis.
+1
Carac is great for AK
You did not say how the Carac was prescibed. I usually use it in pulse dosing: one week per month for 3-4 months. I have found this gives less side effects, but still works to remove both visible and sub-clinical actinic keratoses. Imiquimod is another option to treat these precancers without cryosurgery or curretage. In addition to sunscreen, try oral Heliocare and a topical antioxidant like Revale Intense Recovery.
+1
5-FU (Carac or Efudex) Works for AK But You've Got to Tough it Out!
Carac is .5% fluorouracil (aka 5-FU) while the original 5-FU, Efudex cream is 5% concentration. Both are effective for actinic keratoses (AK), although the treatment isnt the easiest to tolerate. In other words, unless one gets to the point of a reasonably severe inflammatory reaction (redness, crusting, maybe oozing, scabs, etc), the AK ("precancer of the skin") will usually not be eradicated.
Therefore, you've got to tough it out, as per your...
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Sandy Martin, MD
Fort Myers Dermatologist
Fort Myers Dermatologist
+1
Red from carac
You can be pink for a few months so do not despair. Some stay pink for even six months. Depends on your skin.You must have had a good reaction. Don't forget the sunscreen DAILY.
