Would it be possible to use Efudex Cream on my shoulders now?

Question

Hello! Efudex or other chemo creams. 25 yo female w hx of tanning beds and sunburns in a "past life" lol makes me cringe now.. & accidentally burnt my shoulders this past weekend playing kickball (SO unhappy and anxious about this). Have Had 3 MIS's removed, 1 on my shoulder. I haven't yet but I know I will obviously get the AK's and other cancers as I get older. I was wondering if It would be possible to use Efudex Cream on my shoulders now? Will this also help prevent melanoma in situ's? Thank you for any advice!

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  You are right to be concerned with your history of multiple skin cancers at such a young age, and my best advice is to keep as covered up as possible while enjoying an active and healthy lifestyle.  You can talk to your dermatologist about using efudex on the shoulders, but it is my understanding that if there are no active actinic keratoses, it is unlikely to make much of a difference in the future.  Please always use a quality sunscreen with broad spectrum protection, preferably with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide in it, and wear the UV protective clothing and bathing suits with rashguard long sleeve coverage.  There are lots of attractive options for sun protective clothing, and that will save you a lot of worry in the future.  Please also get regular skin exams from your dermatologist.  Take care!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

At 25 years of age your best prevention for skin cancer is to avoid sun exposure like the one you recently had. This means wearing protective clothing and daily sunscreen.

Prevention is far more effective than treatment which includes fluorouracil.(this drug is used as prophylaxis and treatment but it is primarily a treatment drug)

This medication will not prevent melanoma formation.

I suggest having regular visits with a dermatologist.

That is also the best provider to ask about treatment options including fluorouracil.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Would it be possible to use Efudex Cream on my shoulders now?

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Would it be possible to use Efudex Cream on my shoulders now?

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