Editing Topical chemotherapy (section)

== 5-fluorouracil (Efudix) ==

* Stops DNA replication - cytotoxic
* Indications:
** Actinic or solar keratoses
** Superficial BCC
** SCC in situ - somewhat off-label use
* Limit treatment area to size of face - larger area possible than imiquimod
* Apply once or twice a day after washing with water
* Three-week regimen for facial skin. Can do longer, especially for SCC-in-situ.
* Practice strict sun protection. Can put on bland moisturiser 20 minutes after.
* Expect to develop an inflammatory reaction by day 5-7.
* Need to re-review at two weeks to ensure the patient isn't over-applying, which can lead to severe inflammation/necrosis
* If the skin gets a bit over-treated, use steroid creams and moisturisers to pull it back