Efudex Day Nine

May 22, 2013

Pretty much the same as yesterday, feels like a major sunburn (without the heat). and maybe a little more redness and prickly feeling on face and neck.

I've been using a cool rung wash cloth to dab on my face and neck and then the Eucerin Aquaphor healing ointment to help soothe the itching and prickling.

Efudex Day Eight

May 21, 2013

Ok, Efudex has kicked off week two with a little more burn. I really feel it on my cheeks and neck, but still tolerable. I'm feeling better today, not as tired, and have to remember to take my vitamins, drink lots of water, and get lots of rest...my body is working hard to fight against the Efudex attack.

Efudex Days Six and Seven

May 19, 2013

Day 6 was tough in the sense that I was a little sick to my stomach and just wanted to sleep. I'm not sure it it was related to the Efudex or I was just exhausted. No pictures for day 6, and really no significant change from day 5.

May 20, 2013

Day 7 my face is more red. It is burning, itchy, yet tolerable...it is my neck that is driving me crazy with the itching. Day 7 was another sleeping day so I just laid low and took it easy. The warm weather (even in the shade) intensifies the burning and itching, and have notices my face gets "sweaty" for lack of a better word. It's not drippy sweating, but more like when you put sunscreen on your face and then you go in the sun and your face beads up with sweat. I've been dabbing gently, not wiping, with a tissue.

Note: The Eucerin Aquaphor is really helping to keep my lips, eyes, and nose creases protected from the oh so drying Efudex! I highly recommend it.

Efudex Day Five - The cream is kicking in

May 18, 2013

Things are starting to flare up, face is a bit red, itchy, dry (after washing and before applying cream). The area between my eye brows feels like a road rash (sorry the pictures is not showing what I'm talking about, but trust me, the cream is kicking in). Every area I've applied the Efudex cream (face, ears, neck and chest) is sensitive to the sun and heat (warm weather).

Areas with significant changes due to the Efudex cream:

• the area between my eye brows closest to the right brow
• spot to the right of my nose, just under my eye
• cheeks

Efudex Day Four - My Morning Routine

May 17, 2013

My morning routine

6:15 shower, wash face, neck, and chest (giving a little scrub with a soft face brush while I can).

6:45 coffee, watch the news, and get my 3 year old ready for school while my face dries thoroughly.

7:30 apply Efudex on face, ears, neck and chest

As my face was drying, I realized how dry and itchy my face and chest was. I was actually looking forward to applying the Efudex cream because it makes it greasy.

Here are day four pictures with Efudex applied. Not much change, but getting a little itchier (is that a word?)

Efudex Day Three

May 16, 2013

Washed face and took pictures before applying Efudex cream.

This morning I did notice some rough spots around the inside of my eyebrows (closest to my nose) and on the darker spots on my cheeks, just under my eyes...exactly the areas of my concern! Not much redness, and some itching. Oh, and by the way, I started using the cream on my décolleté...that is really itchy!

Pictures later in the afternoon with Efudex cream on...makes face look greasy. I think the cream amplifies the redness, plus the lighting makes a difference. But still not too much change.

Efudex Days One and Two

Day 1 before applying Efudex

May 14, 2013

I know you're probably here to see what I look like after the first application of Efudex, but honestly you won't see too significant of a change for the first 3-5 days. But please continue to read because I let you in on some tips and tricks I've masterminded.

Since I had two weeks before I received my prescription, I had a lot of time to do some research online and devise a plan. After seeing dry cracked and burnt lips, noses, and eyes, and learning about the number of people who needed prescription pain killers to tolerate the pain, my goal was to endure the least amount of pain possible and to avoid getting the Efudex cream on any part of my face that would later wreak havoc. 

My approach was similar to one I take when I wax my eyebrows (sorry guys, you may not be able to relate, but you'll get the idea). I put vaseline on the areas around my eyes to create a barrier where I don't want wax to drip, e.g. my eyelashes, eyelids, and under my eyes. When applying Efudex, I use Eucerin's Aquaphor around my eyes, creases around my nose, and around the edges of my lips (recommended by my dermatologist to soothe dry cracking areas while using Efudex), and if I accidentally get the Efudex cream closer to my eye than I wanted,  I use a Q-Tip to easily remove the Efudex cream. I must say it is a grand plan!!

Helpful Tips: Wash your hands. Wear latex gloves when applying. Use Q-Tips to apply to smaller areas or use Q-Tip to lightly tap on an area where you have an itch.

So, I started the medication in the evening (only got one dose that day). I washed my face as usual with a soap-free wash, but as my face becomes more sensitive, I plan to use the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (it won't disturb your skin's natural Ph, which I think might be key as your face changes with Efudex). I waited about 15 minutes and applied Efudex. An hour later, there was a little bit of tingling and I had a slight headache and upset stomach when I went to bed (could've just been my nerves).

I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, so it will be interesting to see how I do compared to what I've seen online.

May 15, 2013

A little more tingling, some itching, a little more redness.

Day 2 with Efudex (make face a little greasy)