Can I use fluorouracil on my nose?

What is fluorouracil treating?

Fluorouracil treats actinic keratoses, which are rough, scaly patches caused by accumulated sun damage, and certain diagnosed skin cancers. It is not something to try on an unidentified nose spot. A dermatologist should examine a suspected actinic keratosis and check for skin cancer before choosing treatment. Fluorouracil is also called 5 FU, because even its name benefits from an abbreviation.345

How do I apply it safely?

1. 1Confirm which parts of your nose to treat. Apply across the prescribed area, not just the visible spots, but do not extend beyond it.
2. 2Wash your hands and clean the treatment area with plain water. Dry the skin well.
3. 3Gently spread a thin layer using a clean fingertip, gloved finger or cotton bud. Keep the cream away from your eyes, lips and nostril openings. Do not let it collect in the folds beside your nose, where irritation can be stronger.
4. 4Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. If cream gets into your eyes, mouth or nose, rinse well with water.
5. 5Leave the area uncovered unless your clinician specifically tells you to use a dressing. Avoid transferring the cream through contact with another person's skin.

How often should I use it?

Your formula and diagnosis determine the schedule. Treatment for actinic keratoses commonly involves application once or twice daily for 2 to 4 weeks, but other conditions and combination treatments have different courses. Follow your prescription rather than choosing a schedule yourself. For once daily cream, apply at night; for twice daily cream, apply morning and night. Do not double a missed dose. Efudix and Efudex are fluorouracil brand names, not competing entries in a spelling contest.1234

What should my nose look like during treatment?

Redness, tenderness and scaling often develop after 5 to 10 days. Crusting and peeling can follow as abnormal cells are destroyed. Expected redness alone is not a reason to abandon the prescribed course. Healing continues after treatment ends: new skin usually replaces the treated skin over 2 to 4 weeks, while complete healing can take 1 to 2 months. Arrange a review during treatment so your clinician can assess the reaction and decide when to stop.2356

When should I stop and get help?

Stop applying fluorouracil and contact your clinician if the area becomes very sore, intolerably uncomfortable, blistered or ulcerated. Ask before restarting or reducing applications. Seek immediate medical advice for severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, chills, mouth sores or eye pain. Trouble breathing or swelling of the mouth or throat needs emergency care.1357

Can I use my usual skincare?

Do not add other skin products or medicated creams without your prescriber's approval, including hydrocortisone to calm the reaction. If your clinician approves moisturizer or sunscreen, follow their timing instructions; some directions specify waiting 2 hours after fluorouracil. Avoid sunlight and tanning beds, and use a hat to protect your nose. Keep pets away from the tube, applicators and treated skin: fluorouracil can be fatal if they lick or swallow it.2467

Who needs extra precautions?

Do not use fluorouracil during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Discuss contraception and plans for pregnancy before starting, including how long contraception is needed afterwards. Tell your prescriber about all medicines and any DPD deficiency, a lack of an enzyme needed to break down fluorouracil that increases the risk of severe side effects. Sensitive skin can react more strongly. A spot that persists or returns needs reassessment, not an unsupervised repeat course.2357