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Actinic keratosis

Skygirl
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I have had a scaly patch on my face, right cheek for sometime and never thought much of it.  it would be itchy, sometime sore and other times scaly and flaky,  if it was I tended to just pick it off thinking it was dryness.  My GP prescribed some moisturiser which did not good really.  

Anyhow the outcome of this was on my last medical review she fast tracked me for skin cancer ! which needless to say was somewhat alarming.

I had my appointment Monday and saw dermatologist who on examination wrote 

1cm erythematous scaly patch right cheek

No sinister features under dermoscopy today

Appears Actinic

Pigmented lesion   NO

Asymmetry  Yes

Irregular Network No

3 or more colours No

Veil/scarring No.

She has given me a prescription for Efudix (Nocte) for four weeks.

says apply once a day, but on reading up it seems is mostly applied twice a day, I am tempted to use twice as I want this cleared up as soon as possible 

Please could someone explain this examination as I have not a clue what it means  ?

Actinic Keratosis, is this not pre-cancerous. 

Just need more information please ? 

Any help much appreciated. 

  • Offline

    Hi Sky

    Actinic keratosis is usually caused by over exposure to sunlight which causes DNA damage to cells. Yes it can be pre cancerous Efudix should kill off the damaged skin cells and new healthy skin will grow back. Use it as directed once a day as prescribed by your doctor who has taken into consideration your individual circumstances.

    You are at risk of further AKs so protect your skin from the sun. Clothing hats suncream avoid midday sun. You will be fine.

    Ed

  • Offline in reply to Farmer_Ed

    Thank you for your reply.  Do you know how long it might take for the healthy skin to grow back please ? 

  • Offline in reply to Skygirl

    Hi Sky

    At the end of the 4 weeks your skin will be sore red crusty. You can use over the counter 1% hydrocortisone  ream to cool down the inflamation. After a couple months your skin should look good again. Keep out of the sun during treatment. And importantly protect your skin always.

    Ed

  • Offline in reply to Farmer_Ed

    7 days and I feel as if my face is on fire !!  Really red reaction and burning,  I have a horrible feeling some of the cream might have spread on to other areas as well.

    I also have rosacea so am trying to apply that on the red areas with the Efudix on the other,  it's really very very difficult.  I am not sure about using any other creams as will this also have a bad reaction. 

    I found a little vaseline has helped somewhat.  Wonder if I should see the GP just to check I am applying it ok ? 

  • Offline in reply to Skygirl

    HI skygirl

    • Looks like you are having a good reaction to Efudix which means it is working well and will get rid of the damaged skin cells. It doesnt matter if you spread it a bit outside the area as it will onlyy affect damaged skin. As it is on your face it is best to apply it in the morning as doing so at night risks getting it on your pillow then onto your eyelids and eyes which is miserable. One week down three to go well done. Make sure you finish the course of treatment. Ask your doctor about using hydrocortisone cream to reeduce the inflamation I found it worked for me.

      Ed

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