Im using Efudix at the moment for multiple AK on my head and back. The skin gets very hot and sore in the last week of treatment. The sun aggravates this. Putting suncream on top of treated area risks diluting the Efudix. A hat with brim is what is needed. Not just during treatment or on holiday but all the time. You are highly likely to have other sun damaged areas of skin. Which with more exposure to UV will progress to AKs. Possibly BCC or SCC over time. Take care of all your skin or risk future skin cancers, like me. 

Ed

Thanks, Ed. The Dr didn't explain how uncomfortable the treatment could be. I've done a bit more research to see what it will be like, and I think I'll have to have it until after the holiday, as I can't risk it being really bad and not having access to my Dr. Also, even with a big hat, I can't imagine not being able to put sunscreen on it, as I use that everyday now (pity I didn't do that fifty years ago, but I can't change that!).

Thanks for your advice, and I wish you good health

You don't say whether you are male or female. If female, I suggest that whilst on holiday you have a UV50 sun parasol to use whilst walking around. I can't live without mine because it not only stops my head sweating if I wear a hat, it also covers the upper body (in case I've missed a bit of chest or shoulders with the sunscreen).

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Hi jnbrib

Probably a good plan to postpone the efudix until after your holiday. 2 tips on applying efudix to your head . Dont apply in the evening as it will rub off on your pillow and end up on your eyelids. Very distressing. if you apply in morning thoroughly wash the area before bed. At the end of treatment you can use over the counter hydrocortisone 1% cream to help reduce inflammation and cool the affected  area.I too wish we had known about excessive sun exposure 50 years ago but it was not a thing back then. Even though people do now know many still get sun burned skin. Enjoy your holiday and keep well.

Ed

Thanks for taking the time to reply Angie. I'm a female, so that's an option for me too!

Wishing you well. 

Thanks Ed, I'll get some cream in so that I'm ready for the end of treatment.

1. I have treated quite a few areas of AK over the last few years with Efudix  I certainly would wait till after your holiday as it can be painful towards the end of the treatment and once erosion has occurred make sure the area treated is kept well away from the sun and factor 50 applied daily I am so careful in the sun these days as mine are due to sunbathing most of my life I use a gradual tanning cream these days and stay under the brolly when abroad 

Hi AnxiousBetty. Can I ask what you mean by 'when erosion has occured' please? Is this when I've finished the four weeks?  Also, may seem like a stupid question, but I assume that during treatment, as well as wearing a hat, can I still apply my suncream to the other parts of my face that aren't being treated (as I've been told to apply it to 1cm square only), as I'm used to doing this several times a day?

Sorry for all the questions.  My consultation with the Dr was about a mole (which is fine) and I mentioned this patch of skin, resulting in the AK diagnosis. So, the need for treatment was a complete surprise, and I didn't get the chance to ask questions.  This thread is so useful, as hearing from people who have gone through this is much better than just reading about it.