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Oldfart and other Efudex users-- years of sun abuse
Last Post 07/28/2013 08:41 PM by Doug Sheppard. 6 Replies.
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Dale

Posts:1767

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07/27/2013 09:18 AM
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Dale

Posts:1767

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07/27/2013 09:18 AM
I'm now paying for 5+ decades of little, if any sunscreen and a life time of playing outdoors.

Had some spots on my hands and arms removed via liquid nitrogen a couple weeks ago. Doc told me he wants me to use efudex on my forehead and temples later this year when I'm not outside all the time.

What am I in for?
Oldfart

Posts:511

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07/27/2013 11:30 AM
It can be pretty painful. I was supposed to apply the efudex twice a day for six weeks. Not bad for my scalp. Took about two weeks to notice isn't effect. Then it hurt when applying the cream but nothing a cyclist can't hack. Itchy at times and it was only the last few days where applying the cream was painful. Then I treated my face and ears. Screwed up bad. I went for a three hour ride with friends in the spring. I applied a Sunscreen with SPF 50 thinking that would be sufficient. Nope. Efudex is photosensitive and that sped up the process and I had to stop after only a week. Scabby, cracked and bleeding. Face swollen. Initially the dermatologist said I would have to let my face heal and go back to it until I got six weeks in. Fortunately at the next visit to the dermo she said I was good.

Forearms were in between in terms pain and burning feel. The folds inside the elbow are bad because the skin gets crusty and tight so it hurts to flex. I lasted four weeks on the left arm and five on the right. Again I went out for ride in too much sun on the left arm I wore a pair of Sugoi arm chillers but they did not protect enough.

Currently I am at week four of doing the scalp again. Just a little itchy. Dermo said I needed to do it again on my scalp as there were a few spots that needed killing.

The other side effect for me is that I have trouble sleeping. Not from just the pain of moving a treated arm but some other side effect. I'll wake up five times between 10 and 3 then be awake at 6. Or 5. But the end is in sight. Not doing the fondo this year because I am way too tired and have little energy. I have tried sleeping pills and the ones I tried did nothing at all. I have had to undergo retail therapy to get excited enough to ride my bike. Hence the new helmets with few vents. Just put a new f29 CTD on the hard tail and an XX1 kit too. Going riding today.
Dale

Posts:1767

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07/27/2013 12:54 PM
It sounds like I'll get off easy-- two week twice a day just on the forehead and temples. Nasty stuff-- it's chemotherapy for the skin

You youngsters out there use your sunblock or you'll be swapping war stories a few years hence
jacques_anquetil

Posts:245

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07/27/2013 08:32 PM
thanks for the skin-protection tips, old farts.
zootracer

Posts:835

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07/28/2013 02:22 PM
I had a basal cell carcinoma tumor (nonmalignant) removed from my face last year. In was alongside my nose, below my left eye. I've spent my entire life outside. People always comment on my deep tan, but I tell them the sun is a killer. Keep an eye on small growths and if something concerns you see a doctor.
The Short White Guy™

Posts:56

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07/28/2013 08:41 PM
Posted By ed custer on 07/28/2013 02:22 PM
I had a basal cell carcinoma tumor (nonmalignant) removed from my face last year. In was alongside my nose, below my left eye. I've spent my entire life outside. People always comment on my deep tan, but I tell them the sun is a killer. Keep an eye on small growths and if something concerns you see a doctor.

Had the same thing myself, but it was on my left clavicle.

I take (and have taken) 50mg's of HCTZ for 30-35 years. While it is a great masking agent, it does not help with the skin when it comes to the UV's.
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