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Side Effects of Prescription Skin Cancer Lotion

Skin cancer is the unchecked growth of malignant cells in the skin, which can spread to other organs in your body. Basal cell carcinoma is in the cells of the deepest skin layer. Squamous cell cancer is located in the center layer of the skin. Melanoma, the least common but most dangerous skin cancer, is located in the melanocytes, or pigment cells, in the skin. Treatment of these conditions includes the use of chemotherapy applied to the skin in creams.

  1. Fluorouracil

    • Topical Fluorouracil is sold under the trade name Efudex and is prescribed for prevention and treatment of basal cell carcinoma due to sun damage. It is also prescribed for treatment of actinic keratoses, which is dry scaly patches that sometimes change to skin cancer. The same medicine is given intravenously to treat colon, rectal, breast, stomach and pancreatic cancer. Don't use Fluorouracil if you are pregnant, likely to become pregnant or are nursing. Don't get the cream in your eyes, nose or mouth or over areas with cuts or scrapes. Wash your hands before and after using the cream. Don't use cosmetics or other skin products over fluorouracil, but do apply sunscreen when going outside as your skin will be more sensitive to sunlight.

    Side Effects of Fluorouracil

    • The most common side effects of Fluorouracil are redness, itching and burning, tenderness, scaling and crusting as well as swelling where the cream is applied to the skin. Topical Fluorouracil does not usually cause more severe symptoms and so you are unlikely to experience nausea, vomiting or joint and muscle pain. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any allergic reaction such as hives, swelling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness or difficulty breathing. Also call your doctor if you see any drainage that could be pus, or experience less common side effects such as fever, chills, stomach pain or diarrhea.

    Imiquimod

    • Imiquimod is sold under the brand names Aldara and Zyclara. It is used to treat genital and rectal warts as well as actinic keratoses and basal cell carcinoma. Generally you are directed to use Imiquimod at bedtime, so wash your hands before and after applying the cream and apply to an area no larger than your forehead or cheek. Don't bathe, swim or shower after applying the cream and wash it off after the prescribed amount of time.

    Imiquimod Side Effects

    • The most common side effects of Imiquimod are redness, flaking, scaling, dryness and scabbing in the area where you apply the cream. You may notice changes in the color of your skin where it was treated. Headache, muscle pain, diarrhea or a flu-like feeling are less common side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction, especially difficulty breathing, or severe swelling, pain or burning in the area where you applied the cream.

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