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What Causes Severe Itching After Using Fluorouracil Cream?

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Posted on Tue, 30 Jun 2015
Question: My doctor has me using fluourourcil cream...5% on my entire face. I am 76 yrs. old and have a long history
of having basal cells removed. After 2 weeks I look like I've got some awful disease! My problem is the
itching. Is there anything I can use to relieve it? I've thought about benedril. Thanks, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (54 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Discontinue the cream, take antihistamine

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

I am sorry you are having this reaction. I advise that you discontinue the cream and call the prescribing doctor (is he/she a dermatologist?) and tell him about the reaction you are having.

If your whole face is itching (or is it your whole body now?), try an oral antihistamine. One of the best for skin itching is Zyrtec (generic is ceterizine). It is take once a day, and for some it can be sedating initially, so take it at bedtime. If you prefer non-sedating, try either Claritin or Allegra (not the combo with decongestant, i.e. not Zyrtec-D, Claritin-D, Allegra-D).

Zyrtec usually works as well as Benadryl but lasts longer and is usually less sedating than Benadryl.

But stop that cream until you are able to discuss it with your doctor. It sounds like you are having a reaction to it.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further clarification or information.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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What Causes Severe Itching After Using Fluorouracil Cream?

Brief Answer: Discontinue the cream, take antihistamine Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX I am sorry you are having this reaction. I advise that you discontinue the cream and call the prescribing doctor (is he/she a dermatologist?) and tell him about the reaction you are having. If your whole face is itching (or is it your whole body now?), try an oral antihistamine. One of the best for skin itching is Zyrtec (generic is ceterizine). It is take once a day, and for some it can be sedating initially, so take it at bedtime. If you prefer non-sedating, try either Claritin or Allegra (not the combo with decongestant, i.e. not Zyrtec-D, Claritin-D, Allegra-D). Zyrtec usually works as well as Benadryl but lasts longer and is usually less sedating than Benadryl. But stop that cream until you are able to discuss it with your doctor. It sounds like you are having a reaction to it. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further clarification or information.