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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Brown Discoloration On The Face While Using Fluorouracil Cream?

My 90 year old mother has been using fluorouracil 5% topical cream for precancerous skin lesions on one side of her fact for two weeks. The whole side of her face is now a crusty brownish/black scab. I assume she should stop using the cream now. The area is uncomfortable, itches, and is extremely irritating! Would it be okay to use vitamin A & D ointment on it? or is there something else she can use to sooth the area?
Fri, 5 May 2017
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM.
It sounds like your mother is very uncomfortable.
Yes, you should stop using the fluorouracil cream now.
I would not suggest using A&D ointment on this lesion.
Hopefully there is no infection of the skin of the face, because this would be a very serious condition - so please watch your mother for signs or redness on the face, swelling, actual pain or fever. If any of these develop she needs immediate medical attention.
The crusty brownish/black scab which has formed will likely take time to heal and will fall off. You can try using a mild steroid cream to help the itching/discomfort - hydrocortisone 1% - or any cortisone cream you can get over the counter - they are mild potency steroid creams. Do not use any strong steroid creams on the face.
And you should take your mother to be seen by the doctor who prescribed her the fluorouracil treatment as soon as possible.

I hope you find my answer helpful.
Regards and best health to your mother.

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What Causes Brown Discoloration On The Face While Using Fluorouracil Cream?

Hello and welcome to HCM. It sounds like your mother is very uncomfortable. Yes, you should stop using the fluorouracil cream now. I would not suggest using A&D ointment on this lesion. Hopefully there is no infection of the skin of the face, because this would be a very serious condition - so please watch your mother for signs or redness on the face, swelling, actual pain or fever. If any of these develop she needs immediate medical attention. The crusty brownish/black scab which has formed will likely take time to heal and will fall off. You can try using a mild steroid cream to help the itching/discomfort - hydrocortisone 1% - or any cortisone cream you can get over the counter - they are mild potency steroid creams. Do not use any strong steroid creams on the face. And you should take your mother to be seen by the doctor who prescribed her the fluorouracil treatment as soon as possible. I hope you find my answer helpful. Regards and best health to your mother.