Actinic Keratosis Cream

Description:

The combination of fluorouracil and salicylic acid (FU/SA) is prescribed in a topical solution or cream for treating actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinoma, psoriasis, viral warts, and other dermatological conditions. For actinic keratoses a cream with 0.5% fluorouracil and 10% salicylic acid is used. The FU/SA combination is not commercially available in the United States and can only be obtained from a compounding pharmacy. In Europe and Canada, 5-FU-SA is sold under the brand name Actikerall.

Fluorouracil and Salicylic Acid Topical

A topical cream is most often used for preventing skin growths from becoming cancerous and is made with a combination of fluorouracil and salicylic acid. Fluorouracil inhibits cell growth so that actinic keratoses do not develop into skin cancer. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic and works to remove the top layer of skin so that the fluorouracil can be more effective.

5-FU-SA Dosages and Application

The combination that is often prescribed for actinic keratoses is a low-dose-FU 0.5% with SA 10%, but higher dosages of fluorouracil are available. Retinoic acid (RA) in place of salicylic acid has a similar effect and is prescribed in 0.025%, 0.05%, or 0.1% strengths. Many dosage strengths and combinations of ingredients are possible as each prescription is custom-made by our compounding pharmacy. Results with any of these creams may not be noticed for at least six weeks after starting treatment.

The 5-FU-SA cream should be applied to the actinic keratoses once daily until the lesions have completely cleared. For most patients the cream should not be used for more than 12 weeks. When applying the cream, the entire lesion should be covered along with about half a centimeter of the surrounding healthy skin.

Articles

• Actikerall™ (5-Fluorouracil 0.5% and Salicylic Acid 10%) Topical Solution for Patient-directed Treatment of Actinic Keratoses. – Skin Therapy Letter