CPAP and Efudex (Flourouracil) treatment

[TwoSleepy]

Learned the hard way that covering Flourouracil with a mask intensifies the effect/irritation (fortunately by day 7 of 14).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4949501/
http://www.spearpharma.com/actinic-keratoses/ item 5

Am using an old Breeze mask that doesn't contact the treatment area, but waking up way to much.

Does anyone know if it is safe to wear a mask over the treated area once application of the Flourouracil has stopped?

Thanks much.

[DeepBreathing]

I don't know the specific answer you're looking for, but you have my sympathy. That efudix is evil stuff - only slightly less than the cancer it treats.

Just surmising, I think you would need to wait until all the lesions have cleared up, which is usually some time after you stop application of the cream. You might get away with using a mask liner, which puts a layer of soft fabric between the mask and your skin.

[Sleeprider]

Twosleepy, assuming you discontinued use of the FU and you are comfortable any rash or reaction should not get worse. You might want to consider using a nasal pillow mask which would be less likely to impinge on any affected area. I have had a number of actinic keratoses removed but usually by cryotherapy. It is helpful to know about this. Thanks for posting the links.

[TwoSleepy]

For me, it's not the mask, it's the straps. I did both cheeks (totally red) and my forehead way up into my former hairline (splotchy). Pretty much any mask's straps would cover some part of it. My old Breeze with the original straps does not, but for some reason after midnight I'm waking every 30-45 minutes. It might even be some side effect of the treatment, as my machine claims good Leak and 3.6 AHI last night.

[jaswilliams]

For me, it's not the mask, it's the straps. I did both cheeks (totally red) and my forehead way up into my former hairline (splotchy). Pretty much any mask's straps would cover some part of it. My old Breeze with the original straps does not, but for some reason after midnight I'm waking every 30-45 minutes. It might even be some side effect of the treatment, as my machine claims good Leak and 3.6 AHI last night.

Supplier #31 Padacheek can provide strap covers for most masks maybe they will help ?

[snorybob]

If any problem occurs with your mask, you could look at the Bleep Dreamport CPAP mask.  


   sb.

[ajack]

Don't cover the treated area and I used almond oil as moisturizer. I wouldn't use a petroleum based one. What you do now, will pay dividends when week 3+ come around.

[Amclean13]

What about breathing in fumes of efudix as mask covers area with cream???

[Amclean13]

Has this been a concern to anyone?

[Sleeprider]

I have used Flourouracil therapy and was never aware of any fumes.  It is extremely irritating to the skin and penetrates deeply.