Taz/Efudux routine: applying both creams together for 14 days

It’s been about a year since I last did the taz/Efudux routine on my arms. Now that it’s winter in New Zealand I’m going to do another round as I’ve had new spots appear on my hands, sadly they are very red and noticeable. I will chronicle the results of my treatment here.

I tried using the wart removal freeze kit that has worked for many but my spots didn’t even blister up. So I have had to use concealer to hide the spots on my hands. Here’s a list of concealers that work.

hand with DSAP spots

I even have a spot on my finger

DSAP spot on finger

In the past I have tried the Taz/Efudux routine in the traditional way– 14 days Taz followed by 14 days of Efudux. Quite honestly, I usually never finished the last 14 days because I couldn’t tell that the Fluorouacil (efudux) was actually doing anything.

Someone told me about doing them together because Fluorouacil (efudux) is a skin cancer treatment and until you make the skin cells look ‘weird’ enough by nuking them with Taz, the Efudux can’t really help.  I also like the idea of having the whole thing done (not including healing) in 14 days.

About 5 days ago I started the treatment applying one cream in the morning and the other cream at night. The photos below are from day 2. At that point there had been no change. I normally never see a change until about day 10 and then it all becomes very red, itchy and painful looking. Here are some photos from the last time I tried it out.

The spots on my forearms are plentiful, but they have been nuked so many times they are not red or noticeable, but I can feel them. The ones you can see below are on the back of my upper arm.

spotsspots 3

I will continue to post the results of this experiment here.

July 19,2015

I have now finished the treatment.  I didn’t see any change at all until about day 11 which is consistent with the other times I have done this treatment.

What is different  this time is that I applied Tazorac and Flourouacil together, one in the morning and one in the evening.

But the results have been underwhelming.  I don’t know if the lackluster results had something to do with this combination of creams or if my spots weren’t as bad as last year.  After 14 days last year I had many scabs and it looked quite raw, this time it’s just a few scabs and some flaky skin. The disappointing thing is that it didn’t affect the ones on my hands at all, so I’ll keep applying.

The conclusion to my experiment is somewhat inconclusive.

1) Did the Fluorouacil (efudux) minimize the development of the scabs? For some this may be a good thing. This time the itchiness and discomfort overall was very mild. But at the same time if you’re going to bother with it you want the treatment to nuke as many lesions as possible.

2) Or were the unremarkable results because I had done this treatment just the year before.

One conclusion I can draw, at least for myself, is that these creams don’t affect spots on hands or feet.  I’ll keep trying, but i have tried several times before without any luck.

Another conclusion I can draw is that for me, the Fluorouacil (efudux) doesn’t do much at all. When I did 14 days Tazorac and 14 days Efudux I saw no changes after starting the Efudux

Next up is legs. This time I’ll skip the Efudux and just use Taz.  It’s been a couple of years since i did legs and so they need it. In my experience the thighs get good good results but the calves not so much.

Here are some photos.

1

Day 12

22 comments on “Taz/Efudux routine: applying both creams together for 14 days

  1. So nice to hear others story about there DSAP. I use a scrub from bath and bodybworks – it is the eucalyptus and spearmint crib in a tube not in a container. It works perfectly! I also will use a pumice from time to time.
    Will be using that 2 cream fix in the winter appreciate the informational website! God bless.!

  2. I really started suffered from this the last couple years. I’m 42. My dermatologist gave me Diclofenac Sodium Gel 3%. After that gel dries I apply a 100 spf sunscreen and that seems to be reducing some of the inflammation in my arms. There is obviously an underlying issue that is causing the skin inflammation though. It’s prompted by extreme sensitivity to the sun, but I’m going to try going to an integrative md that can test hormone levels and see if this is a systemic result of me getting closer to menopause and tissue not being able to repair itself due to hormone loss.

  3. Just wondering if this eliminates the feeling as well. I’m not sure if the rest of you feel it but I feel a burning or tingling sensatuon. I want the cosmetic outcome but also to get rid of this sensation. Did it work and for how long? Thanks. I did 2 rounds of pdt last year. It was somewhat successful according to my derm but a year later it’s springing up again. Does the Taz/eff protocol at least contain it longer ? It’s so frustrating. I’m afraid to try anything out of fear of it getting worse.

  4. My dermatologist just did two biopsies – one on my arm and one on my leg on Monday. I will know on Thursday if DSAP is what I have… If it is he is sending me to Wake Forest University to see what they have up their sleeve (no pun intended). Could someone tell me what the Taz/Eff is and has anyone ever had the QSwitched Ruby Laser Removal?

  5. Hi Everyone. I was on this (or perhaps another DSAP forum) about 11 years ago.. I started with this idea to apply Taz for a period of time then apply the efudex for more time.. this was on my own, I wasn’t sure my doctor would approve at the time.. I got the taz for my face and efudex for the DSAP.. I was terrified when I developed this condition and I researched obsessively for about 6 months.. I took photos of my progress (I’m still trying to find them), reported to the forum and eventually just stopped commenting when I was done with my treatment and theory.. here’s what happened..

    I’m an esthetician so I figured taz would peel off the top layers of my skin so the efudex could take effect without having to fight through layers and layers of dermis.. Inapplies the taz for about 12 to 14 days (I think, again it’s been a while) I did it until my legs were raw, red, and peeling… I remember they had a bunch of tiny red bumps everywhere (aside from DSAP spots) I then stopped and started the efudex (holy ouch) I think I did this twice a day for about 12-14 days as long as I could stand it.. every DSAP spot was inflamed, I looked like a burn victim, there was bruising, purple, puss, it was awful… then I stopped.. I ate salmon for a month straight, thy healed quickly (it took a couple months for the red scars, discoloration like you would see from a burn victim healing new skin) but they were gone.. soft, no borders no DSAP not even most freckles. It lasted about 8-9 years where I could go in my swim suit, shirt shorts skirts etc.. I will not be a hermit and live in darkness (I could’ve stayed out of the sun but as you all probably know, that’s a hard promise) I felt I had to post here because I know how difficult this is mentally. I know how awful I feel about myself when I can’t wear a pair of shorts.. I was 30 yers old when I did this the first time.. I’m about to do it again, it’s time.. they do come back but it was well worth it.. I got a lot of free years from the process..

    Now, I want to the doc after I was done with the efudex and she was shocked, she did advise me to come back to her if I ever had to do it again. I just checked in with her and she wrote me my RX and gave me a pat on the back:) so here I go again.. yuck… at least this time I don’t have a new baby and a new puppy!

    For the record I did my legs first, skipping any crevasse or folds like the back of knees (big big owie) once I turned off the efudex on legs I moved to my arms (again skipping inner elbows)

    I had to share. Also, I’m typing this on a cell phone so please excuse any grammatical errors!

    • Not “purple puss” I’m so sorry. There were purple bruises everywhere, pus coming from DSAP spots, inflammation.. it was tender and painful.. ugh

  6. Kym,
    Thanks so much for your information. I’ve been using Fluorouracil for 12 days now and my legs are burning so bad. After many years and many different dermatologists, I was finally diagnosed with DSAP. I used the Tretinoin cream for two weeks and then began Fluorouracil. I certainly hope this cream works as well as it did last spring. I have noticed that I have an outbreak of new spots and lots of redness after I have a steroid shot. I had no spots on my legs until I went to the doctor for sinus infection and seven days later for bronchitis. I received steroid shots both visits. Within two days my legs were covered from my thighs to my feet. Before my diagnosis, my doctor thought I was having a reaction to antibiotics. After many visits and keeping many notes, we have decided that my DSAP blooms after steroids. I have eliminated any medication with steroids from my medicine list. After the creams last spring, I didn’t have another breakout until January of this year. I used 50 block all summer and it worked well. We have a pool and I didn’t stop living but I don’t “lay out” in direct sunlight. I try to keep under an umbrella or shade. I have noticed more spots since I turned 48. I am now 51 and I’ve been battling it hard for about 3 years. I wish there was a magic cure. I just don’t understand it. The doctor tells me it is genetic but I don’t know of anyone else in my family with this. I was told my grandmother may have had it but we can’t confirm it.

    • I am only 36 and have had it since my early 30’s I haven’t done much to treat it because most of them do not get red. I have had cryotherapy on some. Some on my arms do get red and when something like shaving or a strong lotion irritates them. But the main reason for my response is I was put on antibiotics strong dose for a kidney infection and all of the spots on my legs became really red! It was weird.

      • Maybe it’s because of steroids? I’m not sure if antibiotics would have steroids… I’m sorry you have this.. it’s extremely difficult and feels isolating at times for me.

  7. I think you’re on the right track.. my doctor has wanted to do steroid injections for my back pain many times, but I read so much about the adverse reactions with DSAP patients.. I refuse to get the shots:) As far as genetics, my father has it.. he didn’t bask in the sun as I did so it’s really just on his lower arms and a few on his lower legs.. I applaud you for sticking to the Taz Ef routine… it’s extremely difficult, not only physically but also mentally.. something about continuing to apply the ef every day when you’re already in pain and oozing messes with my mind.. However, it was worth it for me… Im 41 now and I’ve lived in Oregon all my life, not many DSAP folks here:) I’m thinking of starting in a few days too (our summer doesn’t typically start till July) so I’ll keep you posted.. my hat is off to you.. good luck and steer clear of steroids.. oh and I’m allergic to sunblock so no luck there..

  8. Do you apply to your entire legs? I do.. the only part I avoid is the back of knees.. big, big owie.. some tends to get in there no matter what but I really try to avoid.. I’ve only done this one time many years ago… it worked really well for me… I was back to my normal self ( not perfect skin, but damn near close, enough where I didn’t obsess about it) I could go out in my swim suit and not worry which was awesome because I’m an avid wakeboarder and in close proximity to people on boats and stuff.. I hope I get the same results and the same amount of years.. I hope you do too!

    • Kim, my name is Jay. I did the Taz, Efudex routine on my legs three years ago and had to stop because the pain was so excruciating. I was about 12 Days in. It was on my legs. Do you by chance have any before and after photos?

      • Hi Jay, I did have photos, I do, I documented every step actually. Unfortunately it was about 11 years ago and I am in the process of trying to get all my photos off of an old hard drive (even my kids photos)

        It was the most painful thing I’ve ever had to do.. I think the emotional part was about the same as the physical part.. Just getting my head to reapply a poison that’s burning me was hard enough.. I was very happy with the results tho and it lasted till about this summer. This was the first summer I didn’t feel comfortable wearing shorts or skirts again.. so.. I’m all stocked up on taz and efudex and about to do the entire process again.. I’m going to start after Thanksgiving. I’m not sure if I will start with legs or arms yet.. it gets enflamed, it oozes, it feels like a 3rd degree burn on entire extremities with bruising and swelling.. then it heals… pretty fast actually.. however, it took about 4-5 months for the skin to fully turn over, but for me, the 10-11 years was worth it.. I will keep you guys updated.. the entire process is about 40 days probably? If I remember right.. I just have to wait and see after I start with the taz 2 times a day.. after skin all peeling and raw I start with the efudex two times a day until I can’t take it any longer.

        **Writing from my phone, please excuse grammar.

        • Kym,

          Any update on how it worked the second time? I am having the worst flare up yet, at 55. Up until now, Amlactin lotion would keep it under control unless I spent any time in the sun. I had never had a diagnosis, but knew what it was because my sister has it too. Went to the dermatologist last week and she prescribed applying Taz mixed with CeraVe SA lotion 1x per day and Efudux 2x per day. I’m on Day 3 and haven’t noticed much of anything other than they are still very itchy, red and inflamed.

  9. Oh and I was covered with them.. I didn’t just have a few spots.. arms and legs covered.. ugh it’s depressing for sure..

  10. I have had DSAP for many years. I did get sunburned many times when I was young. In early 1977, I had been painting my house with oil based paint. I used gasoline to remove it from my arms, because I could not get the paint off with anything else (dumb!). I moved to Missouri from California in the summer of 1977, and I had severe itching on my forearm just above my elbow. I figured the gas was probably the cause. The itchy area was about three to four inches long and two inches wide. It itched so bad, and the doctor diagnosed it as contact dermatitis (wrong). I went to another (older) doctor, and he said it was a sun allergy. He did a biopsy, and it came back as DSAP. Over the years, the DSAP spread over my entire arm area. At first I did not have it on my legs, but later on I did. Now at 74, I have it all over my lower legs and on all areas on my arms. I also have some on my shoulders. I have had them burned of many of them over the years, because they were pre-cancerous. The last time I had them burned off of my legs, they turned very red after healing, and they are still red. I generally do not get in the sun for any length of time, and I always wear long pants. I usually wear long sleeved shirts too. If I do get in the sun, my arms itch so bad that I cannot stand it. I was told that my paternal grandmother had this, but I don’t remember seeing anything this bad on her.

  11. I have been struggling with DSAP for decades. I’m now 63 and trying the taz/efudex protocol for the first time. My previous dermatologist only suggested freezing them with liquid nitrogen, but I have so many that it began to just feel futile to do that any longer. I changed dermatologists and was excited to learn that this protocol may make the lesions go away or at least be less noticeable. so I decided to get started right away even though summer is beginning. (I’m shopping for anything long sleeved!!) However, after reading about the experiences of others I’m nervous that it not only will be painful but not successful! Thank you to all who have shared their experiences, tips, and stories. It truly does help to know that there are others ‘out there’ who are seeking a cure and understand.

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