Short-term intensive 5-fluorouracil treatment of actinic keratoses.
BACKGROUND
5-Fluorouracil therapy is an efficacious treatment for actinic keratoses. However, the prolonged courses of therapy traditionally prescribed are unpleasant, uncomfortable, and can lead to noncompliance.


OBJECTIVE
To treat patients with shorter courses of 5-fluorouracil therapy.


METHODS
5-Fluorouracil cream or solution is applied four times daily for periods varying between 7 and 21 days, depending upon the body location.


RESULTS
The same brisk inflammatory reaction and clearing of the majority of actinic keratoses associated with longer courses of application twice daily is realized.


CONCLUSIONS
5-Fluorouracil can be applied four times daily for shorter periods of time, resulting in clearing of actinic keratoses and patient acceptability.
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Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale, USA.
D000287:Administration, Topical; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007642:Keratosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009824:Ointments; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors
D009824:Ointments; D005472:Fluorouracil