I have red hair and fair skin that does not tan but freckles. When I was a kid sunscreen was not used or as available as it is today. During my childhood I received many sun burns that blistered and pealed. I’ve worked outside most of my adult life and have used sun screens; however, occasionally I still had too much over exposure to the sun. I am paying the price now.

I have been diagnosed with Actinic Keratosis (AK), a precancerous condition also known as solar keratosis,  a  result of prolonged exposure to sunlight.  I made several trips to the dermatologist and had quite a few spots removed with liquid nitrogen from my face and arms and then the doctor recommended a treatment of Efudex.

The skin on my forehead and temple area feels similar to a piece of worn out sandpaper.  My skin feels sensitive at times and when wearing a hat it irritates the skin on my forehead.  Inside and outside of my ears I have 3 or 4 places that feel like small scabs and about 10 on my face with a couple close to the edge of my eyes.  I also have Actinic Keratosis spots on my neck and arms.  The doctor recommended not treating all areas at once because it will be more then I can stand.  That is a little unnerving.

I am not looking forward to the Efudex treatment.  The following is a chronicle of my Efudex experience including a picture log of the progression of my treatment.  I am starting treatment on my face and ears first.