Carac Cream Description

Carac Cream belongs to the family of antimetabolite drugs prescribed to treat actinic keratosis (AK). These are scaly or crusted lesions on your skin that can develop from years of exposure to sunlight and are potentially precancerous. If these are left undiagnosed and untreated, up to 10% of AKs will develop into squamous cell carcinoma which is the second most common form of skin cancer, the first being basal cell carcinoma.

Many people are shocked to find out that long-term sun exposure effects from years ago have taken this long to appear. Once you notice any scaly lesions, see your doctor to have them checked out immediately. Treating AK early is the best way to prevent them from becoming malignant.

Carac Cream Reduces the Risk of Certain Skin Cancers

Apply Carac Cream as directed on the actinic keratosis. Fluorouracil, the active ingredient, attacks cells at very specific phases in their cycle. In order for cells to divide, they must produce new DNA for every new cell. To stop this action, Carac Cream fools your body into thinking it is a natural molecule that helps make up the genetic material in cells so it is integrated into the new cell. The new cell is unable to make copies of itself because it does not have the right genetic material to do so. Carac Cream can also trigger a response that will cause the cell to die.

Conditions Treated by Carac Cream

Sun exposure can be your best friend or your worst enemy. The ultra violet ray from the sun creates vitamin D in your body which is vital for bone health, immune system, reducing asthma symptoms, and to help protect against dementia, to name a few benefits. It can lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, help clear psoriasis, acne, eczema, and fungal skin infections.

Long-term effects of sunlight exposure are associated with skin cancer, immune suppression, folate degradation, loss of collagen, and premature wrinkles. Be sun smart and look for a sun block that contains natural ingredients to protect your skin when you venture outdoors and wear a hat and protective clothing to guard your skin against direct UV exposure.

Before You Apply Carac Cream

Ask your doctor if Carac Cream is safe to apply if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Discuss other medical conditions and allergies you have with your doctor and list any OTC or Rx medications you currently take or use, including herbal and vitamin supplements. Very little, if any, Carac Cream is absorbed into your bloodstream so the chance of interactions with other drugs is low.

Carac Cream Precautions and Recommendations

The treated skin areas may take up to 2 months to heal after treatment with Carac Cream ends so be patient. Do not treat areas that you may think are actinic keratoses without checking with your doctor first. The treated areas may be more sensitive to sunlight, sun lamps, and tanning booths so avoid exposure to them. Keep all meds out of children’s reach and never share with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Carac Cream

• Skin irritation
• Redness
• Burning
• Scaling or peeling
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight exposure

Drugs Similar to Carac Cream

• Efudex Cream
• Fluoroplex Cream
• Zyclara Cream