Topical chemotherapy is a prescription cream applied at home to treat actinic keratoses (rough, scaly precancerous spots caused by sun damage) and certain superficial skin cancers. Common options include 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, Efudex) and imiquimod. These treat both the spots you can see and early sun damage you can't.

During treatment, the area will become red, crusted and irritated. This is a normal sign the medication is working. Most courses last 2–4 weeks, followed by a healing period. We'll give you detailed instructions and check your progress along the way.

To schedule an appointment, call (310) 454-5555.