what is fluorouracil cream used for

Fluorouracil cream is used to treat actinic or solar keratoses, which are scaly or crusted lesions caused by years of too much exposure to sunlight. It is also used to treat a type of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma if usual types of treatment cannot be used. Fluorouracil belongs to a class of medications called antimetabolites, which work by killing fast-growing cells such as the abnormal cells in actinic keratoses and basal cell carcinoma. Fluorouracil cream should be applied to the affected areas twice a day, and it is important to follow the directions on the prescription label carefully. It should not be applied on the eyelids or directly into the eyes, nose, or mouth because irritation may occur.