Picato and Pain: What Users Say

• Lea...
• March 23, 2016

For Actinic Keratosis "I have now finished my second Picato treatment for AK. I did the first about 8 months ago. While the process is quite painful and very unsightly for a good 29/24 days, I have been very pleased with not only the results of removing the AK sites but helped my entire face to look smoother, more evenly pigmented with fewer fine lines and wrinkles. I did use coconut oil two days after the 3-day topical treatment. I had severe flaking, cracking, a few blisters, and couldn't open my mouth to eat with the pain. The doctor did prescribe me a lotion to promote healing after the procedure, but insurance wouldn't cover it, and it would cost $75. I stuck with the coconut oil. More info is needed for patients after treatment."

• Fro...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 1, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "This is my 3rd experience using the 0.015% gel on some diffuse AK around my forehead, sides of my face, and just below the nose. I am on day 3 and just applied my last dose after dinner. I take ibuprofen just before each dose is applied, but it doesn’t seem to completely help with the pain and burning that starts at about 15 minutes and lasts for about 9 hours. The day after the first dose, I get lots of crusty skin from serous fluid being released. It actually feels better after a morning shower with a very mild face cleanser. I apply either Vaseline or Cerave (I think Aquaphor would also work) to keep the skin from getting dry and tight. The worst pain and burning is in the hours just after application. Taking a walk in the cold after dark provides some relief. I know my skin looks frightening right now and will for at least 3 more days, but I know from past experience, the crustiness will go away and I can at least camouflage with makeup until the redness goes away."

• Fga...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2018

For Keratosis "After using this treatment over 2 months ago, the places on my face (cheek and nose) are still red. It caused huge blistering, pain, and looked like the worst sunburn you can imagine. Doctor says the redness will go away."

• Coa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2020

For Actinic Keratosis "I used Picato first dose yesterday afternoon. I felt nothing and saw nothing until I went to bed. It became very sore, tight, and red. I was able to have a restless sleep. It did not completely keep me up. This morning, the whole area was covered in blisters, but no pain. I reapplied this afternoon on a smaller area. I was afraid to put on the whole area since it was so blistered. It's Sunday, so I can't ask for suggestions from the dermatologist. Next time, I will make sure I take my dosage during the week in case I need help from my doctor."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2018

For Actinic Keratosis "I started Picato gel the day after Christmas, the 26th, because I'm off work till Jan 2nd, Tuesday. The doctor administered it on my nose 12/26. It was a bit red hours later, and I rinsed it off after 8 hours. It is burning, but not that bad. On day two, I went back and had the doctor administer it on my nose again. I was too scared to put it on myself for fear of getting it in my eyes. The doctor said don't put it on if day three is too irritated. Well, the second night was completely different! Even though it was put on my nose, it got very, very red and sore to the left of my nose also. I have NEVER EVER seen skin as red and irritated EVER. It was put on for 2 and a half hours on the 3rd day only. It got more red and sore as time goes on after the 3 days! Today is Monday - New Year's Day. It's better from applying Vaseline, Neosporin."