Topical antimetabolite creams are suitable for actinic keratoses and early pre-invasive squamous cell carcinomas that are thin. This group of drugs is the most commonly prescribed topical therapy for actinic keratosis and superficial squamous cell carcinomas. These medications are anti-neoplastic, but have virtually no internal effects when used topically. When used for actinic keratosis, they have the ability to treat not just the obvious lesions, but can get rid of the subclinical ones as well. Nightly application is suggested, usually for two to three weeks, during which time the skin may become red and inflamed. The healing time takes about two weeks after completion and the cosmetic result is often outstanding with a cure rate of about 93 percent.
