Rosacea breakthrough - yucky alert!

[Jmangel]

So I've had rosacea and acne for 33 years. I've been on roaccutane low dose for around 2 years which controlled the acne but over the summer, the rosacea became out of control on my nose with blood red heat and multiple papules - around 10-15 bumps on nose at any one time. I saw my dermatologist a few weeks ago and she took me off roaccutane (gulp) and gave me Soolantro cream which contains an anti parasitic called ivermectin. The theory behind it is that rosacea is caused by demodex mites - don't Google it or you may be freaked! - and that this new prescription only cream kills the mites. Apparently the faeces from the mites cause irritation, bumps and redness in rosacea - studies have shown that every adult has demodex mites on their face but that rosaceans have 10 x the amount than normal population. To say I was sceptical was putting it mildly and I was very nervous about a new topical - had zero success with metrogel or fiancée in the past in fact they both made everything worse.
Well blow me down, the soolantro cream is bloody working - within 3 days ALL of the papules had gone - some bumps had been there for months and I thought had scarred. The skin is smoother and somehow thicker - I am two weeks in and the skin is much less red - more pink. Didn't post before now in case it was a fluke but so far so good.
Apparently there may be a flare at 3 weeks as any eggs laid at point of starting won't be killed until they hatch and that takes 3 weeks - baulk!- so if I get a flare at 3 weeks, I will report back as it would support the demodex theory.
At this point, I don't care about the yuckiness of it all just cuffed to bits that finally my rosacea is under control.
So if you have rosacea, get to your GP. Apparently it works best on popular rosacea and doesn't claim to just help redness but I've found it has definitely helped me on both counts.

[Jmangel]

Finacea
Chuffed
Papular

Bloody autocorrect!

[TheCountessofFitzdotterel]

Thank you for this, I have been eagerly awaiting reports on ivermectin (which I was familiar with from keeping poultry!)

[ageingrunner]

Wow that's great news! I sort of wish I hadn't read it though 😬
Glad it's working for you rosacea must be horrible to have

[EasternDailyStress]

Brilliant, that's really good. Mine cleared up with some kind of acid that I got on prescription, maybe for the same reason?

[Jmangel]

Was that azelaic acid? Because that made mine way worse - burned like hell!

[zippyswife]

Thrilled for you! I had rosacea for years and it made me miserable. So glad you've found your cure! If/when mine gets bad again I'll be asking for this.

[Jmangel]

What got rid of yours zippyswife?

[TheCountessofFitzdotterel]

I am going to be interested to hear how long you have to take it for and if there's a decent gap before it comes back.

[Jmangel]

Well the course and remember it is a once daily topical application not a tablet, is 12 weeks - after that reports suggest reducing frequency of application down to 2-3 times a week as maintenance. You couldn't prise it out of my hands if you put a gun to my head at the minute so I don't mind if it's a long term treatment. Rosacea is a chronic condition.

[zippyswife]

Mine was really bad. I used rosex (sp?) which worked. I keep it at bay with almond oil and avene products and avoid air conditioning and I don't put the heating on high in the house as that badly triggers it.

[Jmangel]

Well that's the strange thing as Rosex (metronidazole) did nothing for mine - we're all so different when it comes to skin aren't we?
Glad you found something too - rosacea literally has sucked every vestige of self confidence from me.

[LondonSouth28]

I Google imaged the mites...massive error. Just before I run off to scrub my face with bleach...Rosex or Finacea doesn't seem to do much for mine so will ask for this soolantra. Do you know if I will be able to get my GP prescribe it or will I need to go to a dermatologist?

[Jmangel]

The GP prescribed it at the request of the dermatologist but no reason that a GP couldn't prescribe it of his\her own bat that I know of.

[steffibabes]

Thanks for posting this, it sounds amazing. I think a GP appointment might be in order for me. I'm fed up with having bad skin.

[Fizzer123]

Watching, the GP said over summer I had roseacea. Waiting for my first dermatologist appt at the hospital. Metro gel seemed to make it worse. I'm off to google the mites this may be a mistake

[Crispsheets]

Brilliant!
Mine hadn't flared up this summer...the worst time. I think it's due to no stress and lowering HRT dose. I never go in the sun but even humidity exacerbates it.
Rose was pointless.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

The best thing I've used is Waitrose sensitive bar soap with tepid water morning and night,my skin is the best it's ever been,its amazing and only 59p. It's like a cream cleanser and is so mild and gentle,better than an cleanser I've ever used before and I've used them all!

Glad you've found something that works OP,it's great when you do!

[BummyMummy77]

I can't afford this cream.

I live in the States now and when j got a prescription of azealic acid cost over £200 for a small tube.

I need to go more natural (cheap) but don't know where to start.

It's so bloody painful when I get the spots.

[Jmangel]

Oh sorry - not even sure how much it costs as it was just a prescription charge here. Can you not get it on insurance or is that an incredibly naïve thing to say not knowing the American healthcare system very well.

[BummyMummy77]

I don't have any but even if I did it wouldn't be covered.

May stump up and pay though, it really dents your confidence doesn't it?!

[Jmangel]

More than anything hope you find your solution soon.

[Neveradullday]

Solantra worked for me too. Used to have terrible rosacea for years. Managed to keep it at bay with yearly laser sessions. Figured out demodex was at the root and since using Solantra my skin is clear. Definitely worth begging your GP for it. Bring scientific studies if need be.

[Nearlyadoctor]

I've been on Solantra for 3 and half months, recommended by a dermatologist colleague, originally bought on private prescription for about £32 but then got my regular GP to add so just a standard prescription.
As the OP says worked within 2 weeks but then followed by a break out week 3 again at week 6 but since then next to nothing.
It's not expensive ( actually cheaper than Rosex for the NHS to purchase).

[wigglybeezer]

I am having some success with panoxyl 10%benzoyl peroxide, originally bought for DS1's teenage acne, metro gel did not do much for me, haven't got round to trying anything else on prescription yet.

[wigglybeezer]

Interestingly, dog shampoo for demodetic mange has benzoyl peroxide in it. ( Have been googling).