Soolantra for rosacea - any advice?

[TheRoadLessRocky]

I got prescribed soolantra and though it took a while, the results were great. Nearly all the pustules disappeared, only a couple appeared at ovulation instead of loads. The hot weather didn't trigger it at all, nor has drinking alcohol.

Then the cream ran out and I read it should only be used for 3 months. So I eked it out using every other day until it was totally gone. Within 2 weeks of not using it, I've had a big flare up. I had a small amount of alcohol and was sitting in a overly heated room at someone else's house (so couldn't turn the heating down myself). I could feel my cheeks getting that tight feeling and sure enough, next morning, little spots all over. It's taking ages to settle.

Do I need to use soolantra all the time? Will the gp give me it long term? She was reluctant to prescribe it anyway, made me try several other useless things first then grudgingly gave me this. If I can't use it all the time, what can I do now? I cleanse with micellar, moisturise with Aveeno ultra-calming, and have experimented with Dermalex rosacea cream though I'm not sure if that's any good yet.

You have my sympathies OP. I’ve had it for about 25 years and stumbled upon this soap quite by chance. People actually keep commenting on how glowing my complexion is

Thanks Jilted, I will have a little look into that. I'm quite happy with my moisturiser but I've just been using micellar water to cleanse as I havent found anything better.

Sorry, I’ve had it for 15 years not 25

I’ve beeb using soolantra long term- if I stop using it I get a flare up within days. Dermatologist happy to prescribe long term.

I don't need it anymore but my doc is happy to prescribe it for use once a week. I've used it for a few years. Life changing.

If you use Facebook, look at the group Rosacea Rescue- there are lots of discussions there about the use of Soolantra (and alternatives). It’s a really helpful group.

Ive been using it for 18 months, my dermatologist has no issue with me using it long term. I also get a flare up if I don’t use it.

Jilted - still too long! I think I've had it a similar length of time, though its been worse the last couple of years.

Thanks for all the replies re length of use
Seems I should go back to the doctor and ask if she'll prescribe it long term for occasional use. I was so pleased with it, just thought it was a one-off thing and once the demodex were killed off the rosacea would stop.

Queen, thanks I'll check out that fb group.

Jilted I found that soap in my local supermarket and it was available in different strengths of laurel oil. 20/40 or 50%.
Can I ask which strength you use? I bought the 20% one (quite expensive at €5 a bar) just to try it out. I've been suffering for about 6months with a patch right on the end of my nose. It’s very obvious and flares up about every 10 days. The doctor has given me a hydrocortisone serum to dry it out but I would like a more natural remedy if possible.
I’ve left it in the bathroom and it has quite a powerful smell. DD came to me and asked “What’s that lump of rotten Parmesan cheese doing on the side of the handbasin?!”

Yep. It's a long term use for me. I use it every other day now. I'd love to go down to 72 hr gaps but I get a flare up too.