Soolantra

Just started using Soolantra 3 days ago.
I've developed 2 more small blotchy red patches of skin along back by my upper cheek and jawline. I've read others experiences with this cream, and some claim it worsens before it improves..
I don't have P&P's, only stubborn, consistant redness. Due to my Rosacea not responding to anything i eat/drink,no major triggers, surfer related products, and general anti-redness meds, I've began to think the issue may be an allergy to Demodex. Although I am not sure.
Maybe I'm wasting my time using this cream for redness and its irritating my skin further.

So please, drop your Soolantra experiences, has anyone experienced anything similar? Also how much is recommended to apply; Ive been applying very conservatively

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Originally Posted by key69

Just started using Soolantra 3 days ago.
I've developed 2 more small blotchy red patches of skin along back by my upper cheek and jawline. I've read others experiences with this cream, and some claim it worsens before it improves..
I don't have P&P's, only stubborn, consistant redness. Due to my Rosacea not responding to anything i eat/drink,no major triggers, surfer related products, and general anti-redness meds, I've began to think the issue may be an allergy to Demodex. Although I am not sure.
Maybe I'm wasting my time using this cream for redness and its irritating my skin further.

So please, drop your Soolantra experiences, has anyone experienced anything similar? Also how much is recommended to apply; Ive been applying very conservatively

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I was definitely applying it liberally. I tried to apply it in the early evening so that it would catch the mites as they became active.

It took me over 3 weeks to finally see improvement. I had more general redness than I did P&P before starting soolantra. Within the first week I saw P&Ps increase beyond what was normal for me. I saw 2 spikes in P&Ps within the first three weeks with some scattered in between the spikes.

I noticed that if I applied a TTO lotion in the morning, it really helped keep the redness in check vs. using soolantra alone. I attribute that to the TTO helping to keep the bacteria from the dead mites in check; something soolantra can't do. I would assume clindamycin or something similar could have the same effect. I was using a 10% mix of TTO. I won't lie, some days it was really difficult to get myself out of the house during those weeks.

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Originally Posted by sanjuan

I was definitely applying it liberally. I tried to apply it in the early evening so that it would catch the mites as they became active.

It took me over 3 weeks to finally see improvement. I had more general redness than I did P&P before starting soolantra. Within the first week I saw P&Ps increase beyond what was normal for me. I saw 2 spikes in P&Ps within the first three weeks with some scattered in between the spikes.

I noticed that if I applied a TTO lotion in the morning, it really helped keep the redness in check vs. using soolantra alone. I attribute that to the TTO helping to keep the bacteria from the dead mites in check; something soolantra can't do. I would assume clindamycin or something similar could have the same effect. I was using a 10% mix of TTO. I won't lie, some days it was really difficult to get myself out of the house during those weeks.

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But in time did it effect your redness? I'd like to apply it earlier in the day, but since I only use it once, I've been putting on after my nightly shower because i dont want to just wash it off, isn't that an issue for you?

Also, how do you make you Tea Tree Oil cream? Also, do you apply it right overtop the Soolantra?

The new areas are still there, and a bit raised ):

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Originally Posted by key69

But in time did it effect your redness? I'd like to apply it earlier in the day, but since I only use it once, I've been putting on after my nightly shower because i dont want to just wash it off, isn't that an issue for you?

Also, how do you make you Tea Tree Oil cream? Also, do you apply it right overtop the Soolantra?

The new areas are still there, and a bit raised ):

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The redness has just started to recede. I have to let some time pass to see if it sticks.

I have an odd schedule so I try to apply it in the early evening. If I can't, then I just do it when I can.

I do not put TTO over soolantra. I don't know if they would cancel out or react negatively, and I don't want to find out.

Thought I'd document my Soolantra experience, as I will only be trying it for a month too see if any benefits are noted.

Been using Soolantra for a week and a couple days, no difference in redness. On the downside, the small cluster of bumps I developed are still there, basically the same. I think another is forming though.
I feel very down at the moment, Im not used to having these types of red bumps that won't go away :(
Not sure if its the Soolantra or the progression of my condition... trying to persevere.

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Originally Posted by key69

Thought I'd document my Soolantra experience, as I will only be trying it for a month too see if any benefits are noted.

Been using Soolantra for a week and a couple days, no difference in redness. On the downside, the small cluster of bumps I developed are still there, basically the same. I think another is forming though.
I feel very down at the moment, Im not used to having these types of red bumps that won't go away :(
Not sure if its the Soolantra or the progression of my condition... trying to persevere.

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The studies I read were 12 weeks long so hahang in there. Your Doctor should also treat the bacterial infection at the same time. The redness would go away then. I have had luck with Benzoyl Peroxide 10%. Ask a Vet they treat for both when the canine version is at issue.

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Originally Posted by Ted

The studies I read were 12 weeks long so hahang in there. Your Doctor should also treat the bacterial infection at the same time. The redness would go away then. I have had luck with Benzoyl Peroxide 10%. Ask a Vet they treat for both when the canine version is at issue.

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By treating the bacterial infection, you mean oral antibiotics?

I'm very hesitant about these, I've heard many complications arise from these. Both doctors have given me prescriptions for them, but I haven't filled them. Oracea would probably be my only compromise. They have only given me doxy and minocyclins, 50mg's.

Well, so far I have found no positive effects with this cream.

The 2 spots I developed about a week & a half ago are fading a bit, but another red spot has developed since yesterday in the same area..
My general redness is about the same... My face never had these persistent red bumps and spots before I started using Soolantra..
really bothersome.

At this point im debating continuing usage ):

The majority of skin conditions take weeks to heal, and rosacea is no different. My eczema takes up to three months to fully heal. I've been using Soolantra since March 16, and I'm VERY happy with the results I've seen so far. I hope everyone gives the medication enough time to work before they stop using it.

I have a tube of this but have thus far held off on starting after seeing some of the lackluster responses. My bumps are mild, and I don't know if I'm courageous enough to deal with them getting much worse before seeing any improvement. Right now I use La Roche Posay's Effaclar Duo once a night, and though I know for most rosaceans BP is a big no-no, it's the only thing that seems to help on a consistent basis (at least in terms of the bumps, it probably makes my redness worse but for me the redness is the lesser of two evils). I'm thinking though that perhaps the BP will help with some of the initial flareups and then hopefully I'd be able to stop using the Effaclar Duo if things go well with Soolantra...


Right now I'm on the edge of the diving board, having those scary thoughts that flood your mind right before jumping off...

Well I've officially jumped, here's to hoping I don't land flat on my belly...

I applied it this morning and thankfully my face didn't melt off. No itchy skin or flaring, but my skin is usually much calmer and less reactive in the mornings so I'm not sure how much should be read into that. My current regimen plan is:

Mornings -

Wash with Body Shop Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser
Apply Soolantra
Moisturize with avocado oil or Proactiv green tea moisturizer as needed

~No sunscreen for me at the moment, as every one I've tried, including Elta MD, have caused breakouts. I have a few large hats that I think make me more or less look like a walking sight gag, but I have long, thick, curly hair so I suppose I'm able to make it appear marginally fashionable (or so my friends tell me, probably just to soothe my ego a little). I also seek shade like a moth to the flame~

Nights -

Wash with Aloe Calming Cleanser
Apply Effaclar Duo every other night as I've previously been doing
Moisturize with avocado oil or green tea moisturizer as needed

I'll try and report back every week or so...

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Originally Posted by JWillikers

Well I've officially jumped, here's to hoping I don't land flat on my belly...

I applied it this morning and thankfully my face didn't melt off. No itchy skin or flaring, but my skin is usually much calmer and less reactive in the mornings so I'm not sure how much should be read into that. My current regimen plan is:

Mornings -

Wash with Body Shop Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser
Apply Soolantra
Moisturize with avocado oil or Proactiv green tea moisturizer as needed

~No sunscreen for me at the moment, as every one I've tried, including Elta MD, have caused breakouts. I have a few large hats that I think make me more or less look like a walking sight gag, but I have long, thick, curly hair so I suppose I'm able to make it appear marginally fashionable (or so my friends tell me, probably just to soothe my ego a little). I also seek shade like a moth to the flame~

Nights -

Wash with Aloe Calming Cleanser
Apply Effaclar Duo every other night as I've previously been doing
Moisturize with avocado oil or green tea moisturizer as needed

I'll try and report back every week or so...

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Good luck! Keep us posted. I too have a tube of Soolantra I have not tried because of all the mixed reviews. Currently, I have no P and P's and suffer slight redness and flushing when I eat something that triggers my Rosacea. I am still learning what my triggers are since been diagnosed in December 2014. I understand the Soolantra is just for the P and P's and Acne lesions but not for redness and flushing. So I am curious on how it does on that aspect of your adventure into the Soolantra world.

To my best understanding, Soolantra is less like a medication, and more birth control from mites. I believe, if you have a Demodex issue, Soolantra will benefit your condition regardless you have P&P's or not.
Some people experience temporary flares when old mites die off, and their bodies leave bacterial, causing added inflammation.
Comparatively speaking, I've found Soolantra to be the lesser of some evils when up against other topicals.

I've been e-mailing, and researching, and in most cases, if you use Soolantra, you'll see "something" around day 24, and 45 of use, due to the life cycles of the mites (although different species of mites can survive different durations).

Now, I'm not saying this is "how it is", this is just what some of my conclusions are. Best wishes too all.

Well, I'm on my final week of Soolantra, and I'm unimpressed.
The red spots that came up have faded a lot, but are still kind of there, who knows when another will arise...

The reason I began this cream is to try and mitigate my redness, which it hasn't done ANYTHING for.
From many peoples experiences, Soolantra worked great; their condition reacted within the first couple weeks. Mine hasn't.
I believe my condition isn't linked with Demodex (obviously), but maybe by some miracle this week, the Soolantra will kick in ):

I've been putting it on after my nightly shower, if that makes any difference or not...
I hope I'm not discouraging anyone against trying soolantra, but in my case, it has been more hurt then help thus far.

I put mine on in the morning after my shower and once it dries I put on sunscreen.

Mine has done a 180 with the p&p. I don't think it's done much for the redness except it's not quite as inflamed. Since I've had a major problem with p&p I'm pretty happy.

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Originally Posted by thekarens

I put mine on in the morning after my shower and once it dries I put on sunscreen.

Mine has done a 180 with the p&p. I don't think it's done much for the redness except it's not quite as inflamed. Since I've had a major problem with p&p I'm pretty happy.

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I'm glad you're having success! I wish we were on the same boat.

I'm basically free of P&P's, but because of my conditions specific attributes I tried Soolantra..
How long did it take you to notice improvements?

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Originally Posted by key69

I'm glad you're having success! I wish we were on the same boat.

I'm basically free of P&P's, but because of my conditions specific attributes I tried Soolantra..
How long did it take you to notice improvements?

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By the second week and then at week 3 and 6 I think I flared back up and then I started improving again.

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Originally Posted by thekarens

By the second week and then at week 3 and 6 I think I flared back up and then I started improving again.

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Yeah, that sounds pretty consistent with the majority of people experience. With me, I haven't noticed anything like that. 95% convinced that this stuff isn't going to do a dang thing for me ):

Has anyone gone past week 6 with continued success with Soolantra and if you have, were there more flare ups, say at week 8 or week 9 or week 10, even beyond? Has anyone gone farther than 10 weeks with NO additional flare ups. So many mixed reviews on success.

Well, last night I decided to quit using Soolantra. I had been using it for over a month, without any success. Not sure if it was a coincidence, or the cream, but my face was more "active" then ever. I've had more than one papule, and added red spots since I began using Soolantra, the spots I guess are permanent. I really hope I gave this med enough time to work, but I think I have.
Those with Demodex issues usually see some improvement/major flare within at least 3 weeks. My condition doesn't resemble the common demodectic features; no P&P's, not symmetrical areas, and not itchy whatsoever. Just stubborn, slow spreading blotchy redness.

I'm at a loss. No major food issues, no triggers (even alcohol or the sun), unaffected by sulfur products, and now unaffected by Ivermectin. I'm uneasy about antibiotics & lasers.

Ugh, feeling so low; so stressed. I'm only an 18 yr old guy, have a 8 month old daughter, collage, and work to keep up with, dealing with this every day really lowers the quality of my life in every aspect :(. Focusing on what I need to be focused on is becoming increasingly difficult.. I keep asking the question, "Why me? Why now".

Sorry for this rant, but expressing some of this helps me cope; maybe it'll help others feel better about their situation.

I have been taking Soolantra for 20 days for the redness on my nose. I give it a thumbs up as the redness has definitely gone down a little bit and it is easier to take than Azelex. Overall I am happy with it.

Death to the Demodex mites!!!

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I have been taking Soolantra for 20 days for the redness on my nose. I give it a thumbs up as the redness has definitely gone down a little bit and it is easier to take than Azelex. Overall I am happy with it.

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Do you have flush issue and P&P or just permanent redness on nose?

Thanks for your feedback.

Just to report back, I wound up giving up on this. As with many things I've tried, it felt like (maybe) one step forward and two steps back. Though I didn't see any aggravation, I felt as though it was making me much more oily and causing increased blackheads. Based on a few other reviews online, it seems I'm not the only one who experienced this. I don't know, maybe I needed to stick it out longer (I was on it for almost five weeks). I'm purely speculating, but I think the increased oiliness/blackheads might have something to do with the Cetaphil base, as I've had problems with Cetaphil before.

Maybe the die off phase?

I'm not taking Soolantra, but Ivermectin from another source. I had a really bad die-off response the first time I tried it, but now I'm using it along with Doxycycline (antibiotic) and there have been no more die-off symptoms. I figured the die-off was caused by bacteria being released when the little critters are killed, so the antibiotic is to clean that up. So far so good, though it's only been a few days. After applying the ivermectin, I usually feel a little bit of a crawling sensation which comes and goes, and the skin becomes much less red and "normal" looking. I definitely think the antibiotic is key because I took it after the die-off symptoms started and within a few hours they were totally gone. At the moment, I'm taking a doxycycline dose of 100mg in the morning and at night, and applying ivermectin a few times throughout the day.

So I only started Thursday, and maybe it's too soon to tell, but I've had fantastic results so far. I was so excited about these results that I had to come on here to share my experience with others.

I have a mild rosacea with mostly flushing. But I do have flare ups that create some papules along my laugh lines and cheeks. My biggest trigger is sun and heat, which is impossible to avoid. My skin was so sensitive that I couldn't even wear sunscreen. I was so frustrated about this that I finally broke down and saw my dermatologist. Mine wasn't available, and they had me see another doctor in the practice. She was amazing! She actually listened to me, and then gave me samples of soolantra, along with a new face wash and sunscreen. She said try soolantra for a couple weeks, if it doesn't work we can go back to financea.

I am on my fifth day now, and the results are incredible! First off, my skin doesn't hurt. It always stings even when I'm not having a flare up. Second, I saw instant improvement in the redness, and the texture. I also was out in the sun and heat yesterday without flare up. I'm out in it right now, too. And last night I ate ice cream, without a problem!

I've been applying it in the morning very sparingly. I read that it causes irritation, and my skin is extra sensitive, so I apply a tiny amount in the morning just to the areas that are affected. So far it really has been great. I haven't tried the face wash or sunscreen yet, because I don't want them to effect my results. I will keep everyone posted on how soolantra works.

HI, congrats on the early success! Hope it continues! Sounds promising. So do you think that this is helping with your flushing? I get bumps a little bit, but my prob is mostly flushing to warm rooms, light/computer and heat. I also have permanent redness, which sounds like you don't have?

That's so great! Hope the good results continue!

Alex1134, did you get a worse phase before improvement?

I have type 2 Rosacea. I started Soolantra a little over two weeks ago during a very bad outbreak. My outbreaks are usually on my cheeks, but this one was on my forehead. It always starts as one papulopustular and after a few days it will start scaling and flaking, then it turns into about four or five very angry papulopustules clustered together. Then the process starts all over again.

At night I wash my face with CeraVe and then apply a very small amount of Soolantra all over my face. In the morning I wash my face with the CeraVe and apply a small amount of Neosporin Eczema Essentials cream. I only use Soolantra at night.

I had some very small bumps on my chin and around my nose that would never go away. Since I have been using Soolantra, the bumps have disappeared. I also have very mild redness around my cheeks. That also seems to be better.

So far I'm very very pleased! At the moment my face is clear other than a small amount of mild redness.

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Originally Posted by Alex1134

So I only started Thursday, and maybe it's too soon to tell, but I've had fantastic results so far. I was so excited about these results that I had to come on here to share my experience with others.

I have a mild rosacea with mostly flushing. But I do have flare ups that create some papules along my laugh lines and cheeks. My biggest trigger is sun and heat, which is impossible to avoid. My skin was so sensitive that I couldn't even wear sunscreen. I was so frustrated about this that I finally broke down and saw my dermatologist. Mine wasn't available, and they had me see another doctor in the practice. She was amazing! She actually listened to me, and then gave me samples of soolantra, along with a new face wash and sunscreen. She said try soolantra for a couple weeks, if it doesn't work we can go back to financea.

I am on my fifth day now, and the results are incredible! First off, my skin doesn't hurt. It always stings even when I'm not having a flare up. Second, I saw instant improvement in the redness, and the texture. I also was out in the sun and heat yesterday without flare up. I'm out in it right now, too. And last night I ate ice cream, without a problem!

I've been applying it in the morning very sparingly. I read that it causes irritation, and my skin is extra sensitive, so I apply a tiny amount in the morning just to the areas that are affected. So far it really has been great. I haven't tried the face wash or sunscreen yet, because I don't want them to effect my results. I will keep everyone posted on how soolantra works.

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Hi there, only new to this site, recently diagnosed with rosacea, I'm from Ireland, could you tell where I could buy soolanta please, would like to try this product, Regards john.

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Originally Posted by lovelyhurling45

Hi there, only new to this site, recently diagnosed with rosacea, I'm from Ireland, could you tell where I could buy soolanta please, would like to try this product, Regards john.

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Hi John, Soolantra is the brand name so may be called something different in Ireland. The drug is actually called ivermectin so you could ask your dermatologist or doctor for this. Let us know how you get on.

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Originally Posted by Col

Hi John, Soolantra is the brand name so may be called something different in Ireland. The drug is actually called ivermectin so you could ask your dermatologist or doctor for this. Let us know how you get on.

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Cheers col, I'll check with the pharmacist to see what brand name it is under, things have calmed down a lot since I stopped taking medication, no antibiotic, eating well, and a simple wash routine, fingers crossed for the moment, Regards john.

Hey everyone,
I want to ask my derm next week to prescribe me Soolantra, now that it is also available in Europe and my skin looks terrible at the moment and I am giving up on treating it naturally.
Could those who have been using it for several months now maybe tell how it is going? And were you all diagnosed with an overpopulation of mites before using it? I would be very happy about some experiences :)

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Originally Posted by pippilotta

Hey everyone,
I want to ask my derm next week to prescribe me Soolantra, now that it is also available in Europe and my skin looks terrible at the moment and I am giving up on treating it naturally.
Could those who have been using it for several months now maybe tell how it is going? And were you all diagnosed with an overpopulation of mites before using it? I would be very happy about some experiences :)

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Hi, where can you buy it in Europe? Regards john.

Hey John,

it is for sure available in Germany since June in the pharmacies (with prescription of course). I think i read somewhere that it is also available in France...

There hasn't been any announcement from galderma about soolantra and it's availability in Europe. The German pharmacies all have the cream uploaded on their websites but you may also notice that they all have the same recommended retail price of37, 53. This suggests to me that they are still waiting for supply. But I could be wrong.

I started Soolantra one week ago, and my condition has dramatically worsened. Has anyone experienced an initial worsening, followed by improvement? It is tough to persevere when my face is this irritated.

I actually think that's a good sign for you. It could possibly be die off of the demodex mites. I would give it a good 8 weeks of treatment on the soolantra before you assess whether it's helping.