Soolantra Cream

What is Soolantra Cream?

Soolantra Cream is used to treat the spots, pimples and redness associated with rosacea. Rosacea is a skin condition which causes facial flushing, redness and acne-like spots. 

How does Soolantra Cream work?

Soolantra Cream contains the active ingredient Ivermectin which is thought to have anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic properties which work against the inflammatory spots and redness. The exact effect the medicine has on rosacea however is not known. 

How long should I use Soolantra Cream for?

The length of your treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor. Stopping the treatment early may cause your symptoms to return.

What causes rosacea?

There are several factors which may cause rosacea however the definite cause is still not known. The possibilities include: 

• Abnormalities in the blood vessels 

• Skin peptides 

• Microscopic mites

• Heliobacter pylori bacteria 

• Genetics 

It's thought that the redness associated with rosacea is caused by dilation of the blood vessels, the above list being potential triggers for this. It appears that rosacea runs in families but a definitive genetic link is yet to be proven. 

Is rosacea genetic?

If you have a family history of rosacea then you are more likely to experience it. The genetic link that determines how rosacea is passed on is yet to be established however. 

What is Ocular rosacea?

Ocular rosacea is a type of rosacea which affects the eyes resulting in redness, itching and discomfort. The symptoms can be mild but if left untreated it can cause damage to the cornea. If you are experiencing eye irritation alongside facial rosacea then you should see your GP for advice.

What triggers rosacea?

There are many possible triggers which can cause rosacea to flare up. These include: 

• Alcohol 

• Caffeine 

• Hot drinks 

• Exercise 

• Dairy 

• Stress

• Sun exposure 

• Hot water 

• Cold weather 

• Hot weather 

• Strong winds 

• Menopause 

• Humidity 

• Certain medical conditions or medications 

Can stress cause rosacea?

Stress is a common trigger for rosacea. If this is something that is affecting you, finding ways to manage stress may help to keep your rosacea under control. 

How can I manage rosacea?

Identifying your triggers will help you to manage rosacea effectively so that you can avoid them. Keeping a diary to record when your symptoms occur and any environmental factors present (such as food, drink, weather) can help you to discover what is causing your symptoms to flare up. Certain factors may be out with your control but taking steps like wearing sun cream, wrapping up in cold weather and washing your face with lukewarm water will minimise flare ups. 

Where can rosacea occur?

Rosacea is a skin condition which affects the face. It usually begins to appear as flushing or redness with spots and pimples. It can also affect the eyes which is known as Ocular rosacea. 

Is Soolantra Cream good for acne?

Soolantra Cream is effective in treating the pimples and spots that occur with rosacea. If you have acne, which includes whiteheads and blackheads, then a treatment which is designed for acne such as Benzoyl Peroxide or topical retinoids will be more appropriate. 

Active ingredients

Ivermectin is the active ingredient contained in Soolantra Cream. 

Inactive ingredients

The other ingredients in the medicine are: glycerol, isopropyl palmitate, carbomer, dimeticone, disodium edetate, citric acid monohydrate, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, macrogol cetostearyl ether, sorbitan stearate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), phenoxyethanol, propylene glycol, oleyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, purified water. 

How to use Soolantra Cream

Soolantra Cream should be applied to the skin once a day. Use a pea sized amount and rub in to the chin, forehead, nose and cheeks. 

One gram of Soolantra Creams contains 10mg of Ivermectin. The cream should be applied once daily. 

What should I do if I use too much Soolantra Cream?

Using too much Soolantra Cream may cause skin irritation. Ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice if this happens. 

What should I do if I forget to use Soolantra Cream?

If you forget to use Soolantra Cream just apply it as usual when you remember. Do not use double the amount to make up for a missed dose. 

How long should I use Soolantra Cream for?

Follow the instructions given by your doctor for how long to use Soolantra Cream for. It's likely that you'll need to use it for at least 6-8 weeks in order to reduce redness and spots. The length of your treatment will depend on the severity of your rosacea so this is likely to vary from one individual to another. 

Possible side effects may include: 

• Burning sensation of the skin 

• Skin irritation 

• Itching 

• Dry skin 

• Redness 

• Skin inflammation 

• Swelling 

Contraindications

Soolantra Cream should not be used if you are allergic to any of the ingredients contained in the medicine. The treatment is not suitable for use during pregnancy. 

Drug Interactions

Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are taking any other medications before using Soolantra Cream. 

Alternatives to Soolantra Cream

There are a few different types of creams and gels which are designed to treat rosacea: 

• Finacea Gel (azelaic acid) 

• Metronidazole (topical antibiotic) 

• Brimonidine tartrate 

If these are not effective, other medications can be prescribed which may include: 

• Oral antibiotics 

• Beta blockers 

• Anxiety medications 

• Clonidine 

• Laser treatment 

Soolantra Cream vs Metronidazole

Soolantra Cream and Metronidazole are two different types of medicine; Metronidazole is an antibiotic whereas Soolantra is a form of Ivermectin which is often used to treat parasite infections. The latter usually produces less possible side effects.

Soolantra Cream vs Finacea Gel

Soolantra Cream is shown to be more effective in treating rosacea than Finacea Gel. 

Can rosacea be cured?

There is no permanent cure for rosacea but it can be managed with the right treatment. 

Living with rosacea

Rosacea can be difficult to deal with as it can negatively impact your self esteem. Getting the right treatment will reduce the redness and stop the condition from worsening. Once you have your symptoms under control, it can also help to prevent them from returning. Identifying your triggers will help to avoid them where possible, leading to fewer rosacea flare ups.

Sources

Patient Information Leaflet https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6819/smpc

NHS> Rosacea https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rosacea/