Does your face sometimes just get red and feel a little inflamed? You may have a skin condition called rosacea . Your doctor may prescribe a cream called Ivermectin to treat this. It's available under brand names like Soolantra. So today, let's talk about what this medication is, how exactly it's used, and what you need to be careful about.
What is Ivermectin cream?
Simply put, Ivermectin is a cream used to reduce redness on the face caused by a skin condition called rosacea . It is a topical medication. This means that it is not meant to be taken orally, but rather applied to the skin. It works by controlling the inflammation and redness associated with rosacea.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, he or she will need to know a complete history of your health, especially the following:
| Matter to be informed | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Allergies you have | If you have an allergy to Ivermectin, or any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative, please let us know first. |
| Pregnancy | If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant soon, it is essential to inform your doctor. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother (Breast-feeding) | If you are a nursing mother, you should also tell your doctor before using this medicine. |
How exactly do you use this cream?
To get the best results from a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.
- For topical use only: This is a topical medication. Do not take it by mouth for any reason.
- Apply only to affected areas: Apply this cream only to the areas of your face where you have rosacea, such as your forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks.
- Amount to grind: A small amount , the size of a green bean, is enough for one place. You don't need to grind a lot.
- Apply a thin layer: Apply the cream to the skin in a thin layer and gently massage it in.
- Keep away from sensitive areas: Do not get this cream in areas like the eyes, mouth, inside the nose, or vagina.
- Use at the right time: Use as directed by your doctor, at the right time, for the right amount of time. Do not use too much.
- Do not stop using this medicine without medical advice: Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- If giving to children: If using this medicine on young children, talk to a pediatrician for advice.
What to do if the medication dose increases?
If you accidentally use too much of the cream, or if someone drinks it, you should seek medical advice immediately.
In such a situation, immediately call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Most importantly: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share your medicine with others, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What if I miss a deadline?
If you forget to apply the cream, apply it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next dose at the scheduled time. Never apply a double dose.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause minor side effects in some people. But most people don't. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | If you experience symptoms such as skin rash, itching or hives, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, seek medical advice immediately. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| A burning sensation on the skin | A burning sensation where the cream is applied. |
| Skin discomfort | Skin discomfort or redness (skin irritation). |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How do you store medicine properly?
- Keep away from children: This is the most important thing. Always keep medicines out of the reach of small children.
- Store at room temperature: Ideally, between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Protect from extreme heat or cold.
- Discard after expiration: Do not use the medicine after the expiration date on the tube. Discard it.
Take-Home Message
- Ivermectin is a cream that is applied to the skin to reduce facial redness caused by rosacea .
- Before using this, be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies you have and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- When applying the cream, only take a pea-sized amount and apply it thinly. Avoid getting it in areas like the eyes, mouth, and nose.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or skin rashes, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never let anyone else use it.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor about it.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Ivermectin topical cream / Soolantra?
This is a special cream made with a medicine that kills mites/worms! This is what doctors often recommend for the skin condition 'Rosacea', to completely eliminate the redness and swelling. (It is sometimes also used for infections like lice and head lice).
💬 How to get rid of rosacea on the face with deworming medicine (Ivermectin)?
This is an amazing story! One of the main causes of rosacea is tiny Demodex mites that live inside the hair follicles of our faces. This cream (when applied to the skin) blocks the nerve system of those mites and kills them 100%! It also provides instant relief from excessive inflammation/itching (Anti-inflammatory) and reduces redness.
💬 What are the possible side effects of using this ointment (Ivermectin)?
Although this is largely safe, there may be a burning sensation (Skin irritation), redness, and dryness in the first few weeks after applying the cream to the face. But the most dangerous thing is that if you apply these and go out in the sun, you can cause skin damage (Phototoxicity), so it is essential to apply sunscreen and moisturizer.
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