Ivermectin

Topical ivermectin is as a prescription only treatment available in the UK as a cream for certain patients with rosacea. It mainly works through its anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic properties. This makes ivermectin particularly effective for inflammatory rosacea symptoms like redness, acne papules and pustules. Whilst ivermectin comes in both gel and cream forms, we mainly use custom made creams for our rosacea treatments for additional skin calming benefits.

Benefits in Skincare

Ivermectin is a medication that can help improve a number of inflammatory skin conditions including rosacea. Thanks to its dual-actions, ivermectin cream helps treat rosacea through two primary mechanisms:

• Anti-inflammatory effects: It reduces inflammation associated with rosacea by inhibiting specific inflammatory pathways, calming redness and swelling.
• Antiparasitic action: Ivermectin targets Demodex mites which are microscopic mites that normally live on the skin. There is a link between these mites and rosacea outbreaks. By significantly reducing these mites on the skin, topical ivermectin decreases irritation and rosacea flare-ups.

When used correctly in appropriate patients, ivermectin treatment can provide a number of benefits which may include:

• Less redness and swelling.
• Reduces papules, pustules and associated irritation.
• Maintaining remission by reducing the frequency and severity of rosacea outbreaks.
• Gentle on sensitive skin.

Treatments with Ivermectin

To enhance effectiveness, topical ivermectin can be safely compounded with other rosacea-friendly skincare ingredients like azelaic acid, metronidazole and niacinamide. We may sometimes also combine it with multi-purpose skin ingredients like Tretinoin to target additional skin conditions such as:

• Acne
• Skin Ageing
• Hyperpigmentation
• Melasma

Personalised Prescription Ivermectin Face Creams Online

Please note that Ivermectin cream and gel rosacea treatments are prescription only medications in the UK. We add them to our personalised skincare treatments if we think that they are appropriate and safe for the patient. To get your bespoke skincare treatment, you will need to complete the online consultation form or book a virtual video consultation with one of our doctors first. They will include Ivermectin in your treatment if they think it is right for your skin. They’ll also decide if any other ingredients are worth adding to your formula but will take into account any wishes or preferences you’ve expressed where possible. In addition your doctor will also provide you with a customised protocol and ongoing follow up throughout your treatment. You will have access to your doctor by email at any time as part of your treatment.

What’s the Difference Between Compound Ivermectin vs Soolantra Cream?

In the UK, topical ivermectin cream is available exclusively through prescription for rosacea, commonly under the Soolantra® brand name. Soolantra is an off-the-shelf, licensed topical cream specifically approved for rosacea. Compounded ivermectin treatments can also be prescribed, these are custom-made by specialist pharmacies based on individual prescriptions. The active ingredient in compounded ivermectin preparations is identical to that in branded formulations such as Soolantra. However compounded treatments offer flexibility in formulation (e.g. cream or gel base) and allow additional ingredients to target rosacea or other skin concerns in a single product. As compounded treatments are freshly made for each patient, they tend to have shorter expiration dates, usually up to 3 months. Licensed commercially available products like Soolantra usually have longer shelf lives before opening.

Important Information

Topical ivermectin is an effective prescription treatment primarily used for rosacea due to its potent antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties. The active ingredient, ivermectin, can help reduce inflammation and targets Demodex mites. With appropriate use, it can help alleviate symptoms such as redness, swelling, papules and pustules.

Contraindications

Do not use topical ivermectin cream or gel products if you are allergic to ivermectin or any other ingredients in the formulation. Its safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years of age. It is also not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding without explicit medical advice. Inform your healthcare provider if you have any underlying skin conditions or allergies before starting treatment.

How to use Topical Ivermectin

Use ivermectin exactly as prescribed by your doctor or healthcare provider. Typically, most protocols advise applying a pea-sized amount evenly on clean dry skin once daily. Avoid applying ivermectin to broken skin, open wounds or severely irritated areas. Keep ivermectin cream away from your eyes, mouth and other mucous membranes. Always, follow your doctor’s specific instructions including dose, frequency and application.

Side Effects of Ivermectin

The side effects depend on whether your treatment contains just ivermectin or other active ingredients. Common side effects of ivermectin cream include temporary irritation, redness, dryness or flaking. These are most likely to occur during initial use and typically subside with continued use. Rarely, more severe irritation or allergic reactions like itching, swelling or significant redness might occur. If these occur, seek medical advice straight away for adjustments or alternative treatments.