Using Triple Antibiotic Cream to Treat Rosacea

Using Triple Cream Antibiotics for Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that leads to facial redness, flushing, bumps, pimples, and visible blood vessels. Without treatment, it typically worsens over time and can severely impact a person’s appearance and self-esteem.

What is Triple Cream?

Triple cream refers to topical antibiotics that combine three active ingredients to fight the bacteria, inflammation, and parasites that aggravate rosacea. The three key components are:

• Metronidazole - Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
• Azelaic acid - Anti-inflammatory and exfoliating
• Ivermectin - Anti-parasitic

This powerful triple combination works on multiple causes of rosacea simultaneously. Using these effects synergistically improves efficacy compared to individual creams alone without increased risk of side effects.

How Does It Work?

Metronidazole tackles red swollen bumps by suppressing certain inflammatory receptors and antibacterial action. Azelaic acid exfoliates dead skin cells clogging pores and decreases swelling. Ivermectin kills mites thought to potentially trigger immune reactions.

In combination, all three actively decrease visible blood vessels, redness, pimples and other symptoms of rosacea. Triple creams also help restore and protect the skin’s protective barrier damaged by this condition.

Benefits of Using Triple Cream for Rosacea

Triple antibiotic creams offer several advantages for managing rosacea:

• Single product fights redness, pimples, bumps and flares
• Often works better than individual component medications used separately
• Improves skin barrier function and locks in moisture
• Reduces stinging, burning and sensitivity
• Restores skin to clearer, calmer and healthier state long-term

Downsides and Risk Factors

While very effective for many, some downsides of triple creams for rosacea include:

• Can initially cause stinging, peeling, irritation when starting
• Requires prescription from dermatologists in most countries
• Not safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Can rarely trigger allergic reactions or contact dermatitis

People with very sensitive skin may not tolerate these specialized creams as well. Conduct a small skin patch test before applying all over the face. Seek prompt medical help if severe redness, swelling or rash develops indicating allergy.

How to Use Triple Creams

When prescribed triple cream like Finacea, Soolantra or MetroCream for rosacea, follow instructions carefully:

• Gently wash face with a mild non-soap cleanser, pat dry
• Apply a thin layer of cream over entire affected area once or twice daily
• Rub in gently and smoothly without pulling on delicate facial skin
• Avoid using on irritated, broken or swollen skin
• Always use an SPF 30+ sunscreen formulated for rosacea-prone skin on top during day

Use consistently for the entire duration advised by your dermatologist, usually 8-12 weeks. Don’t stop even if symptoms resolve since rosacea comes back without on-going management.

How Long Until It Works?

It typically takes around 4 weeks of regular use to see noticeable clearing up and calming of rosacea with triple creams. Redness, pimples and overall appearance continues improving gradually over 3 months of use with optimal results seen after that point.

You need to use it long term daily since rosacea is a persistent body-wide disorder. Maintenance with triple cream prevents recurrence of symptoms once skin gets back to normal. But benefits diminish if you stop the medication eventually.

Side Effects

Most people tolerate triple antibiotic skin creams for rosacea well. However, temporary side effects can include:

• Burning, stinging early on
• Itching, skin dryness, peeling
• Redness, rash, worsening acne breakouts initially

These typically resolve within 1-2 weeks as skin adjusts. Rarer side effects requiring prompt medical help include severe allergic reactions - facial swelling, trouble breathing, hives.

Who Should Not Use Triple Creams?

Avoid triple creams for rosacea if you have:

• Known allergies to any ingredients
• Very sensitive skin
• Open cuts, wounds or irritation on the face
• Other active skin infections - cold sores, warts etc.
• Pregnancy/breastfeeding

Check with your dermatologist first about safety if you have any other medical conditions too. Certain rare genetic metabolic disorders can prevent use of topical metronidazole as well.

Alternative Treatment Options

For those unable to use antibiotic triple creams, alternative treatment approaches include:

• Azelaic acid or ivermectin used alone
• Other antibiotic gels/creams
• Gentle skin care regimen
• Green tea polyphenol supplements
• Pulsed laser light therapy
• Photodynamic therapy
• Neurotoxin injections to restrict blood flow in severe cases

See a dermatologist to determine the best individualized treatment plan for your rosacea type and severity.

The Takeaway

Triple cream containing metronidazole, azelaic acid and ivermectin can greatly relieve redness, pimples and irritation from rosacea. Used consistently long term, it helps achieve clearer healthy skin by targeting multiple causes underlying this frustrating chronic disorder.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.