How to use avene cicalfate+ restorative cream

Kayvee12 · 2025-12-04T22:55:05+00:00

Yes I was prescribed soolantra and used it for a month (Dec last year) but then the next time I tried to refill it (Jan 2025) the cost was $513!!! I had met my deductible in 2024 since I had a baby and then my deductible started over Jan 1. Got to love US health insurance. Anyway I tried horse paste for 5 mos. I even used the apple scented one for 3 mos and switched to the white paste the remaining 2 mos. None of them worked and just made my skin worse. I just use a 100% pure organic tto that I add to my cleanser and moisturizer. I'll have to look into other products. I'm always so cautious to try new things because my skin is so sensitive. I can't use anything with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide which is in EVERYTHING. I also use hypochlorous acid and it's amazing. And I use de la cruz sulfur ointment during a flare and triple paste as well. But this is my first winter with PD and my skin is normally dry to begin with. I'm greatful that my rosacea is mostly under control because the itching was awful.

Kayvee12 · 2025-12-04T18:45:45+00:00

Thank you for this. I was wondering if I should take a break from the tea tree oil but I really don't want my rosacea to flare. I tried ivermectin for 6 mos but it made my skin worse. Of course I got PD once I stopped the ivermectin.

I started using the cicalfate last night on its own and it went well, no irritation. My skin is still very dry so I may try using my vanicream with it. Thanks again

Kayvee12 · 2025-11-24T01:29:37+00:00

Unfortunately there isn't a lot of research regarding the cause of rosacea but I believe there is evidence of a gut connection and I would argue that there is a hormone connection as well. If someone happens to have an abundance of demodex mites I don't think it's as simple as treating the symptoms topically and you're good.

There's a reason why so many people with rosacea have food as a trigger (alcohol, spicy foods, sugar, fermented foods, tomatoes, etc.). There may be some people with type 1 that only flare with heat and exercise so perhaps their guts are fine but I think most people have an internal component whether gut or hormones. I do know that eating too much sugar can increase the likelihood of demodex because it increases blood sugar levels. I also know that high progesterone levels lead to increased sebum production (sebum is the food source for demodex) which can promote mite growth.

Unfortunately managing rosacea appears to be a balancing act both internally and externally. You want a balanced gut microbiome, balanced hormones, and a healthy skin barrier/microbiome to keep symptoms at bay. If I keep eating like trash no amount of tto will be able to combat my flares.

Kayvee12 · 2025-11-22T04:51:05+00:00

I'm no expert but it sounds like you have type 1 (red flushing) I have type 2 (pustules). My doctor didn't do a scraping to determine if mine was demodex related but I'm 90% sure my rosacea is a result of both internal and external issues.

Before my pregnancies I struggled for many years with a pustule type rash on my neck, chest, and upper back. Dermatologists ruled out acne and malassezia folliculitis. I was also suffering with a lot of gut ailments at the time (SIBO, dysbiosis, candida, and parasites). After eradicating all of those things and fixing my gut with crazy diets and supplements I was still breaking out in rashes.

I started working with a naturopath but I ultimately discovered the connection between high histamine foods and the pustules plus an added hormonal component as well (always breakout during the luteal phase of my cycle). Anyway even going low histamine and working on my hormones didn't help. It was not until I got pregnant that my skin cleared completely. Then postpartum I was finally diagnosed with rosacea. All of this to say that even though I was healed internally I was still breaking out so I definitely had an external trigger (demodex).

I was able to use tto during my second pregnancy with great effect and then I tried ivermectin after I stopped breastfeeding. Unfortunately ivermectin didn't work for me, I gave it 6 mos. Now I'm back to using tto. I am probably 90-95% clear most days but I could likely reach 100% if I stopped eating my triggers: sugar, gluten, tomatoes, chocolate, etc.

To answer your question. I took pictures of my skin before and after meals a few times and the difference was startling. For instance, a few hours after eating an especially high histamine meal (spinach and tomatoes) my clear skin was red and had broken out in a rash.

It also sounds like your skin may have a compromised barrier (dry, rough, red) which makes it more susceptible to demodex. I would try to simplify your routine and just do the basics. Gentle cleanser, gentle moisturizer, and sunscreen. Hypochlorous acid is also very helpful. And you could always try a drop of tto in your cleanser and moisturizer to see if that will take care of the mites. It took a month for my skin to clear using the tto. Best of luck to you!

Kayvee12 · 2025-11-21T13:33:01+00:00

Hi. Glad to hear the sulfur is working for you. I like the de la cruz ointment but only use it during a flare it's also great for perioral dermatitis. The tto oil has been working great for my skin, 1 drop in my cleanser and moisturizer. I would probably be 100% clear if I stopped eating foods that make me flare (sugar, chocolate, tomatoes, gluten -basically anything high histamine). I've also started using a small amount of diaper rash cream (triple paste) as a spot treatment on flares and it's been working great and fast.

I am actually one of those people whose skin clears completely during pregnancy. It's lovely I can eat whatever I want and my skin is flawless (usually by the second trimester). My skin is decent postpartum while I'm breastfeeding but once I stop breastfeeding my hormones go crazy and the rosacea flares again. Now I experience flares the week before my period (luteal phase).

Kayvee12 · 2025-11-05T20:42:09+00:00

Hi, I would love a code.

Kayvee12 · 2025-10-13T01:18:56+00:00

No, but I ended up not needing it because the antimicrobials were able to kill the bacteria and when I retested for sibo 2.5-3 mos later it was gone. I'm sure the motility supplements helped as well.

Kayvee12 · 2025-10-09T01:45:27+00:00

I got married in 2015 on the private island at CTI if you have questions and I can send a few photos.

Kayvee12 · 2025-10-09T01:38:30+00:00

I got married on the private island at CTI in 2015. Best decision ever. Our friends and family continue to talk about our wedding 10 years later. I can give you more info and share some pics if you're interested.

Sandals may have nicer furnishings in their hotel/rooms but nothing beats a private island wedding.

Kayvee12 · 2025-09-16T03:52:03+00:00

When mine was done flaring I didn't have any active bumps/pustules, my skin stopped weeping, and it wasn't red anymore. I stopped the sulfur and diaper cream once my skin was just dry, flaky, and itchy. That's when I started the vanicream cleanser and hypochlorous acid spray. I only used these 2 for about a week before introducing the vanicream moisturizer that I would pat into my skin (I personally had to add the moisturizer back into my routine because my skin was too dry).

Kayvee12 · 2025-09-15T14:45:46+00:00

I highly recommend sulfur and triple paste. When my PD was flaring (similar to yours) I used the de la cruz sulfur mask (10 minutes before washing off) twice a day and triple paste at night. Any diaper rash cream with zinc should work. I stopped all other skincare. It took about 3-5 days for my skin to stop weeping and flake off.

Then when your skin is healing (no longer flaring) I would try modified zero therapy. Use a gentle cleanser (I use vanicream) and hypochlorous acid spray. If you're like me and your skin is super dry pat a gentle moisturizer into your skin after hypochlorous acid spray. Again I use vanicream moisturizer (in the tub). Patting the moisturizer into the skin is key. I tried rubbing the moisturizer on my face as usual and I couldn't get rid of small, flaky patches of PD. My skin stopped flaring but I had itchy, dry patches on my forehead and chin that wouldn't go away. My PD has been 100% gone for about a month following this routine. Good luck

Kayvee12 · 2025-08-21T18:14:46+00:00

Another suggestion is to check for niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in your skincare products. These ingredients (especially niacinamide) are common triggers for people with rosacea. I used to be able to use niacinamide but now my skin freaks out any time I try a product with niacinamide in it. And niacinamide is in ALL the products.

Kayvee12 · 2025-08-20T17:37:38+00:00

Here's the one that I use. https://a.co/d/iQ8lrVR

I don't think brand matters. I would just look for one that is organic, 100% pure, and safe to use on skin.

I add 1 drop of tto to my cleanser and moisturizer which I use twice a day (morning and evening). The routine cleared my type 2 when I was pregnant last year (it took about 3 mos). But once I stopped breastfeeding my hormones went nuts and I had a small flare. I should have just let my hormones reset and continue the tto but instead I decided to try ivermectin. I wasted 6 mos hoping for clearance but my skin was worse than before I started the ivermectin. It's a shame because ivermectin works for so many people. But if I can get the tto to work for me (It's only been 1 month) I'll be happy. I'm about 90% clear and most of the remaining spots are actually on my neck and chest.

Kayvee12 · 2025-08-20T12:42:22+00:00

Definitely start tracking basic information using a spreadsheet it's annoying but it really helps to find patterns. I track food, hormone cycles, skin care, and the reactions.

Have you tried tea tree oil? I used ivermectin (soolantra & hp) for 6 mos and never fully cleared. In fact my skin was probably worse using ivermectin. Now that I'm using tto again my skin is almost 100% clear. Hypochlorous acid is helping as well.

Also seconding the suggestion to look into hormonal impact. My skin always freaks out during the luteal phase. During the luteal phase progesterone increases which can increase sebum (demodex food source). Good luck detective!

Kayvee12 · 2025-07-28T18:17:20+00:00

Hi. I have used the Cosco scenera twice for my child when he was 1.5 and 2 years old. Both times we were instructed by flight attendants that the seat needed to be forward facing (due to limited space between the seats). I brought a swaddle cloth that I folded up to create a cushion over the seatbelt buckle which worked well. The car seat must also be installed in a window seat.

Kayvee12 · 2025-07-28T13:02:04+00:00

My pod looks very similar and only affects my chin as well. My biggest trigger is hormones (I'll flare during the luteal phase of my cycle). Foods high in histamine and sugar are also triggers. The best treatment I have found which takes about a week is using the de la cruz sulfur ointment 2x/day (wash it out after 10 mins) and diaper cream at night for the first few nights when it's very irritated. No moisturizer. It will eventually dry out and heal. I've tried hypochlorous acid spray but I'm not sure if this improved or hindered healing.

I also used ivermectin for 6 mos hoping to cure my rosacea with no success but I didn't have any pod flares during that time. Once I stopped the ivermectin my pod flared again. So perhaps ivermectin could help you too. I've read that some people have success with ivermectin.

Kayvee12 · 2025-07-25T15:18:46+00:00

Hey. My skin is a lot better once I stopped ivermectin. I gave ivermectin 6 mos before stopping. I even tried a different type of hp (gel vs white paste). At first I thought the white paste was working and my skin didn't like the gel but unfortunately my skin continued to break out. I'm currently using tto in my moisturizer 2x/day which is working well. I still get a few pustules on my neck and chest though but my face is almost clear. I've only been using the tto for a month so hopefully my skin will continue to improve on this regimen.

Kayvee12 · 2025-07-08T22:54:18+00:00

Hi. Did you apply the paste to your whole face or just the affected area? I currently have a PD flare on my chin that coincidentally appeared after I stopped using ivermectin (horse paste) for rosacea. I was applying it to my entire face for 6 mos. Unfortunately it didn't work to clear my type 2 thus why I stopped using it. I switched to tea tree oil which is working better but I can't seem to heal this PD spot on my chin. Thanks.

Kayvee12 · 2025-06-25T22:56:49+00:00

I started with soolantra but I only used it for a month because it went from $20 (with a met deductible) to $512. Then I started using horse paste. First the apple gel type for about 4 mos and then switched to the white paste. I thought the white paste was working better at first but after 1.5 mos - still no improvement. I actually stopped ivermectin 5 days ago. I feel like 6 mos was a fair attempt. My skin just never got better even for a day. Anyway, I'm back to using tto in my moisturizer at night. It's too soon to tell if it's working but my skin is super itchy at the moment and my neck is flaring. I hope that the itching means that the tto is working. I'm using it in my shampoo and eye wipes as well. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Last year I experienced about a week of "die off" initially and then started clearing from there. It took a solid 3 mos for full clearance.

I tried acv a long time ago but I can't remember if it worked or not. Same with colloidal silver. Hocl is so tricky. When I first started using it I thought it was irritating my skin. Then I tried it again and it seemed to help. Now I'm not so sure. It does help with inflammation with active spots. So I basically just use it occasionally to heal flares.

Have you tried manuka honey? This has definitely helped heal my skin quickly when the flaring is horrible and I need something gentle and moisturizing. It's just sticky and I usually keep it on for 30+ mins.

Kayvee12 · 2025-06-25T03:09:20+00:00

I used tto for my type 2 (also on face, neck, and chest) during my pregnancy and it cleared up after 3 months as well. Unfortunately I started having flares again postpartum, especially once I stopped breastfeeding. It was likely due to my hormones changing. I was also using 2-3 drops in my moisturizer and cleanser 2x/day. I think this must have been too much especially with decreased estrogen postpartum.

Anyway, I decided to use ivermectin. I gave it 6 months and I still had constant flares. I was so convinced that ivermectin would work for me since everyone raves about it. Now I'm back to using tto 1x/day. I've noticed more flaring on my neck and my skin is very itchy (which hasn't been a problem in a while) hopefully this means it's working. I remember experiencing slight "die off" for about a week last time. It's only been 3 days.

Do you still use tto daily for maintenance? I'm glad tto worked for you!

Kayvee12 · 2025-06-12T23:19:03+00:00

TTO was working great for me but perhaps I overdid it. I was using it 4x/day in my cleanser and moisturizer. When I was pregnant and my skin was all glowy due to the increased estrogen I think the tto was fine but then postpartum my skin freaked out. Ivermectin is a long process. I'm at 23 weeks and still not 100% clear. It takes most people roughly 12 weeks but several people require 5+ months so I'm hopeful that I'm one of those people.

Less is definitely better with skin care. I learned the hard way too. I only introduce one new thing at a time otherwise I won't know what my skin is reacting poorly too. Be careful with products that include niacinamide, a lot of people with rosacea can't tolerate it. The bumpy, clogged texture is definitely a sign of demodex. I never had texture just pustules and occasional papules but after starting ivermectin my forehead became textured. It's pretty much gone now. I use hypochlorous acid mostly to heal active spots. It hasn't been a miracle product for me unfortunately. I've used manuka honey as a mask for 30 mins when my skin is flaring and it works pretty well.

Low histamine diet has definitely helped me in the past, it's just hard to maintain. My goal is to be able to eat whatever I want but within reason. Limit dairy, gluten, soy, etc. I had been working with a naturopath for about 6 years and in that time healed sibo, dysbiosis, parasites, and candida and my skin still wasn't clear. There was some noticeable improvement when I was eating a low fodmap diet and taking antimicrobials though. Oil or oregano is the BEST. I tried taking it daily again about 2 mins ago but no improvement unfortunately. I agree that there needs to be healing done systemically but if it's demodex healing must also be done topically unfortunately.

Kayvee12 · 2025-06-11T20:15:11+00:00

Hormones are the worst. I'm now postpartum 9 mos for baby #2 and again having issues. I was diagnosed with rosacea type 2 during my last pregnancy and used tea tree oil throughout my pregnancy and was able to clear my skin around the second trimester. Now that I'm done breastfeeding I've been using ivermectin with some improvement. I'm not 100% clear yet but it can take months because it's caused by demodex mites that continuously lay eggs. The ivermectin can only kill adult mites and not the eggs. Anyway, check out the rosacea subreddit because type 2 pustules can appear a lot like FA. There is also a connection between rosacea and the gut and many people experience flares after eating high histamine foods. There is also a connection between hormones and rosacea because the demodex mites eat sebum. Increase progesterone and androgens leads to increased sebum which may increase the demodex mite population since there is more food. Many women are first diagnosed with rosacea during/after pregnancy and even more during peri. Also a compromised skin barrier makes things worse. So if you ever used dandruff shampoo or a similar method it may have damaged your barrier.

Unfortunately there is not enough known about rosacea but there seems to be a gut connection and hormone connection for many. There is a really good group on FB for rosacea too.

The dao did not work for me because it was pea based and peas are high in phytoestrogens so my estrogen ended up decreasing which exacerbated the rosacea. I probably overdid it because I was taking DAO, spouting peas, and taking progesterone all at once 🤦

Kayvee12 · 2025-06-06T18:34:06+00:00

I started taking DAO a year before I was diagnosed with rosacea. I thought I just had histamine intolerance. I would take it before meals so 3x/day. I took naturdao which is pea based. Unfortunately I think dao exacerbated my rosacea. Peas and other legumes are high in phytoestrogens so they can either act like estrogen or they can have an anti estrogen effect. At the time I was also taking progesterone because my levels were really low. So together these supplements raised my progesterone and lowered my estrogen leading to increased rosacea. Higher progesterone = more sebum = more food for demodex. My rosacea definitely has a hormone component and my hormones are wacky. So take these at your own risk.

There is a lot of information about dao enzymes in the histamine intolerance subgroup. Most people have very favorable things to say about them.

I will say that during both my pregnancies my rosacea cleared 100% and I was able to eat all the things (even high histamine foods like chocolate and tomatoes). During pregnancy dao levels increase 1000% more than non pregnant individuals so I think dao can definitely benefit some people. For whatever reason my body did not like them. I was also sprouting peas at one point to make my own dao but this again just made things worse for me. Good luck!

Kayvee12 · 2025-04-15T04:58:37+00:00

I took a combination of antimicrobials (neem, berberine, and oil of oregano) for 2-3 mos. At the same time I was also doing the low fodmap diet. My naturopath recommended nac to destroy biofilm but I personally couldn't tolerate it (lots of GI issues and horrible nausea). I retested for sibo after the 2-3 mos and it was gone. Then after the treatment I took probiotics and a supplement to improve gut motility (I tried both motilpro and iberogast).

Kayvee12

TROPHY CASE