Dave
I've had what a general practicianor called rosacea since 1990. I used metrogel for a while with no results. I started experimenting with different ointments, some worked mildly until I tried hydrocortisone(1%). I used it for a couple years once every few days and it worked good but I started having more flair ups over a larger area. My doctor told me about the thinning of the skin and now I use the metrogel. I used to apply it and rub it in until I reread the instructions. You have to apply it so you have a thin film. Any way it does work better that way, but it doesn't seem to be going away. The herbal remedy sounds like a good approach, I also have IBS, maybe this is related.