In order to get rid of acne lesions and to prevent new ones from forming you must remember that results take time, what works for one person may not work for another, and a dermatologist’s help may be required.
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Results take time. Treatments that promise “fast,” miraculous” or “overnight” results often capture the attention of acne sufferers hoping for quick resolution. However, the fact remains that acne does not clear overnight. On average, 2 to 4 weeks are needed to see initial results with any product including Loma Lux® AcnePill™. Once acne significantly improves or clears, continued treatment is needed to keep acne from re-appearing. If acne does not improve in 4 to 8 weeks, treatment may need to be adjusted as not every acne treatment clears every case of acne.
What works for one person may not work for another. What is an appropriate treatment for one person may not clear another’s acne because many factors affect resolution, including the cause(s) of the acne, a person’s skin type, and the kind of acne lesions present.
A dermatologist’s help may be required. With so many factors affecting clearance and a multitude of treatment options available (some only by prescription), a dermatologist’s help can make a difference. Before prescribing treatment, dermatologists consider several factors, including the severity of the acne, types of lesions present, co-existing conditions, as well as the patient’s age, skin type, lifestyle and motivation.
The knowledge gained from considering these factors allows dermatologists to create effective individualized therapy that will resolve the patient’s acne over time and prevent new lesions from forming. Sometimes a dermatologist may combine two or more treatment options. A patient may be instructed to use one medication in the morning and the other at night. Or, two medications may be combined in one prescription medication. Acne responds especially well to early treatment. Dermatologists recommend that acne be treated early to maximize effectiveness as well as help prevent scarring.
Loma Lux® AcnePill™
The Loma Lux® AcnePill™ is a natural mineral homeopathic medication indicated for the treatment of adolescent and adult acne as well as other forms of acne including rosacea. Dermatologist Steven A. Smith, M.D., F.A.C.P., specially formulated the Loma Lux® AcnePill™ on the basis of his trace mineral research and investigation of traditional homeopathic remedies for the treatment of acne. The active ingredients of Loma Lux® AcnePill™ are primarily the natural minerals bromide and nickel.
Loma Lux® AcnePill™ attacks the source of problems inside the body and relieves symptoms on the outside - naturally, helping your body to heal itself. The once a day Loma Lux® AcnePill™ is safe and may be used in conjunction with other medicines and health products, as well as in combination with other acne treatments.
The exact mechanism of action is not known, however the combination of these ingredients has been very successful in treating a wide range of inflammatory and noninflammatory acne.
Nickel is a potent inhibitor of bacterial chemotaxis; Bray, D, Bourret, R. B., and Simon, M. I.; Computer Simulation of the Phosphorylation Cascade Controlling Bacterial Chemotaxis; The American Society for Cell Biology; 4:469-481; (1993). This interferes with bacterial migration into the skin and pilosebaceous unit, thus interfering with the bacterial induced steps of acne mechanism. Other possible mechanisms include antioxidant and other anti-inflammatory properties of nickel ions.
Bromide enhances phagocytic and bactericidal activity of neutrophils. This interferes with the pathogenic activities of corynebacteriom acnes and other bacteria (gram negative and gram positive) that are involved in the cascade of events that result in acne lesions; Steele, R. W. and Woody, R. C.; Enhanced Neutrophil Function in Children on Bromide Therapy; The American Journal of the Medical Sciences; 302:145-147; (1991). Other possible mechanisms of action include a direct effect on sebaceous glands that helps normalize the texture of the skin.
Typical Treatments
ANTIBIOTICS:
Basics
Antibiotics are a commonly used method of treatment for acne. They are found mostly in prescription medications. Topical and oral antibiotics fight inflammation in addition to fighting the acne forming bacteria p. acnes. The advantage of oral antibiotics over topical antibiotics is that they reach everywhere that acne may exist, including the face, neck, chest, back, and tops of the arms. They are also more advantageous in moderate to severe acne that presents with "deeper" lesions.
How they work
Topical antibiotics work by fighting bacteria. As such, they work similar to benzoyl peroxide. Occasionally however, resistance can occur and the bacteria can outsmart the topical antibiotics making them less effective. In addition to fighting bacteria, the topical antibiotics have the ability to fight and reduce inflammation. This ability to fight inflammation is perhaps the most important feature of antibiotics. Oral antibiotics work by inhibiting certain processes needed by bacteria to survive. In doing so, the bacteria are killed and cannot contribute to acne formation. Through the blocking of certain cells in the body's immune system, oral antibiotics can decrease inflammation which helps control inflammatory acne (pimples, etc.).
Potential side effects
Some topical antibiotics can create mild irritation and people who are allergic to sulfa (not sulfur) containing medications should be aware of the medications that contain sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur combinations. The sulfur found in Loma Lux® AcnePill™ is a naturally occurring mineral; it is radically different from sulfa drugs. Therefore, anyone allergic to sulfa drugs can safely take Loma Lux® AcnePill™. Perhaps the most common side effects of oral antibiotics are gastrointestinal in nature including stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, vaginal yeast infections, depression and possible liver damage. This can often be decreased by taking the medications with food and water. Most antibiotics will also cause sun sensitivity. Any oral antibiotic should only be taken as directed.
Many public health experts are concerned about antibiotic resistance, a problem that can develop when antibiotics are overused. Over time, bacteria develop new defenses against antibiotics that once were effective against them. Bacteria reproduce so quickly, these defenses can be rapidly passed on through generations of bacteria until almost all are immune to the effects of a particular antibiotic. The process happens faster than new antibiotics can be developed. To help control the problem, many experts advise people to use antibiotics only for short periods, and only as directed. An antibiotic that works for one person with rosacea may not work for another. Over time, antibiotics can stop being effective. When this occurs, a different antibiotic may be used. Some antibiotics are not safe for pregnant women and also may alter the effectiveness of birth control pills.
That’s not all. Now there is emerging evidence that long term antibiotics can increase a person’s risk of respiratory infection and even breast cancer (published data).
BENZOYL PEROXIDE:
Benzoyl peroxide is a very common ingredient in topical acne treatments and can be helpful if used correctly. Benzoyl peroxide, like most peroxides, is a powerful bleaching agent. This product may cause dryness or irritation, characterized by redness, burning, itching, peeling or possibly swelling. It should be kept away from eyes, lips and mouth. Avoid product contact with hair and dyed fabrics, including carpets and clothing, which may be bleached by this product. If going outside, use a sunscreen. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Although side effects from benzoyl peroxide are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
SALICYLIC ACID:
Salicylic acid (sal-i-SILL-ik AS-id) is another common topical ingredient used to treat many skin disorders, such as acne, dandruff, psoriasis, seborrhea dermatitis of the skin and scalp, calluses, corns, common warts, and plantar warts, depending on the dosage form and strength of the preparation. Some of these preparations are available only with your doctor's prescription. Others are available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of salicylic acid for your medical condition.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
ACCUTANE®:
Accutane® is a medication taken to treat severe nodular acne that has not been helped by other treatments, including antibiotics. However, Accutane® can cause serious side effects. Before starting treatment with Accutane®, discuss with your doctor how bad the acne is, the possible benefits of Accutane®, and the possible side effects. Your doctor will ask you to read and sign a form indicating that you understand the serious risks associated with Accutane® therapy. The FDA has required increasingly strict regulations on doctors and pharmacists using this drug (Black Box warning label).
Accutane® should be a treatment of last resort, after all else has failed. It can be very helpful to some people but may cause other problems, some worse than acne. Stop taking Accutane® and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
Some side effects are more likely to occur but are much less serious. Such as:
Americans today are bombarded with the advertising of products that can be hazardous to their health. Teen role models promote glamour and perfection and are difficult, if not impossible, to mimic. We all want immediate results in order to try and keep up with the unrealistic expectations shown on television and advertising, but we encourage you to stick with Loma Lux® AcnePill™ for at least six weeks to determine if it is beneficial to your overall condition.