Clindamycin

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that can be applied directly to the skin.

When used for acne, it helps reduce the bacteria and inflammation associated with breakouts. It is more useful for inflammatory acne than for blackheads and whiteheads alone.

Your dermatologist may recommend clindamycin depending on your acne type and severity.

Clindamycin is mainly prescribed for inflamed acne, such as red pimples and pustules.

But acne is not caused by bacteria alone. Blocked pores, excess oil, inflammation and hormonal factors can also contribute to acne.

This is why clindamycin may be combined with other acne medicines that work in different ways. Current acne guidelines support using combinations of topical treatments when appropriate.

Not necessarily. Clindamycin is an antibiotic, so it should not be treated like an everyday spot cream that you can keep using whenever a pimple appears.

Using topical antibiotics alone or for longer than necessary can contribute to antibiotic resistance. For this reason, dermatology guidelines recommend combining topical antibiotics with other appropriate acne treatments, particularly benzoyl peroxide in many treatment plans.

Always follow the treatment plan given by your dermatologist.

If clindamycin has been prescribed for you:

1. Gently cleanse your face and pat it dry.
2. Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected acne-prone area.
3. Keep it away from your eyes, lips and inside of your nose.
4. Wash your hands after applying it.
5. Follow the frequency advised by your dermatologist.

Applying more products will not make your acne clear faster and may increase irritation.

Acne treatment usually takes time, so don't expect your skin to clear within a few days.

Your dermatologist will decide how long clindamycin should be used based on your acne and the other treatments in your plan. Acne guidelines recommend reviewing treatment after about 12 weeks, rather than continuing antibiotic treatment indefinitely.

If your acne is improving, your dermatologist may change your treatment to a suitable maintenance plan.

Some people may experience mild skin irritation, such as:

• Dryness
• Redness
• Burning or stinging
• Itching
• Peeling

If the irritation is severe or continues, speak to your dermatologist rather than simply stopping or changing all your acne products.

Rarely, topical clindamycin can be associated with diarrhoea or bowel inflammation. If you develop significant or persistent diarrhoea while using it, contact your doctor.

Yes, your dermatologist may prescribe clindamycin along with another acne treatment.

For example, clindamycin + benzoyl peroxide is an established combination used for acne. Clindamycin may also be included in combination treatments with other medicines.

Using treatments that work in different ways can help target different causes of acne. It can also reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance when benzoyl peroxide is included appropriately.

However, don't combine multiple acne products on your own. Your dermatologist can tell you which products to use and how to use them.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before starting any acne medicine.

The safety of an acne treatment can depend on the exact formulation and whether clindamycin is combined with another ingredient. Do not start or stop prescription acne treatment without discussing it with your doctor.