The oral form of clindamycin is also sometimes used to treat acne. It is more commonly used as a topical treatment, though.
Topical clindamycin works by reducing the number of bacteria that cause acne. It also has anti-inflammatory effects. This helps pimples become less red and swollen.
You’ll usually start seeing improvement in your skin within four to six weeks after starting this treatment.
This article looks at topical clindamycin as an acne treatment. It also discusses how to use it and what some of the side effects might be.
Topical Clindamycin Uses
Topical clindamycin can be used to treat severe acne. It can also be used to treat inflamed pimples that are stubborn but mild. It can be used in teens and adults.
Like oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Clindamycin is not really effective against comedonal acne. This is the more typical kind of acne that causes blackheads and pimples that don’t become inflamed. Clindamycin doesn’t keep pore blockages from forming. In fact, when it’s used alone, topical clindamycin isn’t very effective.
Topical antibiotics alone aren’t the best way to treat acne. They work slowly compared to other topical acne treatments. If you use topical clindamycin with another acne treatment, you’ll boost its effectiveness.
Your dermatologist will likely prescribe another acne treatment medication to use with topical clindamycin. This might be something like benzoyl peroxide or a topical retinoid.
You will get faster results if you use two acne medications. This will also help prevent antibiotic-resistant bacteria from developing.
Formulations
Clindamycin is sold under different brand names. It’s also known as:
Cleocin-TClindaMaxClinda-DermClindagelClindaReachClindetsEvoclinZ-Clinz
Clindamycin is also used in many combination acne medications. These medications are a blend of two acne-fighting ingredients. Some of these include:
Acanya (clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide) Benzaclin (clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide) Duac (clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide) Ziana (clindamycin and tretinoin)
How to Use Clindamycin for Acne
Topical clindamycin comes in a variety of forms. These include:
LotionsGelsFoamsMedicated pads called pledgetsToner-like solutions
Your dermatologist will help you decide which form is right for you. The form you receive may also depend on the brand you’re prescribed.
Different forms have different instructions for use. Most are applied once or twice a day.
Topical clindamycin is simple to use. There are a few things you can do to ensure you’re getting the best possible results.
Don’t just spot treat individual pimples. No matter which form you’re using, apply it over the entire area affected by acne. If you break out on your face, for example, apply it to your whole face, not just to existing blemishes. If you break out on your chest, apply it to your entire chest.
Try to apply your medication at the same time every day. The time of day isn’t important as long as you’re consistent. If you apply your medication in the morning, do so every morning. Ideally, it should be done at the same time each day. If you’re using your medication twice a day, apply your evening medication 12 hours after your morning medication.
Be consistent. Don’t apply it at different times of the day or skip days. When treating acne, consistency is important. You may get new pimples during the first few weeks of treatment. Don’t let this discourage you. Just keep using your treatment.
Side Effects of Clindamycin
All acne medications can cause side effects. The side effects of topical clindamycin aren’t usually serious. The most common include:
DrynessFlakinessMinor peeling of the skin
Your medication may burn or sting slightly when you apply it. You might also have some mild skin irritation. Serious side effects from topical antibiotics are very rare.
Tell your doctor at once if you have any of these very rare side effects:
Severe headache Diarrhea Stomach cramps Bloody stool
Summary
Topical clindamycin is an antibiotic used to treat severe acne. It works by reducing acne-causing bacteria. It works best when combined with other acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide.
Clindamycin is available under different brand names. It is also available as a combination medication. It comes in different forms such as lotions, gels, and foams.
Be consistent about when you apply your medication. Apply it to the affected area, not just individual pimples.
Side effects are usually mild. You may have dryness or flakiness. If you have more serious side effects like painful burning, headache, or stomach problems, call your doctor.
Topical clindamycin isn’t the right treatment for everyone. If it doesn’t work for you, don’t worry. There are plenty of other acne treatment options that will help you get clearer skin. Ask your doctor to help you find the right one.
Dry, flaky skinMinor peelingMild skin irritationSlight burning when the medication is applied
Severe side effects are very rare. They may include:
Intense headacheDiarrheaBloody stoolStomach cramps.
If any of these occur, call your healthcare provider.
