Acne Treatment with Clindamycin
Clindamycin gel is a topical antibiotic that may be used to treat and prevent acne vulgaris caused by certain types of bacteria. Acne vulgaris refers to the most common type of acne, characterized by mild to moderate amount of lesions and inflammation. Clindamycin is not considered a universal solution for acne, but is still prescribed quite often if certain conditions are met. Same as any other acne medication, Clindamycin is indicated to use in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. In rare cases this medication may be used for purposes other than acne, but such use would be considered off-label.
In general, patients who were prescribed with Clindamycin should expect the following results:
- Reduction in the amount and severity of inflamed legions;
- Prevention of further development of acne;
- First results should be noticed within 2 weeks after the start of therapy;
- The therapy usually takes up to 2 months, but may be prolonged if necessary.
Before Applying Clindamycin Gel
Since this medication will only be effective if the patient has an acute skin infection with certain types of bacteria, it should not be used unless you were specifically instructed by your doctor, or if you have been successfully treated with Clindamycin cream in the past and are having recurrent symptoms.
Usually you will need to meet the following requirements:
- Perform several simple medical examinations to confirm that the cause of your acne is the presence of bacteria, which are indicated as susceptible to treatment with Clindamycin. This medication will not be effective if the cause is different or the type of bacteria is immune to this medication.
- Clindamycin gel may interact with certain other topical medications you may be using. If you were previously prescribed with a different drug to treat acne, make sure you notify your doctor before you wish to start the treatment with Clindamycin.
- Make sure you are not allergic to Clindamycin, or any other component within the gel. If you require a full list of ingredients, you may inquire the pharmacist present at the store (both if you buy Clindamycin gel online or get it locally).
Using Antibiotics Against Acne
Any serious medical approach to the treatment of various forms of acne will most likely involve antibiotics at some point. If the acne persists or worsens oven extended periods of time, does not respond to ordinary treatment methods (improving skin hygiene, avoiding skin irritation, as well as cleansing, moisturizing and otherwise taking care of the skin), begins popping out throughout the body (on the back, thighs, or arms), or forms especially nasty, deep nodules - the cause is most probably a skin infection caused by overgrowth of bacteria. The most effective way to treat such a condition is by taking antibiotics, either orally or via a topical solution. However, the presence of bacteria is hardly the main reason why people get acne. The type of bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes, normal skin bacteria, is constantly present on the outer layer of epidermis. Yet, when the hair follicles on the skin become exposed due to hormonal activity within the organism, the bacteria begin to build up inside the follicles, obstructing it and causing destruction of the lining around the follicle. When the amount of bacteria becomes artificially reduced by an antibiotic, the body will be able to deal with the hormonal disbalance affecting the skin with increased efficiency, significantly improving the recovery rate.
Directions on Using Clindamycin Gel
As is the case with any medication, Clindamycin will only be effective if used appropriately and in perfect accordance with the indicated instructions. Whether you buy Clindamycin gel online or purchase it locally, you should only consider this medication if you were informed by your treating doctor that Clindamycin will be effective in your condition. In some cases, Clindamycin may simply be ineffective in preventing the acute symptoms, and you may end up wasting money and effort without reason.
The general instructions on using Clindamycin usually include:
- To treat acne in adults and children above 12 years old, one application of Clindamycin a day should be used;
- Apply the medication only on the affected areas of the skin, where the inflammation and reddening is noticeable the most. Try to avoid putting it on clear, healthy skin as it will only expose you to unnecessary amounts of the drug;
- Try to apply a thin film-like layer on the affected areas. Using more medication will not bring any significant improvement in the end results, and may only become a reason of appearance of side effects;
- It is important to keep using this medication daily, without skipping. The bacteria may become resistant to Clindamycin if the drug will not be applied for several days and then resumed again;
- Do not stop using Clindamycin cream unless you were specifically instructed to do so by your doctor;
- This medication may in rare cases disrupt the function of your digestive tract and cause a condition called pseudomembranous colitis. If you experience stomach pain, abdominal cramps, bloody stools, moderate to high fever, and frequent watery diarrhea, you should stop using this medication seek emergency medical attention;