Acne is a really annoying thing, isn't it? Especially at a young age, acne can be all over the face, so sometimes you don't even want to go out. So, to control this acne, a doctor may prescribe you a topical medication. One of the most commonly used medications for treating this type of acne is Clindamycin. These can sometimes come in the form of a small liquid or as pledgets. Today, let's talk about what you need to know about this medication.
What is Clindamycin?
Simply put, Clindamycin is an antibiotic . But it's not a pill, it's a topical medication . Its main function is to kill or stop the growth of bacteria on your skin that cause acne.
Imagine, dead skin cells and oil from our oil glands clog pores. Then bacteria start to grow there. This bacteria is what causes acne to become red, swollen, and sometimes filled with pus and painful. So what this clindamycin ointment does is control that problematic bacteria. That means it attacks the root cause of acne.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
This is very important. Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, you should tell him/her your complete health history. Because even though it is a topical medicine, sometimes it can be absorbed into the body to some extent. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to inform your doctor about it.
| Health condition or fact | Why should you tell the doctor ? (Simply) |
|---|---|
| Intestinal diseases (e.g. Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) | This medication can very rarely affect bowel function, so it is important to be aware of this in advance. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Because these organs are involved in the process of removing drugs from the body, doctors should be aware of their medical conditions. |
| Having a large area of skin that is burned or injured | Broken skin may increase the amount of medicine absorbed into the body. |
| Allergy to Clindamycin or other medications, foods, or dyes | If you have an allergy, your doctor may advise against giving this medicine or recommend another alternative. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | In such cases, it is imperative to seek a doctor's advice before using any medication. |
Okay, now let's see how to use this exactly.
This is very simple, but doing it correctly is very important for the results.
1. Cleanse the skin: Before applying the medication, gently wash the acne-prone area with a soap-free cleanser, then pat dry with a clean towel.
2. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after using the medicine.
3. Apply the medicine: Take a cotton ball soaked in the liquid and apply it in a thin film over the entire area of the pimple. Apply it not only on the pimple but also on the surrounding area. Do not rub it too hard.
4. Be careful of your eyes, nose, and mouth: Do not let the medicine get in your eyes, inside your nostrils, or in your mouth. If you accidentally get it, immediately flush the area with plenty of water.
5. Use as directed: Use as directed by your doctor, at the same time every day. Do not use more than the doctor recommends. Doing so will not heal the acne faster and may increase dryness and redness of the skin.
6. Use it for the full duration: This is very important. Just like completing a course of antibiotics, you should use this medicine for the full duration prescribed by your doctor. Even if you feel that your acne has cleared up a bit, do not stop taking it until your doctor tells you to.
Warning: This medicine is for external use only. Do not take it by mouth for any reason. If you accidentally use too much or if someone drinks it, immediately go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. If necessary, you can also call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
That's possible. Take the medicine as soon as you remember. But if it's very close to your next dose (e.g., just a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose .
Things not to use with this medicine
Yes, when using this medication, there are some things that should not be used on the same skin area at the same time. These interactions can increase dryness, redness, and inflammation of the skin.
- Other acne medications: Do not use other acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid with this medication unless specifically directed by your doctor.
- Alcohol-rich cosmetics: Products that contain a lot of alcohol, such as some after-shave lotions and toners, can dry out the skin.
- Abrasive cleansers: It's best to minimize the use of things like scrubs during this time.
- Medicated soaps: Some medicated soaps can also dry out the skin.
It's best to tell your doctor about every ointment and medication you use (even vitamins).
Side effects that may occur when using the medicine
Like any medication, there are some minor side effects that can occur. But don't worry. Most of the time, these aren't serious. The important thing is to know what's normal and what you should tell your doctor right away.
| If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Serious Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Severe diarrhea | If you have watery diarrhea (possibly with blood), along with fever. This is very rare. |
| These are usually not serious (but tell your doctor if they persist). | |
| Minor skin changes | The skin may become slightly red, feel dry, or peel where the medicine is applied. This is normal in the early stages. |
Remember, it takes time to see results. It could be a few weeks or a month or two. So be patient and continue taking the medication as directed by your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that controls the bacteria that cause acne.
- Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies.
- Always use the medication as prescribed by your doctor, for the full duration of the treatment. Do not stop taking it just because your acne has cleared up.
- This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
- It is normal to experience some dryness or redness of the skin when applying the medicine. However, if you experience symptoms such as excessive itching or swelling, see a doctor immediately.
- Store the medicine at room temperature, out of the reach of children and pets. Throw away after expiration.
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