Préparations cutanées à base de clindamycine pour l'acné

About clindamycin skin preparations

L'acné est la cause la plus fréquente des taches. La plupart des personnes souffrant d'acné ont entre 12 et 25 ans, mais certaines personnes plus âgées ou plus jeunes sont également touchées. De petites glandes sébacées se trouvent juste sous la surface de la peau et produisent une huile (le sébum) qui maintient la souplesse et la douceur de la peau. De minuscules pores de la peau permettent au sébum de remonter à la surface de la peau. Dans le cas de l'acné, certains de ces pores sont obstrués, ce qui provoque des boutons enflammés.

Antibiotics like clindamycin, work by stopping bacteria that can contribute to acne from multiplying. One brand of clindamycin (Duac® Once Daily gel) also contains benzoyl peroxide, which helps to unplug blocked pores. Clindamycin is also available in combination with tretinoin in a gel called Treclin®.

Clindamycin is also available as capsules to take by mouth, and as a cream for vaginal infection. These are used for other conditions, not acne. There are two separate medicine leaflets available which provide more information about these, called Clindamycin capsules for infection and Clindamycin cream for bacterial vaginosis.

Before using clindamycin skin preparations

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using clindamycin on your skin, it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. (Although using clindamycin lotion is not known to be harmful to an unborn baby, you should let your doctor know if you think you are pregnant.)

• If you have any bowel problems which cause you to have diarrhoea.

• Si vous avez déjà eu une réaction allergique à un médicament ou à une préparation cutanée.

How to use clindamycin skin preparations

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about clindamycin, and it will also explain how to use the preparation you have been prescribed.

• Apply the preparation exactly as your doctor tells you to. Wash and gently dry your skin, and then apply a thin layer to the whole of the area where your spots occur. The label on the pack will tell you how many times a day to use the preparation. Some clindamycin skin preparations are used once each day, others are used twice a day. Wash your hands well after using it.

• Dalacin T® topical solution contains a small amount of alcohol which can cause stinging if it gets into grazes, or on to sensitive areas of skin. If you are using this brand of clindamycin, try to avoid getting it on areas of your skin in or around your nostrils, your eyes and your mouth.
  

Tirer le meilleur parti de votre traitement

• Try to keep any regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. A full course of treatment may last for several months.

• It is recommended that you use a mild soap and lukewarm water to wash with, as very hot or cold water may worsen acne. Do not wash more than you normally do. You cannot clean off blackheads.

• During your treatment your doctor may ask you to use another (non-antibiotic) skin preparation from time to time. It is important that you follow your doctor's advice, as this is to help prevent your spots from becoming resistant to treatment.

Can clindamycin skin preparations cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with clindamycin when used on the skin. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Si vous ressentez d'autres symptômes que vous pensez être dus à la préparation, parlez-en à votre médecin ou à votre pharmacien.

How to store clindamycin skin preparations

• Conservez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

• Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.

Informations importantes sur tous les médicaments