Acne: A Common Culprit

Acne affects almost 17 million people in the United States, making it the most common skin problem in the country. A disease of the pilosebaceous units, or PSUs, acne lesions occur when hair follicles become plugged with oil and skin cells. Then, bacteria that normally exist on the skin multiply in the clogged pores, causing inflammation and redness.

People with acne may suffer from different types of acne lesions - including microcomedos, open comedos (blackheads) and closed comedos (whiteheads). More severe eruptions include nodules and cysts, which can cause pain and scarring.

Some factors that contribute to acne are genetics, hormonal fluctuations, certain drugs and environmental irritants such as greasy makeup or high humidity.

Acne can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medicines that reduce oil production and bacteria on the skin. In some cases, doctors may also prescribe oral medications to heal acne lesions and prevent new ones from forming.

For more information about acne, its causes and treatments, talk to your dermatologist.

Talking to Your Dermatologist about Acne

A visit to your dermatologist is an important step in treating acne, especially if over-the-counter medications haven’t helped you. The first time you see a dermatologist about acne, he or she may ask you how long you’ve had acne, how you’ve tried treating it, and other questions about your general medical history. You can ask questions, too, such as ­

• What’s causing my acne?
• How do I know if it’s mild, severe, or in-between?
• What should I expect from the treatment I’ve been using?
• How soon can I expect to see results from prescription treatments?
• How do they work?

Before you leave your doctor’s office, make sure you understand exactly how to use any medications your doctor prescribes.

back to top

Solutions for Acne Sufferers

ClindaMax® Gel (clindamycin phosphate Gel USP, 1%) and ClindaMax® Lotion (clindamycin phosphate Topical Suspension USP, 1%) are topical treatments that help prevent bacteria from growing on the skin.

ClindaMax brand products are available by prescription only. Talk to your doctor about whether ClindaMax Gel or Lotion is right for you.

For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. In clinical studies, drug-related side effects following the use of ClindaMax consisted primarily of dryness, burning and itching.

Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis which may result in patient death. Use of the topical formulation of clindamycin results in absorption of the antibiotic from the skin surface. Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis (including psuedomembranous colitis) have been reported with the use of topical and systemic clindamycin and have been observed to begin up to several weeks following cessation of oral and parenteral therapy with clindamycin.

back to top