Effect of clindamycin in acne among college students

Abstract

Acne is a chronic, self-limiting, inflammatory disease of adolescents and young adults. Acne and its associated problems affects as many as 80% of adolescents and young adults. Only one third affected teenagers could consult with their physician about acne. Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic, developed in 1966 by chemically modifying the naturally occurring lincomycin.. Topical antibiotics such as erythromycin and clindamycin are the most popular in the management of acne. Side effects though minor includes erythema, peeling, dryness, and burning, pseudomembranous colitis which is rare, but has been reported itching, with clindamycin .The objective of the study is to evaluate efficacy of topical clindamycin in treating acne among students and to monitor the adverse effects encountered during the therapy. It was a cross-sectional questionnaire study carried out among 55 students of both sex group of age varying from 18 to 25 years suffering from acne. Knowledge of safe and effective use of clindamycin among students was to be assessed with a 17 pre-validated questionnaire and the data is analyzed using descriptive statistics. Among the respondents, about 79.6% had an outbreak of acne.71.4% believe that their acne is due their food habits. 87% are using clindamycin and was effective in 76.7%. Among them, about 61.9% use without prescription and 48.8% claimed to have no side effect and patients without recurrence is 55%.This study is to demonstrate the efficacy of clindamycin in the treatment of moderate to severe acne. The relevant data obtained through this study will help to aware about safe and effective use clindamycin in acne patients and provides information about the perception of acne among young adults with or without acne.