Cutaneous infections are not a significant feature of patients treated with topical clindamycin

Abstract

One hundred and fifty six acne patients were interviewed in order to determine the incidence of cutaneous and systemic infections occurring during treatment with topical clindamycin. The patients had applied the topical lotion for up to 36 months (mean 8.5 months). Forty seven per cent of the subjects were also taking an oral antibiotic, usually a tetracycline derivative. A detailed history was taken, with further corroboration from the general practitioner where necessary, to establish whether or not patients or their families were at an increased risk of developing cutaneous or systemic infections while applying topical clindamycin and whether these infections were more difficult to treat. Out of 5304 weeks' treatment, only one case of impetigo was identified. Data on 624 close contacts and relatives revealed no evidence of cutaneous infection. This clearly indicates that topical clindamycin does not predispose patients to a significantly increased risk of infection, nor do their close contacts demonstrate any increase in cutaneous infections. No patient developed pseudomembranous colitis.