Benzoyl Peroxide and Clindamycin Gel: What to Know

It is a prescription skin treatment. Dryness, peeling, redness, or stinging can occur, especially when treatment begins.

Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that limits acne-associated bacteria and inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide helps clear pore debris and also acts against bacteria. Combining them helps reduce reliance on an antibiotic acting alone.

This gel is mainly used for inflamed spots such as papules and pustules. It does not erase acne marks or scars, and it may not suit a rash that only resembles acne, including rosacea or perioral dermatitis.

Apply the prescribed amount as a thin layer to clean, dry acne-prone skin, following the label and your prescriber's directions. Wash your hands afterward and keep it away from the eyes, lips, inside the nose, broken skin, and eczema patches.

Use a gentle cleanser and non-comedogenic moisturiser. Avoid adding scrubs, strong acids, retinoids, or other irritating acne products unless your clinician has explained how to space them. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair, towels, pillowcases, and clothing.

Do not share the medicine or use leftover gel for another type of bump. Tell the prescriber about previous bowel inflammation, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and all other skin treatments.

Stop the gel and seek urgent help for facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty, widespread blistering, or faintness. Rinse accidental eye exposure thoroughly with water and obtain advice if pain or visual disturbance continues.

Contact the prescriber promptly for severe skin swelling, raw or crusted skin, or significant diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, or blood or mucus in stools. Arrange a routine review if acne is worsening, scarring, or not responding as expected.

Ask which areas to cover, how often to apply the gel, which moisturiser and sunscreen suit your skin, and how to combine it with any retinoid. Confirm what level of dryness is acceptable and when your response should be reviewed.