What should you know about clindamycin for impetigo?

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection that can cause blisters, oozing areas, and yellowish or honey-coloured crusting skin. It often begins where skin has been scratched, irritated, or affected by another condition such as atopic dermatitis. Clindamycin may be prescribed when the suspected bacteria are suitable for it, but a clinician decides whether a cream, gel, or medicine taken by mouth is appropriate.

Do not apply medicine inside the eyes or mouth. Because impetigo can spread through touch and shared items, treatment also includes sensible hygiene while the lesions heal.

Use clindamycin exactly as directed and apply it only to the prescribed areas. Wash hands before and after treatment, gently clean away loosened crust if advised, and keep lesions covered when practical. Do not share towels, face cloths, razors, clothing, or bedding, and wash items that touch the affected skin.

Avoid scratching and keep fingernails short. Children should stay away from close-contact activities until a clinician says it is reasonable to return. Do not use leftover antibiotics or stop early because the crust looks better.

Seek prompt care if infection spreads quickly, the skin becomes very painful or swollen, fever develops, the eyes or mouth are involved, or the person seems unusually unwell. Arrange review if new lesions continue despite treatment. Severe diarrhoea, especially if watery or bloody, during or after clindamycin requires medical advice.

Ask whether the infection is limited enough for topical treatment, how to clean and cover it, and when close contacts need advice. Confirm the treatment duration, what to do after a missed application, and which symptoms mean the medicine should be stopped.