THE EFFECT OF CLINDAMYCIN IN ACNE-A CLINICAL AND LABORATORY INVESTIGATION

Abstract

Summary.— Skin surface lipid composition and sebum excretion rate were determined before and after one and 2 months of therapy in patients taking clindamycin for severe acne vulgaris. All patients showed marked clinical improvement. Clindamycin produced a significant reduction in skin surface free fatty acids and a significant reciprocal increase in skin surface triglycerides after one and 2 months of therapy. There was no significant change in the sebum excretion rate. These results support the hypothesis that free fatty acids are important in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris.