Allergic contact dermatitis caused by clindamycin mimicking ‘retinoid flare’

Abstract

A case of allergic contact dermatitis caused by clindamycin in a patient affected with papulo-pustular acne is described. Clindamycin is regarded as a weak contact allergen; few cases of topical clindamycin sensitization have been described in the literature. Despite the apparently low sensitizing potential of clindamycin, we suppose that the prolonged application of topical acne products containing this substance on irritated skin (retinoid dermatitis) may increase the risk of sensitization.