Resistance to clindamycin

[alonzo_meatman]

Hello,

I'm 30 years old, and I have moderate acne, mostly around my mouth.  I use a 1% clindamycin solution called Clindagel.  I've been using it for about 6 months.

I'm concerned about bacterial resistance.

What is the likelihood that the bacteria on my skin will become resistant to the Clindagel?  Is inevitable?  

I asked my dermatologist about this, and she had a very "oh, don't worry about it" attitude that, of course, made me worry.  She said that resistance is rare and usually only develops after a number of years.  However, she also made a comment to the effect of, "Well, it's not like you're using an oral antibiotic, so it's not like there's nowhere to go after this."  I took that to mean that eventually, I'll have to go on an oral antibiotic.  After that, god knows what I'm supposed to do.

The Clindagel works pretty well at reducing acne, but I don't want to use it if it means that I'm going to have bigger problems in the long run.  Acne ***** and all, but I don't want to have some kind of super-acne that will make me increasingly dependent on antibiotics.  If that was the case, I'd just stop using the Clindagel and learn to live with the acne.

If resistance does develop, is there any way to recover from it?  Or has the bacteria advanced to a more 'evolved' state, from which there's no going back?

[loiloi]

Hi. Clindamycin is one of the first treatments used for acne. If the problem persists oral antibiotics such as Oxytetracycline or Doxycycline may be used. An alternative to antibotics is a synthetic topical retinoid such as Differin. If severe acne continues an oral retinoid such as Isotretinoin may be indicated.
Eloise.

[Cake24]

I know how you fill.  I have been using clindamycin for a year along with an oral antibotic (antibiotic).  It reduces the acene but then it flares up.  Never really getting rid of it.  If you find out anything please let me know.