Reaction to Clindamycin?

I went to the dermatologist today for the sores on my face and was prescribed clindamycin.  He said this rash/sores could be zits?  He looked in his journal and said acne is a symptom of peg.  I never heard of that but what do I know?  Anyway, I applied the cream and have to admit, it was soothing at first.  I've been on the computer all afternoon and could feel my face getting hotter and hotter and assumed it was my fever.  But after just looking in the mirror, my entire face is bright red and it hurts.  Has anyone else been through this or any suggestions?  Thanks
Diana

[jmjm530]

It sounds like it could be rosacea, which is sometimes called "adult acne" by the uninformed, which includes many doctors who are not specialists in the field.

Do yourself a BIG favor and see a dermatologist for proper evaluation. At least your doc, didn't prescribe topical corticioids. Even OTC 1% hydrocortisone should never be used on the face unless under medical supervision. Can make things worse.

BTW I also use a Clindamycin-type prep in the morning and in the evening use something called "Rezamid" that was prescribed by my dermatologist.
"http://www.shopinprivate.com/rezaclot.html
An rx alternative to Rezamid -- very similar - is Sodum sulfacetamide 10% and Sulfur 5% lotion. On alternate evenings I use Metrogel 1% (just nose and cheeks sparingly). Sometimes I mix the two and sometimes I add Elidel if flaking is present.

Anyway, that's what I found works with ME after seeing around seven dermatoloigsts -- see one and find out what will work for you. Meanwhile, if rosacea, avoid common triggers such as sun, heat, red wine, hot drinks, and OTC topicals and makeup that can be irritating.
On alternate evenings use

[loosenup]

Thank you!  You mean I have to stay away from red wine?  LOL   The directions say to apply this lotion twice a day, but after this reaction I don't think so.  My face feels like it's on fire. The sores I have, have developed where there's been sun damage and at first they itch, then become open, possibly maybe I'm scratching in my sleep?  Seven dermatologists?  I've only seen my gastro twice, derm. once and already feel doctored out.  I'll look up rosacea and the web site you suggested.  Thanks again, I can always count on you  :o)
Diana

[jmjm530]

Didn't realize it was the Clinda that made you red. Rosacea would be more suspect if the redness was more spontaneous and not from a Clinda reaction -- although rosacea skin can be VERY sensitive. So, sensitive, that at one point, I was told not to use even water on my face. Only thing I was allowed was Cetaphil Gentle Cleaner, twice a day and Cetaphil Cream, at night. At that point I was actually prescirbed a mid-strength topical steroid for my face to calm things down. Stopped after two weeks and under a derm's supervision. Not saying you should see seven derms.LOL. but you might start with one. Not sure I'd use any more Clinda if you're getting that reaction. See if you can find some Rezamid for the zits when things calm down.

-- Jim

[alagirl]

well Jim... I do feel compelled to warn you that the fda says explicitly to:

Tell your doctor if any these symptoms are severe or do not go away while using clindamycin vaginally or on your skin:

dry skin
redness or irritation
peeling
oiliness
itching or burning

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a682399.html

(Sorry, couldn't help myself.  It's been a slow day and I figured with the spelling there was a good chance there was some vaginal cream type application for this drug)

[loosenup]

LMAO!!  The directions say for external use only.  Maybe that's what I'm doing wrong !!!!!

[alagirl]

actually, I had some real problems with my skin breaking out the first few weeks of treatment, it seems to have cleared up for now, but some of that stuff, like the sores in the mouth, seems to kind of come and go for people.  My mouth has been ok now for a long while now (knock on wood) as regards the sores but they were miserable and I am grateful to have not had such a problem with them as some have.

Tx is really weird.  Its like there are phases.  I never used to bruise with shots, now my stomach is covered with them.  Sometimes I have ra so badly I cannot move, other times that is a little better and its something else.  It seems to be a very mutable thing, with different things coming and going for different people, and then coming back again.  Kind of interesting in some ways.  Some of it I wouldn't believe if I wasn't here seeing it.