"Acne is not an easy condition to live with," said Dr. Jeanine Downie, a dermatologist and co-author of "Beautiful Skin of Color."
"To make matters worse, people spend millions of dollars on over-the-counter products that promise clear skin, but often do not deliver on the promise. That's why so many teens get frustrated and give up because they see little or no improvement," Downie said.
Acne affects 17 million people in the U.S.; more than 85 percent are between the ages of 15 and 24. The condition is most commonly caused by changes in hormones that occur in adolescence. Visiting a dermatologist is the best way to guarantee that you get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
While acne can be stubborn and hard to manage, medications such as Evoclin™ (clindamycin phosphate) Foam 1% are available. This once-a-day prescription delivers clindamycin, the most widely used topical antibiotic, in a foam formulation that is easy to apply, dries quickly and leaves virtually no residue.
"Evoclin offers a welcome relief to acne patients who often complain that some medications are greasy, messy and hard to spread on," Downie said. "The foam formulation is great for large body areas, such as the chest and back, since it is easy to apply."
Side effects can occur when using any acne product, including Evoclin. Side effects may include burning, itching, dryness or headache. Patients should not use Evoclin if they are allergic to clindamycin or the antibiotic Lincomycin, or if they have a history of colitis.