A Pilot Study of Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2% and Benzoyl Peroxide 3.75% Combination Gel in the Treatment of Perimenstrual Acne

BACKGROUND: The current mainstay treatment of perimenstrual acne consists of systemic hormonal therapies, which can be problematic due to their side effects, stigma, or pill burden. Topical treatments are often used as well; however, data on their efficacy in treating this type of hormonal acne are limited. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide 1.2%/3.75% combination gel in treating perimenstrual acne in adult women. METHODS: The single-group interventional pilot study was performed on 22 adult female subjects with perimenstrual acne. The subjects applied the investigational drug daily and were assessed every 14 days for a total of 99 days. Treatment success was evaluated by the investigators using the acne physician global assessment (PGA) scoring system. Drug tolerability assessment was based on the subject-reported adverse events, as well as physician-evaluated erythema, scaling, and dryness. RESULTS: The study demonstrated a significant improvement in PGA score and lesion count, as well as patient-reported outcomes. The medication was well-tolerated in all subjects. LIMITATIONS: Limited sample size; lack of concurrent comparison group. CONCLUSION: Clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide 1.2%/3.75% combination gel presents an important topical option for perimenstrual acne.