Score- Survey on Clindamycin and Benzoyl Peroxide Outcome in Reducing Acne by Experts
Abstract
Background: Topical combination therapies are the cornerstone of acne vulgaris treatment, with clindamycin-benzoyl peroxide combinations widely prescribed for synergistic antimicrobial effects. Limited data exists on dermatology practitioners' real-world experiences and prescribing patterns with these formulations across diverse Indian populations.
Objective: To evaluate dermatology practitioners' perspectives on clindamycin-benzoyl peroxide (Clin-B) combination therapy effectiveness, safety satisfaction, prescribing patterns across acne severity levels, and antibiotic stewardship implementation.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey using the SCORE (Survey on Clinred-B's Outcome in Reducing Acne by Experts) questionnaire was conducted among dermatology practitioners across six Indian states (Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana). The 20-question survey assessed treatment utilization, safety satisfaction, comparative effectiveness, clinical decision-making factors, and stewardship awareness. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Thirty dermatology practitioners participated, with the largest representation from Maharashtra (46.7%). High combination therapy adoption was observed (66.7% using in >50% of patients). Safety satisfaction was universal (100% satisfied; 80% very satisfied). Treatment preferences demonstrated clear severity stratification: mild acne 40%, moderate 50%, moderately severe 56.7%, and severe acne 70% preferred Clin-B. Perfect antibiotic stewardship awareness was evident (100% agreement on avoiding monotherapy). Practitioners preferred once-daily night-time dosing (66.7%) and rated Clin-B favorably in comparative effectiveness assessments (73.3% versus clindamycin-adapalene; 66.7% versus adapalene-benzoyl peroxide).
Conclusion: Dermatology practitioners demonstrate strong confidence in Clin-B therapy with evidence-based, severity-stratified prescribing (40-70% preference increase). Universal safety satisfaction and perfect stewardship compliance indicate successful resistance prevention implementation. Results provide real-world validation supporting current guidelines recommending combination therapy as first-line acne treatment.
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