Description
How does Duac gel work?
Duac once daily gel contains two active ingredients, clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide.
Benzoyl peroxide is a type of medicine known as a keratolytic. It works by breaking down keratin, a protein that forms part of the skin structure. When you apply benzoyl peroxide to the skin it causes the top layer of skin cells to break down and shed. This helps break down comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and unblocks the sebaceous glands. It also helps to prevent the formation of new comedones.
Benzoyl peroxide also has an antibacterial action and directly kills the Propionebacterium acnes bacteria on the skin.
How long does Duac take to work?
The two active ingredients have a complementary effect on acne. It may take two to six weeks of treatment before the full effect of both medicines on the acne is seen, so it’s important to persevere with using the gel and be patient. If you haven’t seen any improvement after six weeks of use you should get advice from your doctor.
How do I use Duac?
You should Wash your skin with a mild cleanser and pat it dry before applying the gel.
Apply the gel thinly to the whole affected areas of skin (not just the individual spots) once a day in the evening. If the gel doesn’t rub in easily you are applying too much.
Avoid getting the gel in contact with your eyes, mouth, lips and mucous membranes such as the pning of the nose. Rinse the gel off thoroughly with water if you accidentally get it on these areas.
Avoid applying the gel to broken, irritated or sunburnt skin.
Wash your hands after applying the gel.
Benzoyl peroxide can be irritating to your skin. If you experience excessive redness, dryness or peeping of your skin after using Duac, decrease the amount of gel you use and use it less frequently (or stop temporarily). If any soreness persists consult your doctor.
Do not use this product excessively – this won’t make it any more effective but will increase the chance of it irritating your skin.
Do not use for longer than 12 weeks at a time.
Important information about Duac
Benzoyl peroxide can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid exposing the treated areas of skin to excessive sunlight, or to sunbeds or sunlamps. If you can’t avoid sun exposure you should wear appropriate protective clothing such as a hat, or use a suitable sunscreen lotion.
This product may bleach hair and coloured fabrics including clothing, towels and bed linen. Be careful to avoid getting the gel on these materials.
When clindamycin is taken by mouth it can sometimes cause inflammation of the bowel (colitis). Although this is very unlikely to occur when you use the antibiotic on the skin, if you get diarrhea either during or after using Duac gel, particularly if it becomes severe or persistent or contains blood or mucus, you should stop using it and consult your doctor immediately.