A prospective randomized open label study to compare the efficacy and tolerability of topical clindamycin 1% with and without topical benzoyl peroxide 2.5 percent in mild to moderate cases of acne.

This is a prospective randomized open-label comparative study conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore. The study compares the efficacy and tolerability of topical clindamycin 1 percent gel alone versus topical clindamycin 1 percent gel combined with benzoyl peroxide 2.5 percent gel in treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Participants will be randomly assigned to two treatment groups. Group C will receive topical clindamycin 1 percent gel twice daily. Group B will receive topical clindamycin 1 percent gel twice daily plus benzoyl peroxide 2.5 percent gel once daily at night. Treatment duration is 3 months with monthly clinical evaluations to assess acne severity using the Investigators Global Assessment scale, efficacy, and tolerability. The study includes comprehensive informed consent forms in English and Kannada, participant information sheets, assent forms for minors, consent forms for medical photography, and detailed case record forms for systematic data collection. All participants will be monitored for common side effects including dryness, redness, burning sensation, itching, peeling, and irritation at the application site.