Overview

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, but no two cases are alike, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Treat mild acne with over-the-counter products in most cases, but if you have moderate or severe acne--with multiple infected pimples--you likely need prescription medications. Evoclin, an antibiotic foam you apply to your skin, can help treat bad acne.

Cause

Acne develops when your hair follicles become blocked with oil that's thickened with dead skin cells. If you have bacterial infection in conjunction with your acne, you'll wind up with multiple large, infected pimples and likely some inflammation. In very severe acne, you can develop cysts or nodules deep in your skin. Moderate- to severe-acne sufferers risk developing acne scars if they don't treat their pimples.

Function

Evoclin contains clindamycin, an antibiotic, and prevents bacteria from growing on the skin in moderate and severe acne, according to Drugs.com. Use the medication exactly as you've been directed. If your physician prescribes Evoclin for your acne, you'll likely be told to use it once every day. Using more will not make it work faster, and it may increase your risk of side effects.

Side Effects

Evoclin foam can catch fire, according to Drugs.com. Be especially careful when applying Evoclin, and don't smoke while using it. In rare cases, Evoclin can cause a severe allergic reaction, with hives, problems breathing and facial swelling. If this happens to you, seek help. Other potential side effects of Evoclin include mild itching, burning and irritation, dry skin and redness.

Research

Topical antibiotic products containing clindamycin work against acne, although not in every patient. In one study, reported in 1981 in the "International Journal of Dermatology," researchers compared topical clindamycin to a placebo in 29 patients. Patients used clindamycin on one side of their faces and the placebo on the other side. Eleven of the patients saw more improvement on the clindamycin side, while four improved more on the placebo side. Five saw improvement on both sides of their faces.

Considerations

Dermatologists have used clindamycin-containing topical prescription medications such as Evoclin for decades to treat acne, according to the AAD. However, many strains of bacteria implicated in acne have developed resistance to the most common antibiotics. Use Evoclin as prescribed, because if you skip doses, bacteria could grow resistant to the medication and your acne could get worse.