A Study of the Efficacy of 5% Dapsone Gel as a Topical Therapy for Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

Background: Effective treatment of Acne vulgaris (AV) is to reduce both severity and potential recurrence of the disease. Topical therapies remain the most common treatment option for mild-to-moderate AV Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of dapsone gel 5% in the treatment of AV. Methods: This cohort study included 80 patients with AV , their ages range between 13-27 years, Acne severity was graded using Investigator Global Acne Assessment Scale (IGAS). A pea-sized amount of dapsone gel 5% was applied to the affected area of the face twice daily for 12 weeks. Results: The patients were 12 males and 68 females. There was a marked improvement in IGAS with marked reduction in the number of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions between the beginning of the study and through follow up visits. Clinical response to dapsone 5% gel was excellent in 12.5%, good in 67.5%, moderate in 17.5% and mild in 2.5% and satisfactions to treatment was 20% very satisfied, 60% satisfied and 20% somewhat satisfied. Side effects were low and only 5% of cases had mild irritation. Conclusion: Dapsone 5% gel is effective and safe in the treatment of AV with minimal side effects.