An Open-label Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Tolerability of Dapsone Gel, 7.5% in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris in Men and Women With Skin of Color

• Published in: Journal of drugs in dermatology Vol. 23; no. 6; p. 410
• Main Authors: El-Kashlan, Nour, Cices, Ahuva, Kaufman, Bridget, Da Rosa, Joel Correa, Sanabria-Gonzalez, Ingrid, Khattri, Saakshi, Alexis, Andrew
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.06.2024
• Subjects: Acne Vulgaris - drug therapy; Administration, Cutaneous; Adolescent; Adult; Dapsone - administration & dosage; Dapsone - adverse effects; Female; Gels; Humans; Hyperpigmentation - chemically induced; Hyperpigmentation - drug therapy; Male; Quality of Life; Severity of Illness Index; Skin Pigmentation - drug effects; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1545-9616
• DOI: 10.36849/JDD.7897

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease prevalent in skin of color patients. Studies have demonstrated that dapsone gel, 7.5% (Aczone) used once daily is effective, safe, and well-tolerated for the treatment of acne in both men and women. However, minimal data are available in skin of color populations. This single-center, open-label clinical study investigated the efficacy and safety of dapsone gel, 7.5% in the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI. Twenty (20) adult subjects with moderate to severe acne and Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI were enrolled in this study and treated with dapsone gel, 7.5% once daily for 24 weeks. Dapsone gel, 7.5% applied daily for 24 weeks reduced acne severity, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and decreased new inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions in skin of color patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris. Treatment resulted in improved acne health-related quality of life and patient symptoms related to acne, including patient-reported post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially with a treatment duration of 18 weeks or longer. Limitations: The sample size was small and underpowered to detect statistically significant changes in some endpoints. Dapsone gel 7.5% was safe, well-tolerated, and efficacious in treating acne vulgaris and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin-of-color patients. Larger studies involving skin-of-color populations with acne vulgaris are warranted. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(6):410-417. doi:10.36849/JDD.7897.