Dapsone Gel Shows Promise for Treating Acne in Skin of Color

A new study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology indicates that dapsone gel, 7.5% (Aczone^®, Almirall) was safe and effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris in patients with skin of color. 

"Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease prevalent in skin of color patients," the authors wrote. "Studies have demonstrated that dapsone gel, 7.5% 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."

Researchers for the study enrolled 20 adult patients with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris and Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI. Patients were treated with dapsone gel 7.5% once daily for 24 weeks. According to the results, daily treatment with dapsone gel, 7.5% over 24 was associated with reduced severity, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and decreased new inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions in patients with skin of color who had moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris. Treatment also improved participant quality-of-life and acne-related symptoms such as patient-reported post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

The results of the study are limited in applicability due to being underpowered with a small sample size. 

"Dapsone gel, 7.5% was safe, well-tolerated, and efficacious in treating acne vulgaris and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin of color patients," the authors concluded. "Larger studies involving skin of color populations with acne vulgaris are warranted."

Source: El-Kashlan N, et al. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2024;23(6):410-417. Doi:10.36849/JDD.7897