Efficacy and Safety of Topical Dapsone in Dermatology: A Scoping Review of Clinical Studies.

BACKGROUND

Dapsone (4,4'-Diamino diphenyl sulfone) has been utilized in managing a wide variety of mucocutaneous conditions, usually as a systemic product. Topical dapsone is commercially available as 5% and 7.5% gel and is FDA-approved for acne vulgaris. These topical formulations have shown less systemic absorption and fewer adverse events. Considering this, topical dapsone might benefit localized disease, immunosuppressed individuals, and those who avoid exposure to systemic therapies.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases for published papers up to April 2025. Then, eligible studies are included, and we summarize the findings of different clinical studies concerning the use, efficacy, and side effects of topical dapsone in various mucocutaneous conditions, excluding acne vulgaris.

RESULTS

Finally, 56 articles were selected based on the eligibility criteria. We summarized and categorized them into two general entities, including applications of the topical dapsone and side effects of the topical dapsone. The first entity has six subheadings consisting of acne vulgaris and acneiform eruptions, Rosacea, neutrophilic dermatosis, vesiculobullous diseases, vasculitis, and others.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, topical dapsone appears to have therapeutic advantages in several mucocutaneous conditions, especially in minimal, localized, and chronic eruptions.