Dapsone 7.5% Gel Versus Trichloroacetic Acid Peels.

BACKGROUND

Acne vulgaris is a chronic and multifactorial skin disease that can occur during adulthood, with a negative impact on self-esteem. Dapsone is a common antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medication used to treat several skin conditions.

OBJECTIVE

Objectives were to compare efficacy, tolerability, and safety of dapsone 7.5% gel versus trichloroacetic acid peel TCA 20% in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Thirty patients with acne vulgaris participated in a split-face, comparative, quasi-experimental clinical study. Trichloroacetic acid peels 20% were applied to the right side of the participants' face every 2 weeks for 3 months. The participants were instructed to apply dapsone 7.5% gel once daily at night on the left side of the face for 3 months.

RESULTS

There was a little difference between the 2 treatments; however, both sides of the face showed a considerable decrease in lesion counts and the Global Acne Grading Score (GAGS) after treatment.

CONCLUSION

The clinical effectiveness of trichloroacetic acid peeling and dapsone 7.5% gel was not significantly different in mild and moderate acne vulgaris. Dapsone 7.5% gel is more effective in treating inflammatory than noninflammatory lesions.