Efficacy and safety of topical dapsone versus topical tetracycline in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a retrospective analysis

Authors : Sabir Hasanbeyzade

Pages : 1-5

View : 19 | Download : 11

Publication Date : 2025-04-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: In this study,we compared the efficacy and side effects of topical 7.5% dapsone and 3% tetracycline in patients with mild and moderate acne. Methods: The study was approved by the hospital’s clinical Ethics Committee.A total of 100 subjects aged 12-40 years were enrolled in the study and each group contained 50 subjects who applied to the dermatology clinic with the complaint of acne on 01.09.22-30.11.22,were diagnosed with mild and moderate acne,and were treated with topical 7.5% dapsone or 3% tetracycline for at least 12 weeks. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of acne scores and lesion numbers at the end of the treatment (p=0.006 for acne score,0.002 for open comedones and <0.001 for other types of lesions).There was also a significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of patients with an acne score of 0 or 1 after 12 weeks of treatment (p=0.007).At the end of the first month,there was a difference between the 2 groups in terms of erythema,dryness and burning/stinging side effects (respectively p=0.009, 0.009 and <0.001). Conclusion: Our results suggest that topical 7.5% dapsone is effective in the treatment of mild to moderate acne and is safe in terms of side effects compared to topical 3% tetracycline.
Keywords : topical dapsone, acne and dapsone, tetracycline and dapsone, topical tetracycline