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

Year 2025, Volume: 15 Issue: 1, 1 - 5, 30.04.2025

Sabir Hasanbeyzade

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

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