BACKGROUND
Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease characterized by inflammatory papules, pustules, and comedones that is prevalent in men and women of color. Acne is the most common dermatologic diagnosis in skin of color (SOC) populations.1 Although individuals of all skin types can develop acne vulgaris, there are important differences in darker skin types that are important to consider when choosing an optimal treatment.2
Acne in women of color is more likely to present on the cheek area, compared to a predominance of chin and cheek lesions in white women.2 Notably, women of color are more likely to develop complications from acne including keloids, hypertrophic scars, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).3 PIH may last for weeks to months and, in many cases, is more troublesome to patients than the acne itself.2 Overall, facial acne and its sequelae have a greater impact on the perception of appearance, negative emotions, and social functioning in women of color than in white women.2
This study investigates the therapeutic impact of dapsone gel in adult acne patients with SOC. Uniquely, this study also evaluates the impact of dapsone gel on post-inflammatory
Acne in women of color is more likely to present on the cheek area, compared to a predominance of chin and cheek lesions in white women.2 Notably, women of color are more likely to develop complications from acne including keloids, hypertrophic scars, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).3 PIH may last for weeks to months and, in many cases, is more troublesome to patients than the acne itself.2 Overall, facial acne and its sequelae have a greater impact on the perception of appearance, negative emotions, and social functioning in women of color than in white women.2
Dapsone is a sulfone compound with anti-inflammatory properties that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris in SOC.4 Dapsone gel, 5% administered twice daily has been associated with significant improvement in overall acne severity, acne signs, and impact on quality of life (QOL) in women of color.4 Two phase III trials of a newer formulation of dapsone gel, 7.5% used once daily demonstrated that this product is effective, safe, and well-tolerated for the treatment of acne in both men and women.5 However, minimal data is available regarding its efficacy and safety in SOC patients.
Further, investigators in the phase IV study of dapsone gel 5% for acne in SOC anecdotally reported improvement in hyperpigmentation over 12 weeks.4 Further research is needed on the potential effects of dapsone gel on hyperpigmentation and PIH in SOC patients with acne.
This study investigates the therapeutic impact of dapsone gel in adult acne patients with SOC. Uniquely, this study also evaluates the impact of dapsone gel on post-inflammatory
