INTRODUCTION
Acne vulgaris (acne), a common dermatologic disorder in adolescents and adults,1 can negatively impact an individual’s quality of life and psychological well-being.2-4 Effective treatment of acne symptoms may improve quality of life and reduce depression and anxiety symptoms in individuals with acne.2,5
Dapsone, a sulfone compound with anti-inflammatory properties, is used as a topical treatment for a number of dermatologic conditions.6-9 Dapsone gel, 5% (Aczone® Gel, 5%; Allergan plc, Dublin, Ireland) was approved in 2005 for use as a twice-daily topical treatment for acne.10,11 Clinical trials have demonstrated that dapsone gel, 5% was effective compared
with placebo, was well tolerated with a safety profile similar to that of vehicle, and that effectiveness was sustained throughout 1 year of open-label treatment.12,13 Systemic absorption of dapsone following topical treatment with dapsone gel, 5% is minimal; systemic exposure to dapsone and its primary metabolites following twice-daily application is expected to be approximately 1% of that from daily oral administration of dapsone 100 mg.14
Poor adherence is common with long-term management of acne15-17 and may result in an increased risk of treatment failure.15,18 Factors that influence adherence include age, severity of disease, knowledge about acne, the profile and severity of treatment side