ACZONE is a topical
treatment for acne, made from the prescription oral medication Dapsone.
Dapsone has a long useful history in treating a variety of inflammatory
dermatologic diseases, including several serious skin diseases such as
Dermatitis Herpetiformis and leprosy. Dapsone is a sulfa derivative and was
used occasionally for severe inflammatory or cystic acne, before Accutane
became available.
When taken internally, dapsone has a number of potentially serious side
effects, including a form of anemia, called hemolytic anemia. The manufacturer
suggests than patients using Aczone Gel, may have an increased risk of
hemolytic anemia if they are also taking oral trimethoprim/sulfamethazole, oral
dapsone, antimalarial medications, St. John's Wort and folic acid antagonists.
The package instructions note that if Aczone Gel if followed by the application
of benzoyl peroxide skin care products, there may be a temporary yellow or
orange discoloration of the skin or hair.
In the article cited below, by Dr. Guy Webster, Dr. Webster suggests that
Aczone Gel may work best in inflammatory acne by suppressing some of the
inflammatory white blood cells called neutrophils. I do not know of any effect
of Aczone on comedones, the blackheads or whiteheads of acne.
References:
·Dermatology Times Supplement3 Vol. 29
November 2008
Discussion with Dr. Guy Webster, article by Ilya Petrou, MD
·Allergan Advertisement for Aczone Gel.
·A review of Recent Studies on Rosacea, Acne Rosacea and
Actinic Keratosis
Supplement to the Journal of Clinical and Asthetic Dermatology
January 2009 Volume 2 Number 1