Comparison of efficacy of topical 5% dapsone versus 1% clindamycin in mild to moderate acne vulgaris

Authors

  • Amina Mehmood Department of Dermatology, Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal
  • Zahid Rafiq Department of Dermatology, Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal.
  • Humaira Kousar Department of Dermatology, Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal
  • Shahana Hoor Department of Dermatology, Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.v36i1.3253

Keywords:

Acne vulgaris, clindamycin, dapsone

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is one of most common skin disorder, particularly among teenagers and adults. Recently, topical dapsone gel has been used as an alternative therapeutic option for mild to moderate acne vulgaris, in comparison to topical antibiotics such as clindamycin gel. Objective: This study aimed to compare therapeutic efficacy in terms of reduction in lesions with topical 5% dapsone gel versus 1% Clindamycin gel in treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Methods: This Quasi-Experimental study was conducted in the Dermatology Department of Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal from March 2024 to September  2024. Patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris meeting the Global Acne Grading Score (GAGS) of both genders and aged between 12 - 60 years were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided through non-probability consecutive sampling technique into two equal groups: Group A (5% dapsone gel); Group B(1% Clindamycin gel) with topical once daily application. Efficacy was assessed at baseline and at 12th week according to the GAGS. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25.0. Results: Among 340 patients female (78%) out number the male (22%) in gender distribution, with a mean age and SD of 20.82 ± 3.817 years. Patients treated with topical 5% dapsone gel achieved 76.47% “good” efficacy compared to 73.53% of patients treated with topical 1% Clindamycin gel. Efficacy in both treatments groups were statistically significant.  (P-value <0.05) Conclusion: Both 5% dapsone gel and 1% clindamycin gel are considered to be effective  treatment options for mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

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Published

2026-03-31

How to Cite

1.
Mehmood A, Rafiq Z, Kousar H, Hoor S. Comparison of efficacy of topical 5% dapsone versus 1% clindamycin in mild to moderate acne vulgaris. J Pak Assoc Dermatol [Internet]. 2026Mar.31 [cited 2026Mar.31];36(1):53-9. Available from: https://www.jpad.com.pk/index.php/jpad/article/view/3253

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