ACNE vulgaris is a common skin condition that can significantly impact the quality of life for those affected. Various treatment options are available, but their effectiveness can vary.
A recent study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of topical spironolactone 5% gel and topical dapsone 5% gel for treating acne vulgaris. The study included 28 patients with mild to moderate acne, divided into two groups. Group I was treated with topical spironolactone 5% gel, while Group II received topical dapsone 5% gel. Both groups applied their respective treatments twice daily for 12 weeks, and their progress was monitored using the acne severity index.
Group I consisted of 14 patients, 11 females (78.6%) and 3 males (21.4%), with 64.3% having moderate acne severity. Group II also included 14 patients, 12 females (85.7%) and 2 males (14.3%), with half of the patients experiencing moderate acne severity. The therapeutic response in Group I was reported as poor in 14.3%, moderate in 28.6%, good in 50%, and excellent in 7.1%. In contrast, Group II had a poor response in 50%, moderate in 42.9%, and good in 7.1%. The results indicated a statistically significant therapeutic advantage for the topical spironolactone group.
In terms of adverse effects, patients treated with spironolactone experienced a burning sensation after application, whereas those using dapsone were more likely to experience itching. Overall, the findings suggest that topical spironolactone 5% gel is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for acne vulgaris, showing promising results for both male and female patients. This study supports its use as a viable treatment option for acne vulgaris.
Katie Wright, EMJ
Reference
Gharib K et al. Efficacy and safety of topical spironolactone versus topical dapsone in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Arch Dermatol Res. 2024;316(10):732.
