Dapsone (Aczone®)
Results
Side Effects

Often known by its brand name, Aczone®, dapsone is a topical medication called a sulfone antibiotic that works primarily by suppressing the growth of acne bacteria and decreasing inflammation in the skin.

It is normally applied once a day.

3.9
77
Read All About Dapsone (Aczone®)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
40.3%
4
33.8%
3
13%
2
5.2%
1
7.8%

Used Dapsone (Aczone®)? Rate It:

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October 28, 2013
Good

Pros:

scentless
leaves skin feeling refreshed
can be worn under make-up

Cons:

expensive

Wonderful product. Although I still have breakouts, they're a lot more controlled, and don't last as long. I use this twice a day (full face), and also throughout the day for spot-on treatment. Once I feel a bump, I apply the gel, and then usually by the next day, the bump is gone. For whiteheads, usually by the next day or two, the pimple is cleared. In terms of scarring, I've noticed somewhat of an improvement. In terms of dryness, I feel like I've used so many different products (benzaclin, tactuo, differin, clindamycin, etc...), so my skin adapts really well to different products, thus my skin does not get dry with this product. In fact, I never need to moisturize since I've been using it. Note that I'm using this product in conjunction with Doxycycline-Hyclate antibiotic oral pills.
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April 3, 2012

Pros:

Great if you are allergic to BP or it has stopped working for you

Prevents pimples, but doesn't overdry

Helps existing pimples heal faster

Goes on well under makeup

Big tube, will last a few months

Doesn't smell or stain

Cons:

Makes red marks more noticeable and they last longer

Expensive! Try to get a coupon from your derm

Not a miracle cure

I really like this stuff. I was carrying it around in my purse and putting it on my pimples during the day, which seemed to help them go away faster. I think it is making my red marks worse, but as long as it keeps the actives away, I will tolerate it. I put it on my trouble areas and it seems to keep new pimples at bay.
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September 19, 2017
Try it.
I struggled with horrible cystic ance . it was awful bright red swollen painful.i have literally tried EVERYTHING under the sun for face wash to help. Im 22 years old finally went to dermatology first time they had me on minoclyin antibotic with adpalene gel at night. Made everything WORSE. Went back six weeks Later and they gave me aczone and up my prescription of the adpalene gel. I use both every night also use oil control cetaphil foam rinse with the lotion I haven't seen my face this clear EVER. I am very happy took all the redness away since i started aczone i dont get huge cyst anymore. feel confident talking to people and dont feel like there looking at my ance filled face. Only down fall is aczone is expensive.
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September 13, 2017
I wish I never bought this
I broke out in over 20 new bumps along my jawline, cheeks, chin, forehead and hairline. Some places I never broke out in before. I used this for only 5 days and discontinued. My face was raw, red, bumps were cystic and deep and painful. Some even were oozing clear liquid. My face was swollen! I had to use ice to help it and use a gentle rose water wash for the last 3 days to help and my face has been healing now. Horrible product! I am dark skinned and my face was visibly red by the way. Before I used this product I only had maybe 7 bumps or so on my face. I will be going to accutane before I try anymore topicals. I've tried antibiotics, spiro, differin, epiduo, duac, tretinoin, clindamycin and more! I have had acne for over 10 years and I haven't had it this badly before this product. This is very overpriced too and fairly new.
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ashleybauchert
December 13, 2017
have you tried doxycline? or bactrim? heard good stuff about those.... just started foxy and i’m honestly kinda scared it’s not gonna work or make it worse lol
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April 26, 2017
mediocre & grossly overpriced product
Aczone is a mediocre and overpriced topical medication, distributed by a greedy pharmaceutical company named Allergan. Spend your money on a better product that doesn't cost you $900/year (with insurance!!!) I'm switching back to Finacea, which is just as good on my skin and doesn't break the bank.
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April 15, 2017
Miracle Drug
I've suffered from mild to moderate acne most of my adult life, but since I discovered this, that's all changed. My face has never been this clear! My routine, for those interested: AM: dapsone PM: 0.1% Retin A, 15% azelaic acid, 1% clinda, CeraVe PM (HLA & niacinimide)
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April 27, 2015
TEST BEFORE YOU USE IT!!!
i dont want to be super negative about this product but beause i can see how it would work for many. ive been using clyndoxel gel for a year and love it but is a bit drying so i tried out this product on some areas on my chin. my skin s very dry on my chn and im not sure if its the residue of clyndoxel on my skin or the dryness but my skin turned like dark brown after i used this and i had to miss school the next day until the skin was finally exfoliated off. im just saying but test it on a small area of skin before rubbing it on your whole face. it did work for my acne tho
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December 16, 2014
Awesome product!
I have struggled with acne since my junior year of highschool ( I am now 23) I had Lyme Disease and ever since I got that, my skin has been terrible. I have present acne plus acne scars all over my face, they are red dots along with black heads and pimples. I just recently have been getting laser treatments and they have actually been working. This laser I'm doing they say is just like accutane but with no side effects! I have to say its been awesome. Its called Acleara, highly recommend! While doing the laser he prescribed me to Aczone and it has lightened up my red marks and made my skin feel so smooth! I love it and am so happy I followed through with it. I also use Clinique acne bar face wash which is amazing and Buff Puff pads which I cannot live without. You can get these at Bed Bath and Beyond, I think they are $5 dollars for a big pack. I definitely would try aczone, I promise you will see a difference within a week! Plus it doesn't make you dry!
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June 28, 2013
Works!

Pros:

Dried Up Pimples
Not Over-Drying

Cons:

Stops Working After A Few Months

Back in January I started to break out really bad. I never used to have bad skin, but now I do.. I went to the Dermatologist in March and she prescribed me Aczone and another oral medication called Oracea. Aczone immediately started working on my skin and drying up the pimples without drying my skin out. It worked for 2 months, then it stopped working, sadly.. I think my skin has become too immune to this topical medication and that's why it stopped working. I'm going to try a few drug store topcials and see how they work, and I will probably go back to using Aczone regularly in about two months. Overall Aczone works well in the beginning but after using it daily for a few months I found that it stopped working on my skin.
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June 22, 2013
Helps reduce some cysts, but not all

Pros:

reduces the size of some cysts
It doesn't dry my skin

Cons:

takes some time
pricey without insurance

I'm 30 years old. I have been battling with acne since I turned 23! My dermatologist prescribed Aczone along with antibiotics ever since he noticed the cysts, so I've been on this medication for years now. Aldactone helped tremendously in the past, but I stopped taking it because after 2 years, side effects started happening. I went back on antibiotics (now I'm on Birth control and Bactrim DS) and I am struggling again with cystic acne, but worse than before. That's why I am really testing Aczone. I do notice that it slowly reduces the size of some pimples. Sometimes it works overnight, in a week or not work at all. At that point, I have my dermatologist inject some cortisone directly on my huge pimple. For the price and the amount of product I get, I am not too happy with it. I recommend Aczone because it might work faster on other people.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website