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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February 23, 2013

Pros:

Gel consistency (helps in absorption)
Works Fast
No initial breakout (at least for me)
Targets inflammation
Good as overall treatment AND spot treatment

Cons:

Drying
Must be used twice a day to really see results (which gets tricky because of mentioned dryness)
A bit of a chalky feel when it dries
Expensive without coupon

This product was my transition from Accutane and it has worked great ever since. I can't say its completely cleared me up but it has kept my acne in check with minimal side effects but with very effective results. I recommend it for those who have had dead ends with BP or retinoids.
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February 8, 2013

Pros:

* Changed complexion - more clear, softer
* Drastic reduction in blemishes
* Few side effects
* Does not bleach fabric like BP
* Free with rebate from derm

Cons:

* Can make skin seem a little more oily
* Is not a cure - still have a blemish here and there, but not as frequent and go away much more quickly

I'm using this with Sprionolactone and Ziana (both of which I've been on for over a year) and the combination seems to be working very well.
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March 21, 2012

Pros:

Goes on well under makeup
Does not bleach fabric like BP
Does dry up current acne well

Cons:

Causes breakouts
Does not prevent break outs
There is no good research out there that explains how this product even works

My skin has really cleared up since my prepubescent and using the made my skin go completely insane! I don't believe in "purging" like many people do. If this product claims to be calming then it shouldn't cause a purge. Purging from talking to derm and aetheticians is defined as a skin irritation from a new product. In conclusion, this may work for some people but it made my skin a nightmare. I literally want to yell at my derm for putting me something when all I wanted was a new BP cream. My acne has gone from very light with one inflamed pimple and some noninflammatory acne to cysts and tons of papules and whiteheads! UGH
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December 18, 2011

Pros:

Works pretty much instantly with no irritation at all.

Cons:

Didn't seem to work as well after about a year.

I use it with minocycline, the only other medication that ever worked for me. Overall, I'm very pleased with this product. Definitely worth the money.
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May 26, 2011

Pros:

Treated my acne better than almost every other topical cream I've tried, such as evoclin and retin-A. The gel itself feels clean, and has a kind of grainy consistency, which I personally enjoy.

Cons:

VERY expensive! And I am unaware of any generic dapsone treatments...

I can honestly say this has been the best topical treatment I have used after about eight years of trial and error. Definitely worth a try, if you're willing to spend the extra money.
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August 15, 2017
Expensive but effective
So far I've been using this product a month and a half and I love it. The price was a real concern and I contemplated getting it as its $130 AUD but I don't regret my purchase. My skin prior to using this way extremely clogged with uneven texture. I began epiduo gel alone which did clear my skin up significantly but I think the dryness from the gel was still causing acne. I later began using Aczone which doesn't dry my skin up at all and I definitely think its helped clear my acne. Im not 100% sure exactly what it does but all my clogged pores are disappearing and my skin texture feels amazing, I prefer this much more over my epiduo gel. I am still left with clogged pores in my under eyes area however I'm extremely pleased with this product and would buy it again despite the high price, so far its been my miracle product for clearing my skin. By the way I use this during the day under makeup. I would recommend it to anyone, there is no bad side effects from it so it can't hurt to try it once
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December 6, 2013
Aczone..

Pros:

No burning
No peeling
No redness

I've been using this for a month and no results. Good thing that it doesn't burn and peel my face. I have really sensitive skin. I'll just continue on.
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November 25, 2013
Aczone user for almost 1 year. 15 yrs old, moderate/severe acne, dry/sensitive skin

Pros:

Reduces scarring and pore size
Doesn't dry out skin (good for sensitive skin too!)
Wears well underneath makeup

Cons:

No major effects on acne
EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE!!! $75 per tube

My derm. originally put me on Aczone because my acne wasn't too severe, but I would get tons of blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, and a few nodules. This cream is a good alternative for someone like me who has very dry skin but yet still has acne. I have been using Aczone for almost a year now, and it hasn't done much for my acne. The most it has done for me is reduce scarring and maybe slightly reduces the amount of pimples I get. The only reason why I continue to use this stuff is because I do feel it somewhat keeps my acne under control (whereas it would freak out). I'm going back to the derm. soon, so hopefully I can try something new. I have to admit though, that when you put it on after washing your face it leaves the skin looking/feeling very nice and smooth. I think it might slightly reduce pore size too, which is a plus. Bottom line is, if you're looking for a treatment for serious acne, or to see long-term results this isn't the product for you. It has also been a money pit...which sucks so much. $75 per tube!!!
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June 1, 2012

Pros:

Dries Quickly
No bad smell
Clears up acne

Cons:

No covered by my insurance

So this isnt covered by my insurance so I've been using the sample tubes given to me by the derm (she gave me like 15) plus a card so that I would only have to pay 25$ for the prescription. It works pretty well so far, in combination with my retin A that I use at night, the aldactone 50mg I take twice a day, and the sulfur wash I use. Its worth a try, and doesnt make my skin do anything crazy!
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August 29, 2018
THE BEST THING SO FAR!
So far....this has worked the best!!!! I had pretty much perfect skin as a teenager and then all of a sudden around 22...cystic acne. Huge, painful, scarring breakouts which started destroying my confidence and made me want to stay home. I promised myself I would write a review once I found something that worked...THIS is it! I tried antibiotics and all sorts of washes, creams etc but Aczone has by far been the only thing that has actually helped. I have been using almost daily since March of this year and aside from maybe 1-2 larger breakouts, I don't get cystic acne anymore. Totally recommend 100%! It's gentle and no burning feeling. I feel so much happier these days.
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oraclejade
February 26, 2019

Did you go through a purging period?

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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