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Pros and Cons of Aczone Gel to Treat Acne |
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Aczone gel is a new topical gel approved by the FDA for treating acne vulgaris, and does not contain benzoyl peroxide. Large pivotal studies have shown encouraging results.
Aczone gel, a prescription-only gel, contains dapsone as the active ingredient and is the only product in the US to use it. Studies have shown that dapsone 5% results in a substantial reduction of acne, both inflammatory and non-inflammatory, with mild to moderate side effects that could include headache and a runny nose. Many experts believe that using dapsone in a topical gel is a novel, effective and safe approach to treating acne.
Dapsone when taken orally as a pill is known to cause hemolytic anemia, an abnormal breakdown of red blood cells. But when used as a gel it does not push as much dapsone in the blood stream as to cause any symptoms of hemolytic anemia. However, you should be watchful for signs of anemia like backache, breathlessness, weakness, dark brown urine, fever or pale skin. Should you come across any of these symptoms, stop use and see a doctor.
Two clinical studies conducted on 3000 subjects showed better results than the ones without dapsone. Aczone was shown to reduce inflammatory acne in as little as 2 weeks.
The results showed:
24% reduction in inflammatory lesions within 2 weeks,
35% reduction within 4 weeks, and
48% reduction within 12 weeks.
A definite plus of Aczone gel is that it can be applied anywhere on the body, not just the face. It can be applied to the face, back, neck and even the chest, without much irritation to the treated area.
The side effects associated with Aczone gel are dryness, redness, oiliness, and peeling of the skin being treated. A caution to users: Don’t use Aczone gel if –
* You are allergic to any of the ingredients used in the gel
* You are below 12 years of age
* You are taking oral dapsone for other problems
* You are on anti-malaria treatment
* You are pregnant or intend to become pregnant
* You are breastfeeding your child
All of such people are highly prone to hemolytic reactions due to lack of the G6PD enzyme. Oral dapsone is often used in the treatment of diseases like leprosy.
Aczone gel is easy to use. A pea-size amount is to be applied evenly to the face twice a day. Since it does not contain benzoyl peroxide, it does not remove color from towels and clothing. Aczone is not an over-the-counter medication; so visit your doctor or dermatologist to see whether you can be prescribed this treatment.
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