Dapsone Gel in the Treatment of Papulopustular Rosacea: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

We aimed to evaluate the effects of 5% dapsone gel compared with 0.75% metronidazole gel in the treatment of papulopustular rosacea.

In a double-blind randomized clinical trial, 56 adult patients with papulopustular rosacea were enrolled. The severity of disorder was determined by the patient according to visual analogue score (VAS). Investigator's global assessment (IGA) scores and number of inflammatory lesions were recorded. 5% dapsone gel was administered for group D and 0.75% metronidazole gel was administered for group M. Systemic doxycycline was administered for all patients. Follow-up assessments were done at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Changes in VAS, IGA scores and number of lesions were evaluated. Intention to treat analysis was carried out using SPSS version 17 (Chicago, IL).

There was no significant difference in sex and age distribution between the two groups. Mean (SD) IGA score before and after intervention in group D was 3.9 (0.9) and 3.3 (0.9), respectively (P<0.0001). Mean (SD) IGA score before and after intervention in group M was 4.2 (1.2) and 3.6 (1.3), respectively (P<0.0001). Mean (SD) number of lesions before and after intervention in group D was 15 (7.4) and 11.1 (6), respectively (P<0.0001). Mean (SD) number of lesions before and after intervention in group M was 17.6 (7.7) and 12.5 (7.4), respectively (P<0.0001). Mean (SD) VAS score before and after intervention in group D was 6.6 (1.8) and 5.7 (1.9), respectively (P<0.0001). Mean (SD) VAS score before and after intervention in group M was 6.9 (2.0) and 5.3 (2.1), respectively (P<0.0001). Mean IGA score, mean number of lesions and mean VAS score were not significantly different between the two groups, whether before, during or after intervention.

Dapsone gel was as effective as metronidazole gel in the treatment of papulopustular rosacea.