Joel Schlessinger M.D.

Joel Schlessinger administered a study, along with other dermatology professionals, examining the safety and efficacy of dapsone gel 5% in the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris when used in combination with adapalene gel 0.1%, benzoyl peroxide gel 4% or moisturizer. This study, “Dapsone Gel 5% in Combination with Adapalene Gel 0.1%, Benzoyl Peroxide Gel 4% or Moisturizer for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A 12-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind Study,” appeared in the January 2012 issue of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.

This research was performed over 12 weeks in a random, double-blind study. Patients 12 years and older applied the dapsone gel twice daily and were randomly assigned adapalene gel 0.1%, benzoyl peroxide gel 4% or moisturizer to be applied once daily.

Patients treated with the dapsone gel and adapelene showed a significant improvement in reduction of inflammation and lesion count than those who received the moisturizer combination. Dapsone gel with benzoyl peroxide also showed significant improvement over the moisturizer combination.  Adverse reactions were minimal and mild.

Joel Schlessinger and colleagues concluded that dapsone gel in combination with adapalene or benzoyl peroxide gel is safe and well-tolerated in the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris for patients over the age of 12.

Joel Schlessinger has been a part of other studies determining the effectiveness of certain drugs in treating acne vulgaris. Read more about his research on the use of clindamycin phosphate and tretinoin in treating severe acne vulgaris.

What do you recommend to your patients for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris? Share with us in the comments.