Dapsone topical and Acne: What Users Say

• bro...
• August 9, 2018

For Acne "I am 24 years old, African American female with caramel skin. I have been on topical medications for my moderate hormonal acne. About a year ago, my skin went crazy, went back to a dermatologist, and was prescribed Aczone 7.5 gel. I 100% always look up reviews before I use a product, so I felt the need to write a review for my experience. It's literally amazing. You do go through a purging period, but please stick with it. It's been 4 months, and my face is beautiful and clear again. Just have a couple of dark spots, but all in all, I'm really happy with the results. Every now and then, I get a breakout, but it clears up quickly. It goes on smooth under makeup. Skin routine AM: Neutrogena acne-prone facial bar, Aczone, (wait 10 mins) then apply moisturizer. At night, wash face and put some Retin-A cream for my dark spots. I use Aczone only once a day. Please give it the full 12 weeks to clear you up, it works! I hope this review helped, the same way other reviewers helped me stick with it!"

• Jac...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 17, 2019

For Acne "I am a middle-aged male and have been experiencing problems with acne for the past 8-10 years. I have been on Accutane 4 times and would experience clear skin for about a year every time after my treatment. My acne would always resurface, and it would be an uphill battle to keep it at bay. I would also like to add that I experienced breakouts most frequently during the winter months. After habitually visiting my dermatologist, I was finally prescribed Aczone but did not expect much from topical treatment. I have been applying for about six months, and my skin is not only completely clear, but I am able to actually touch my face and eat foods I NEVER used to eat in the past. I strongly recommend this product to any male experiencing the problems I have. Acne is the most frustrating situation I had faced, and it killed my self-esteem. If you have severe cystic acne, I suggest you clear it up with Accutane and immediately switch to dapsone to keep it under control."

• map...
• September 22, 2020

For Acne "Aczone made my acne worse! My derm prescribed Aczone 5% (twice a day) for my adult nodulocystic cystic acne. He said my case was mild, so I don’t really need the 7.5%. During the 1st week, I thought I found my holy grail. It dried my existing acne, and redness was calmer. On the second week, I started noticing new bumps on places I don’t normally get acne (forehead and temples). I thought it was just a phase and waited and waited till it came to a point that I couldn’t go out of the house! On my 6th week, I still see new breakouts, and this time, they’re in clusters! Far worse than what I had. I never had this kind of flare-up before. I called my derm to book an appointment, and the nurse just told me that Aczone wasn’t supposed to break me out and to stop using it. So I stopped, but boy, the damage it did to my skin will not be an easy fix. I only used Aczone with a gentle cleanser and Avene Tolerance. These two have no actives, and I’m very certain that it was Aczone that caused these enormous acne!"

• Cak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2014

For Acne "I had very bad cystic acne and had to see a dermatologist. She prescribed Aczone and Tazorac, it did not work, it made me break out worse. I went back to her, and she prescribed doxycycline, an antibiotic, and within the first week, I saw an improvement. I am on antibiotics, Aczone, and Tazorac, which together work awesome, my dark spots and acne scarring are fading also."

• Smi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2019

For Acne "I've had acne ever since I was 14, but throughout the years, it just got worse and worse. In February of 2019, my acne became the worst it has ever been, it affected my mood every day and sometimes to the point where I wouldn't want to leave my house. I went to the dermatologist and was prescribed Aczone along with another topical cream called Bianca (which is a retinoid). The doctor told me to apply the Aczone in the morning and the Bianca at night, and as skeptical as I was about these creams, let me just tell you they work. You have to be patient because it does get worse before it gets better. I started the medication in April, and my skin didn't clear up until September, but please do not give up on this medication because it saved my self-esteem. It's also important to remember to only put a pea-sized amount... When I first started, I would put a lot more than required, and it started to make my face oily, which caused more breakouts. Use only a little bit, and it goes a long way!"

• Mis...
• October 2, 2013

For Acne "I started breaking out for the first time when I turned 20 years old. It was terrible, cystic acne, and I tried everything before going to the dermatologist. When I finally did, I was prescribed Aczone and Retin-A. During the first three weeks, my skin got worse. All my cystic acne rose to the top and turned into whiteheads. My skin also became flaky at the same time from the Retin-A. I wanted to stop and give up, but I'm so glad I didn't. Now my skin is almost completely clear, and it's been 6 weeks. Please don't give up on this treatment. Continue to use it as your doctor prescribed, and you will see results. I still have some redness, but overall, my skin is smooth, and I finally feel comfortable in it!"

• Mis...
• October 2, 2013

For Acne "I started breaking out for the first time when I turned 20 years old. It was terrible, cystic acne, and I tried everything before going to the dermatologist. When I finally did, I was prescribed Aczone and Retin-A. During the first three weeks, my skin got worse. All my cystic acne rose to the top and turned into whiteheads. My skin also became flaky at the same time from the Retin-A. I wanted to stop and give up, but I'm so glad I didn't. Now my skin is almost completely clear, and it's been 6 weeks. Please don't give up on this treatment. Continue to use it as your doctor prescribed, and you will see results. I still have some redness, but overall, my skin is smooth, and I finally feel comfortable in it!"

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2018

For Acne "I have tried every recommended acne product, whether it be topical or tablets, and this is the only thing that has worked incredibly well for me. I was prescribed this in August 2018, along with Spironolactone (commonly used for high blood pressure but works to kill acne by slowing down oil production), and my skin is perfect right now. I'm not going to lie, it was a little rough in the beginning. 1-2 months in, I was getting quite a few pimples, many flare-ups randomly. But it went by so fast. I don't discourage this product because of that. I went from not wanting to go out of the house most of the time to leaving with no makeup on every day, you need to try this! The only negative thing is that the Aczone is expensive. My insurance doesn't cover it, but it's so worth it to me. Hope this helps!"

• Ksj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 18, 2017

For Acne "I started using Aczone about 2 weeks ago. My derm added this to my other prescriptions (prescription benzoyl peroxide wash 5% and adapalene gel). I have been seeing a dermatologist since I was a sophomore in high school, and I am 25 years old now with acne as bad as a high schooler. I've used so many prescriptions and been put on antibiotics, and nothing has changed. So my derm suggested I try Aczone. This has made my face absolutely terrible with breakouts. I called my dermatologist and spoke to the nurse, who said this is normal and it will get worse before it gets better. Has anyone else had this experience using Aczone? And for anyone whose insurance did not cover this, just go to their website. I paid about 35 dollars."

• Mis...
• November 16, 2015

For Acne "I am a 28-year-old female, and I have struggled with acne for as long as I can remember. I get several cysts a few times a month, which always seem to scar. After discussing this with a new doctor, I was prescribed Aczone. I have tried almost every other cream on the market. I use Aczone every night after washing my face. Within the first few weeks, my acne got worse. My doctor did warn me of this. She told me to not give up and to give it 3 months minimum. By the end of the first month, my skin had improved significantly. I have used Aczone for 5 months now, and I have not had a single cyst or breakout. The medication is a bit pricey, so I recommend getting a coupon. I highly recommend it to any female with hormonal cystic acne. Great product."

• G D...
• July 6, 2015

For Acne "I always had acne through adolescence, and in my early 20s started developing painful cystic acne on my jawline and neck, particularly worsening prior to menstruation. All OTC treatments were completely useless to treat and manage this form of acne, and I was seriously considering Accutane. My dermatologist prescribed Aczone, and once I started regularly using it once a day, after about a month (i.e., not right away-it takes time to assess whether it's effective for you), I noticed a huge difference in my skin-less oily, essentially no acne. While the initial 'wow' effect has tapered off, I'm starting to get an occasional pimple prior to my period, my skin is still substantially improved. Worth a shot before going to Accutane."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2020

For Acne "Works great. CeraVe I noticed moisturizer and face wash, hydrating and foaming caused my skin to become irritated and break out. Vanicream gentle cleanser with Aczone worked wonderfully along with Cetaphil moisturizer with hyaluronic."

• Mmm...
• May 21, 2013

For Acne "I never had pimples before, but once I turned 23, I was having pimples once in a while, and later it was covered on my cheeks. Nothing was working out for me, so I decided to see a dermatologist, and he recommended Aczone. I have started using it last November 2012 and am still using it. My face is fully cleared now, and it is smooth just like it was before with no spots. Although I do get pimples once in a while, but they just go away. Also, I don't use makeup much, maybe that's why it got cleared and looks nice. Overall, I love it, and I am glad that the doctor prescribed me this one. But I just don't know how long I should use it for because my tube is getting empty, and I won't get any more refills."

• Anonymous
• December 28, 2009

For Acne "Aczone is amazing. I have been using it for about three months now, along with Acanya gel and Doryx tablets. It has significantly reduced my acne. I am 17, with horrible breakouts around my mouth and chin. Aczone feels really fresh, and it doesn't make me peel. It shrinks my pimples. I still get breakouts, but not like the ones before the pimples. Now I get just little bumps and the occasional whitehead. One thing about Aczone that is weird to me is that if I don't apply moisturizer almost immediately after applying the Aczone, it makes some parts of my face white and others brownish. Overall, I love this product, and I hope my acne just keeps getting better."

• Anonymous
• December 28, 2009

For Acne "Aczone is amazing. I have been using it for about three months now, along with Acanya gel and Doryx tablets. It has significantly reduced my acne. I am 17, with horrible breakouts around my mouth and chin. Aczone feels really fresh, and it doesn't make me peel. It shrinks my pimples. I still get breakouts, but not like the ones before the pimples. Now I get just little bumps and the occasional whitehead. One thing about Aczone that is weird to me is that if I don't apply moisturizer almost immediately after applying the Aczone, it makes some parts of my face white and others brownish. Overall, I love this product, and I hope my acne just keeps getting better."

• Cin...
• July 17, 2016

For Acne "The 'con' is that it really does take continual use for a good 6-8 weeks to see results. The 'pro' is that when I'm using it, my skin has never been so clear. I stopped using it a month or so ago when my skin was looking great, and about a week after I stopped using it, my skin broke out again (horribly), and it reminded me of what life was like before Aczone. It really makes a difference!"

• Slw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2017

For Acne "I went back to my dermatologist because of hormonal acne. I currently was only using Clearasil and Clear benzoyl peroxide (5%) and Aveeno moisturizer (with 0.5% salicylic acid). I have a lot of under-the-skin deep-rooted pimples under my chin that have been here for over 3 years. The dermatologist I went to said the Aczone would help with my deep-rooted hormonal acne. He told me to apply a small pea-sized amount over my entire face. He took me off my Clean and Clear face wash, which was actually keeping my acne at bay... I honestly am so disgusted by Aczone. It made me break out into huge pimples on the side of my face where I never had pimples before - EVER. I am still breaking out on the sides of my face! Was on this product for 4 months...!"

• Lup...
• November 22, 2016

For Acne "I am so disappointed in this product. I was hoping that it would help. I tried 2 different strengths, but nothing worked. I stuck it out for a month, and it just seemed to get worse and worse. I had cystic acne pop up in areas that I never had before. I also suffer from cystic acne, and mine was pretty much cleared up, except for a few small areas. The affected areas got much worse, and new areas started to pop up. My skin looks scarred and now has to heal after using this product. Everyone is different, so possibly it's just me. I do have lupus, so this may be a factor. I definitely don't suggest it if you have sensitive skin. I have Cigna and met my pharm deductible this year, but CVS wanted to charge $200, and Vons Pavilions covered at 100%."

• Jaz...
• August 6, 2015

For Acne "Bad, it started out clearing my skin. A week into it, my skin began to get red, and my acne got worse. I hope that this medication will eventually help. For a person of color, this does not work for my skin."

• tel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 13, 2017

For Acne "I don't know why I've continued to use this, for what seems like years. I stayed with the 5% gel. While it's worked very well keeping breakouts at bay on my shoulders and chest, it has not been good for my face. I just keep getting pimples and excessive oil saturation. I very recently was upped to the 7.5%, and that seems worse. I think it just is too harsh or just not effective for my face. I tried just using it every other day, but it seems the morning after I've used it, there are new pimples."

• Klo...
• March 7, 2016

For Acne "I have been using this gel for just under a month, and it seems to be working really well! I'd never had skin problems until I started switching birth controls, and then I would get acne around my period - but nothing too bad until I decided to come off birth control completely last summer. BIG MISTAKE. I immediately started getting bad cystic acne all over my cheeks, chin, and forehead. This cream really, really helps clear the discoloration and makes my skin feel and look so smooth. I put it on several times a day - sometimes as much as 4-5 times on particularly bad spots. I'm not sure that it necessarily prevents acne, I think that may take longer, but so far it works great on clearing up spots quickly and keeping them small and manageable!"

• Klo...
• March 7, 2016

For Acne "I have been using this gel for just under a month, and it seems to be working really well! I'd never had skin problems until I started switching birth controls, and then I would get acne around my period - but nothing too bad until I decided to come off birth control completely last summer. BIG MISTAKE. I immediately started getting bad cystic acne all over my cheeks, chin, and forehead. This cream really, really helps clear the discoloration and makes my skin feel and look so smooth. I put it on several times a day - sometimes as much as 4-5 times on particularly bad spots. I'm not sure that it necessarily prevents acne, I think that may take longer, but so far it works great on clearing up spots quickly and keeping them small and manageable!"

• bss...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2018

For Acne "I started using this when the dermatologist prescribed it to me, and at first it worked okay. But three weeks in, it caused me to break out, and I now have the worst acne I have ever had because of this product."

• bss...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2018

For Acne "I started using this when the dermatologist prescribed it to me, and at first it worked okay. But three weeks in, it caused me to break out, and I now have the worst acne I have ever had because of this product."

• Anonymous
• August 26, 2015

For Acne "I can't say I was happy with this medication. I feel like it didn't help my acne whatsoever. If anything, it actually broke me out more than I usually do, and it gave me blackheads on my nose. Not cute! Everyone is different, I feel like for my skin, this was not a good fit. Onexton is drastically better for me."