BACKGROUND

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder among adolescents and young adults, with a worldwide prevalence of 9.4%. Both 5% dapsone gel and 5% benzoyl peroxide gel (BPO) have been reported in literature to have antimicrobial action against Cutibacterium acnes.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of 5% dapsone gel versus 5% BPO gel in Filipino patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris in a tertiary hospital.

METHODS

Phase 1 involved compounding 5% dapsone gel and assessing its safety in healthy individuals through a repeated open application test in 30 participants. In phase 2, a double- blinded experimental study compared the efficacy and safety of both groups. Participants were randomized through block design. Efficacy and safety was assessed using the Global Acne Assessment Score (GAAS) and lesion count, and monitoring the adverse effects. The Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) questionnaire was utilized to evaluate the impact on quality of life.

RESULTS

In phase 1, 56.7% of the participants were female and the only reported adverse event was pruritus (13.3%). In phase 2, both the BPO and dapsone group had 35 participants enrolled. Most are female (75.7%) with a mean age of 24. Results showed improvement in the GAAS from moderate to mild, a decrease in inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions, and a reduction in side effects during the succeeding visits in both groups.

CONCLUSION

5% dapsone gel and 5% BPO were both efficacious and safe for mild to moderate acne management.

Human ; Acne ; Acne Vulgaris ; Dapsone ; Benzoyl Peroxide

BACKGROUND: Melasma is an acquired hyperpigmentary disorder occurring in the sun-exposed areas of the face and neck. There is little information on its prevalence, epidemiology and clinical characteristics in the Philippines. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, epidemiology and clinical characteristics of melasma in Philippine dermatology patients METHODS: This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study conducted from July to December 2013. The investigators determined the prevalence of melasma in 12,068 dermatology patients from 6 government hospitals and private centers in Metro Manila, Philippines. The melasma patients, aged 18 years and above were examined and given self-administered questionnaires to determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of their melasma. RESULTS: Of the 12,068 dermatology patients who were seen at the selected hospitals and private centers, 153 (1.26%) were clinically diagnosed with melasma. Majority of the melasma patients were Filipinos (73.20%), aged 41-50 years old (37.91%), with an average age of 42.40 + 9.68 years, and Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV (29.41% and 57.52%, respectively). Melasma was more prevalent in females (81.70%), wherein majority had a prior history of pregnancy (76.8% of the females). Oral contraceptive use was also reported in 37.6% of the female patients and 63.83% of those who have used OCP, have used it for only 1 year or less. Majority had no thyroid disease (75.16%) and daily sun exposure was limited to 1 hr or less for most patients (43.14%). Their melasma was mostly malar in distribution (60.13%), epidermal (61.44%), and mild (51.63%) to moderate (27.45%) in severity. The average mMASI score was 4.63 + 3.32. CONCLUSION Prevalence of melasma was low among the Philippine dermatology patients sampled. Majority of the melasma patients were Filipinos, aged 41-50 years old, with Fitzpatrick skin type IV, limited sun exposure and no thyroid disease. They were mostly females, with a prior history of pregnancy. Their melasma was mostly malar, epidermal, and mild in severity. These descriptive data can serve as baseline information for further studies on melasma in the Philippines.
Philippines