COMPARISON OF EFFECTIVENESS OF TOPICAL 1% CLINDAMYCIN GEL VERSUS TOPICAL 5% DAPSONE GEL IN THE TREATMENT OF MILD TO MODERATE ACNE VULGARIS

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatological conditions affecting adolescents and young adults, with significant psychosocial impact. Topical therapies are the mainstay of treatment for mild to moderate cases. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of topical 1% clindamycin gel versus topical 5% dapsone gel in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris using a split-face randomized design. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Mayo Hospital, Lahore from February 2025 to June 2025, on 110 patients aged 18–35 years with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Patients were randomized into two groups using the lottery method: in Group A, clindamycin was applied to the right side and dapsone to the left; in Group B, the allocation was reversed. Both agents were applied once daily at bedtime for 12 weeks. Results: The mean baseline GAGS score was 19.4 ± 2.9. Both treatments significantly reduced acne severity over time. At week 16, clindamycin produced a 59.5% reduction in GAGS compared to 61.7% with dapsone. Clinical effectiveness was achieved in 70.0% of clindamycin-treated cases and 73.6% of dapsone-treated cases. The difference was not statistically significant, though dapsone showed a slight advantage. Conclusion: Topical 5% dapsone gel is more effective than topical 1% clindamycin gel for mild to moderate acne vulgaris, with comparable tolerability. Findings support dapsone as a frontline, resistance-sparing option, particularly in females and in moderate disease