Disulone

For 60 years, dapsone has been used as a both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. Dapsone (4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone, DDS) continues to be used successfully to treat a wide range of dermatologic disorders, notably those characterized by abnormal neutrophil and eosinophil polynuclear accumulation. A considerable number of other inflammatory as well as bullous dermatoses, of which dermatitis herpetiformis is the best known, have been shown to respond in varying degrees to dapsone, although the indication for the molecule has not been demonstrated in of them all. This article reviews current knowledge on the pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action and side effects of dapsone in dermatology. Despite the lack of controlled studies, the aim of this study is to specify and classify the pathological states in which disulone could be indicated.