Acne –Acne is a skin condition characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red pimples or “zits.” Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin, called pores, become clogged. Each pore is an opening to a canal called a follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. Normally, the oil glands help keep the skin lubricated and help remove old skin cells. When glands produce too much oil, the pores can become blocked, accumulating dirt, debris, and bacteria.

Acne vulgaris – The medical term for common acne, which is characterized by the presence of one or more of the following: blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules.

Anemia – Anemia is a condition where there is a lower than normal number of red blood cells in the blood, usually measured by a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying part of red blood cells.

Benzoyl peroxide – Works to treat mild to moderate acne by introducing oxygen to the pores, which kills acne-causing bacteria.

Blackheads – Blackheads are tiny, dark spots caused by a small plug in the opening of a follicle (pore) on the skin. Blackheads are also called open comedones.

Bullous dermatitis – Bullous dematitis is a skin disorder characterized by large blisters. The cause is not known, but may be related to immune system disorders. Bullous pemphigoid usually occurs in elderly persons and is rare in young people.

Chemotactic – Involving, inducing, or exhibiting chemotaxis. See Chemotaxis

Chemotaxis – Orientation or movement of an organism or cell in relation to chemical agents.

Comedones –Comedones are small, flesh-colored, white, or dark bumps that give skin a rough texture. The bumps are found at the opening of a sebaceous follicle (pore). Comedonal acne is non-inflammatory acne.

Cystic acne – When acne is severe and forms deep "pus-filled" lumps. This may be more common in males.

Cysts – Cysts are closed pockets or pouches of tissue. They can be filled with air, fluid, pus, or other material.

Dapsone – A sulfone, and the active ingredient in ACZONE^® Gel. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Dermabrasion – A non-thermal resurfacing technique especially well-suited for deep defects of the skin such as acne scars, heavy wrinkles and the disfiguring effects of skin conditions like rosacea. The procedure involves the mechanical sanding of the upper layers of the skin and penetrates the skin deeper than microdermabrasion. With dermabrasion, a new layer of skin replaces the abraded skin during healing, resulting in a smoother appearance. Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure that requires only local anesthesia and for a few days following the procedure, the severely "brush burned" feeling can be avoided by using semipermeable dressings, which let moisture and air reach the skin. The new skin that appears is pink at first, but gradually develops a normal appearance. Most patients heal within 1 to 2 weeks. It’s important for patients to remember to wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to protect the new pink skin.

Dermatologist – A dermatologist is a physician who has expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, mouth, external genitalia, hair and nails, as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases.

Eosinophils – An absolute eosinophil count is a blood test that measures the number of white blood cells called eosinophils. Eosinophils become active when you have certain allergic diseases, infections, and other medical conditions.

Erythema multiforme – see Toxic epidermal necrolysis

Erythema nodosum – Erythema nodosum is an inflammatory disorder that is characterized by tender, red nodules under the skin.

Exfoliative dermatitis – Exfoliative dermatitis is widespread scaling of the skin, often with itching, skin redness, and hair loss. It may occur in severe cases of many common skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and allergic reactions.

G6PD deficiency – see Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency – Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency is a hereditary condition in which there is a deficiency of G6PD enzyme, causing red blood cells to break down when the body is exposed to certain drugs or the stress of infection.

Hemolysis – Hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells. Red blood cells normally live for 110 - 120 days. After that, they naturally break down and are usually removed from the circulation by the spleen. Some diseases and processes cause red blood cells to break down too soon. See also: Hemolytic anemia

Hemolytic anemia – Hemolytic anemia is a condition in which there are not enough red blood cells in the blood, due to the premature destruction of red blood cells.

Hemoglobin – Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. A blood test can tell how much hemoglobin you have in your blood.

Inflammatory acne – The big, red, angry type of acne. Consists of papules (solid, raised spots on the skin that are less than 1 centimeter wide) and pustules (small, inflamed, pus-filled, blister-like lesions on the skin surface).

Lesion – An injury or wound, a localized abnormal structural change in the skin.

Morbilliform – A rash resembling the dusky red eruption of measles.

Neutrophils – A type of white blood cell, specifically a form of granulocyte, filled with tiny sacs of enzymes that help the cell to kill and digest microorganisms. The neutrophil has a lifespan of about 3 days.

Papules – Papules are solid, raised spots on the skin that are less than 1 centimeter wide. Papules are associated with inflammatory acne.

Pimples – see Acne

Peripheral neuropathy – Peripheral neuropathy is a problem with the nerves that carry information to and from the brain and spinal cord. This produces pain, loss of sensation, and inability to control muscles.

Physiologic – A characteristic of or appropriate to an organism’s healthy or normal functioning.

Pilosebaceous unit – Also called PSUs. Found over most of the body, PSUs consist of a sebaceous gland connected to a canal, called a follicle, that contains a fine hair. These units are most numerous on the face, upper back, and chest. The sebaceous glands make an oily substance called sebum that normally empties onto the skin surface through the opening of the follicle, commonly called a pore. Acne occurs when these glands become clogged.

Pruritus – A sensation that provokes the desire to scratch. Itching can be a significant source of frustration and discomfort for patients. When severe, it can lead to loss of sleep, anxiety, and depression.

Pustules – Pustules are small, inflamed, pus-filled, blister-like lesions on the skin surface. Pustules are common in acne. They may occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly seen on the face, shoulders, back, and over the breastbone, and in areas of increased sweating such as the groin and armpit. Pustules are associated with inflammatory acne.

Scarlatiniform reactions – Resembling the rash of scarlet fever.

Sebaceous glands – Glands in the skin that produce an oily substance called sebum these glands are the sites of acne lesions. Sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles and are found mostly on the face, neck, back, and chest.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis –Toxix epidermal necrolysis is a skin disorder due to an allergic reaction or infection.

Urticaria – Alternative Name: Hives. Urticaria are raised, often itchy, red welts on the surface of the skin. They are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine. When you have an allergic reaction to a substance, histamine and other chemicals are released into your bloodstream, causing itching, swelling, and other symptoms.

Whiteheads – Whiteheads are white, raised bumps caused by collections of oil and skin in pores. Whiteheads are also known as closed comedones and pimples.

Zits – see Acne

ACZONE^® (dapsone) Gel 5% is approved for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not use ACZONE^®: Gel if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in ACZONE^®: Gel or if you are younger than 12 years of age.

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Like all medicines, ACZONE^®: Gel can cause some side effects. The most common side effects of ACZONE^®: Gel are dryness, redness, oiliness, and peeling of the skin being treated.

When the active ingredient of ACZONE^®: Gel (called dapsone) is taken orally as a pill, it has been related to the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia). If you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, you may have a greater risk for lowering your hemoglobin level. However, using ACZONE^®: Gel on the skin is not expected to put enough dapsone in the blood to cause clinical symptoms of hemolytic anemia. You are advised to be alert for signs and symptoms suggestive of this type of anemia (sudden onset of: back pain, breathlessness, tiredness/weakness with daily activities, dark-brown urine, high fever, and yellow or pale skin). If you experience these signs and symptoms, stop use and call your doctor immediately.

Use of benzoyl peroxide together with ACZONE^®: Gel at the same time may cause your skin to temporarily turn yellow or orange at the site of application.

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