Dapsone and the related sulfapyridine have been valuable therapeutic agents in many inflammatory disease states although the exact mechanism of action remains unclear. In patients with mild CP or the localized (gingival or ocular) variants, dapsone has been shown to be a relatively safe, first drug of choice in therapy before commencing treatment with systemic corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive agents. In patients with extensive, severe, or rapidly progressive CP, initial therapy with corticosteroids in a dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/d of prednisone plus immunosuppressive agents such as azathioprine or cyclophosphamide in a dose of 2 to 3 mg/kg/d are recommended.