Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial disease of the pilosebaceous unit. Although much is known about acne, its exact cause is still being elucidated.  There are many variants of acne: comedonal and inflammatory acne vulgaris, acne fulminans, acne conglobata, acne excoriée, drug-induced acne, chloracne, and infantile acne.

UC Davis offers numerous treatment options for individuals with acne.  The treatments can be divided into topical, systemic, and other therapies. 

Topical therapies offered include

• Antibiotics (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin)
• Retinoids (e.g., tretinoin or Retin-A, tazarotene)
• Salicylic acid 
• Azelaic acid 
• Aminolevulinic acid combined with blue light treatment 

Systemic therapies offered include

• Oral contraceptives
• Spironolactone 
• Antibiotics (minocycline, erythromycin, doxycycline, tetracycline)
• Isotretinoin (also known as Accutane)

Other therapies offered include

• Comedone extraction
• Intralesional steroid injection 
• Laser 

For secondary scarring

• Dermabrasion
• Laser resurfacing

For more information on services, please call (916) 734-6111 or (800) 770-9282.