Acne Tests & Acne Treatments at University of Colorado Hospital

Tests for Acne

Your doctor will be able to diagnose your acne by examining your skin.

Acne Treatments

Treatments for acne include:

• Antibiotics taken by mouth or applied to the skin to control the growth of bacteria
• Synthetic forms of vitamin A (retinoids) taken by mouth or applied to the skin. The retinoid Accutane is a powerful oral drug used to treat very severe cases of acne. Pregnant women most avoid Accutane because it can cause birth defects
• Prescription formulas of chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide
• Sunlight. However, sun exposure must be limited as it can cause skin cancer