Objective: To evaluate the preference and cost of acne treatments among first-year students in Ubon Ratchathani University.

Materials and Methods: Two thousand fifty-one first-year students of various faculties in Ubon Ratchathani University were asked to do a self-report questionnaire about acne and were examined by physicians to grade the severity of acne.

Results: The study population consisted of 1,427 (69.6%) females and 624 (30.4%) males. More than half had treated themselves with over-the-counter remedies. The higher severity acne patients, both as evaluated by themselves or by a physician, tended to seek medical attention. Monthly expenses for acne treatment averaged 300 baht. The cost would increase according to acne grade.

Conclusion: Almost half of the university students spent a portion of their monthly allowance treating acne, mostly with over-thecounter remedies, which were inappropriately used in some cases. The more severe the acne, the more money they spent and the more they sought medical treatment.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris, Treatment, Preference, Adolescent, Thai