Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDifferential DiagnosisTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Differential Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Acne mechanica differs from other types of acne and isn’t related to a hormonal cause. It does, however, respond to many of the same treatments and will often resolve with at-home remedies and prevention.
This article explains acne mechanica, its symptoms, and how you can tell the difference between acne mechanica and other causes. It offers some solutions for self-treatment as well as information about when it’s time to see a healthcare provider.
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Acne Mechanica Symptoms
Acne mechanica can develop anywhere on the face or body (like the back, shoulders, orbuttocks).If you are already prone to breakouts, you’re more likely to develop acne mechanica.
It varies in appearance from small, inconspicuous comedones to inflamedpapulesandpustules. In the early stages, the skin may just feel rough or bumpy, even if you can’t see actual pimples. But as acne mechanica progresses, these tiny breakouts can become irritated and progress to more obvious, inflamed blemishes.
The biggest difference between acne mechanica and run-of-the-mill common acne (calledacne vulgaris) is the cause. While common acne has hormonal roots, the cause of acne mechanica is completely physical and it boils down to one word—friction.
Anything that traps heat against the body for a prolonged period of time, rubs, or puts pressure on the skin can trigger acne mechanica.
Items that can trigger acne mechanica include:
All of these things trap and hold heat and sweat against the skin, causing the hair follicles (thepores) to become blocked. With continued rubbing, the pores become irritated and those tiny blemishes morph into larger, red pimples.
Athletic equipment is a prime culprit, especially for teen boys. Football or hockey pads, baseball caps, sweatbands, and helmets can trigger acne mechanica because they’re heavy, stiff, and don’t breathe. They can exert a lot of friction against the skin, and are often worn when sweating. This is a perfect recipe for acne mechanica.
Soldiers are another group that commonly get this form of acne. Packing heavy gear for long periods of time puts pressure on the skin, causing irritation and breakouts. It’s especially common in young soldiers stationed in hot and humid areas.
Tight-fitting clothes and undergarments are among other offenders. Breakouts can develop under snug bra straps. Friction from too snug or sweat-dampened clothes can trigger breakouts on the inner thighs, for example, or breakouts on the butt.
It’s not just clothing and gear that can cause acne mechanica. Violinists may notice an area of breakouts on the chin where their instrument rests. Talking on the phone for long periods of time regularly might cause breakouts on the side of the face.
Acne Mechanica vs. Common Acne
Acne mechanica and common acne look nearly identical. But most of the time you can figure out what is triggering your breakouts with just a little detective work.
Clues your acne is acne mechanica:
Acne mechanica often completely clears up when the offending culprit is taken away. This isn’t always practical though. If you’re a violinist or an athlete, you’re not going to stop making music or playing your sport—nor should you. There are other ways to treat acne mechanica.
Acne Mechanica Treatment
Most cases of acne mechanica respond well to over-the-countersalicylic acidorbenzoyl peroxide treatments. Try a facial cleanser or body wash containing one of these ingredients, and use it daily.
At-Home Remedies
Be aware that benzoyl peroxide will bleach fabric. Wait until the product is completely absorbed before getting dressed, or wear old clothing you don’t mind getting stained. Using white linens can also help minimizebenzoyl peroxide staining.
When to See a Healthcare ProviderIfover-the-counter productsaren’t working after 6 to 8 weeks of use, it’s time to pay a visit to a dermatologist.You might need a prescription acne medication to get acne under control. Plus, your dermatologist will have additional suggestions to help clear your skin.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Ifover-the-counter productsaren’t working after 6 to 8 weeks of use, it’s time to pay a visit to a dermatologist.You might need a prescription acne medication to get acne under control. Plus, your dermatologist will have additional suggestions to help clear your skin.
Prescription Medications
Acne mechanica may need to be treated with a prescription medication. Your dermatologist may want to try a drug that’s commonly used to treat other types of acne.
These medications may include:
In most cases, acne mechanica can be treated at home or with a provider’s prescription. In rare cases, a specialist procedure like a chemical peel or blue light therapy may be needed.
Preventing Acne Mechanica
Acne mechanica can be made worse when wearing synthetic fabrics that trap heat against the body. Whenever possible wear natural fabrics, like breathable cotton.
Since most sports uniforms are made from synthetic fabrics, try wearing a cotton T-shirt underneath. This is especially important under athletic pads, to help reduce the amount of friction on the skin.
If at all possible, try to avoid things that rub against your skin in the areas where you’re prone to breakouts. Try a handheld bag instead of a backpack. Don’t wear hats, tight-fitting caps, or headbands for long periods of time.
Make sure to wipe down sports equipment (with a facial wipe) and protective gear after each use and to wash your face or shower after sporting activities to rinse away irritating sweat.
Acne Mechanica and COVID Face MasksThe COVID-19 pandemic required the widespread use of face masks, and that’s led to cases of acne mechanica from the constant irritation.These “maskne” cases are treated with the same interventions as other causes. Prevention includes keeping masks clean, and careful masking choices when it comes to fit and fabric.
Acne Mechanica and COVID Face Masks
The COVID-19 pandemic required the widespread use of face masks, and that’s led to cases of acne mechanica from the constant irritation.These “maskne” cases are treated with the same interventions as other causes. Prevention includes keeping masks clean, and careful masking choices when it comes to fit and fabric.
A Word From Verywell
Acne can be a frustrating problem. But if you’re patient and consistent with your treatments, you can see improvement of your skin.
As much as possible, try to avoid anything that rubs or puts pressure on areas that are prone to breakouts. Always shower as soon as possible after sweating, and use your acne treatments consistently.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Basler RS. Acne mechanica in athletes. Cutis. 1992;50(2):125-8. PMID:1387355Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.2016;74(5):945-73. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037MedlinePlus.Acne.American Academy of Dermatologists.Is Sports Equipment Causing Your Acne?Botros PA, Tsai G, Pujalte GG.Evaluation and management of acne.Primary Care.2015;42(4):465-71. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2015.07.007Teo WL.The “Maskne” microbiome - pathophysiology and therapeutics.Int J Dermatol. 2021 Jul;60(7):799-809. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15425.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Basler RS. Acne mechanica in athletes. Cutis. 1992;50(2):125-8. PMID:1387355Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.2016;74(5):945-73. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037MedlinePlus.Acne.American Academy of Dermatologists.Is Sports Equipment Causing Your Acne?Botros PA, Tsai G, Pujalte GG.Evaluation and management of acne.Primary Care.2015;42(4):465-71. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2015.07.007Teo WL.The “Maskne” microbiome - pathophysiology and therapeutics.Int J Dermatol. 2021 Jul;60(7):799-809. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15425.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Basler RS. Acne mechanica in athletes. Cutis. 1992;50(2):125-8. PMID:1387355Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.2016;74(5):945-73. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037MedlinePlus.Acne.American Academy of Dermatologists.Is Sports Equipment Causing Your Acne?Botros PA, Tsai G, Pujalte GG.Evaluation and management of acne.Primary Care.2015;42(4):465-71. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2015.07.007Teo WL.The “Maskne” microbiome - pathophysiology and therapeutics.Int J Dermatol. 2021 Jul;60(7):799-809. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15425.
Basler RS. Acne mechanica in athletes. Cutis. 1992;50(2):125-8. PMID:1387355
Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.2016;74(5):945-73. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037
MedlinePlus.Acne.
American Academy of Dermatologists.Is Sports Equipment Causing Your Acne?
Botros PA, Tsai G, Pujalte GG.Evaluation and management of acne.Primary Care.2015;42(4):465-71. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2015.07.007
Teo WL.The “Maskne” microbiome - pathophysiology and therapeutics.Int J Dermatol. 2021 Jul;60(7):799-809. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15425.
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