Acne Mechanica is the name of the acne you may get when your skin is under pressure, is undergoing friction, is covered or is exposed to heat. Tight clothing that rubs against the skin, synthetic clothings that do not allow skin to breathe, pressure of backpacks, are some of the situations when acne mechanica may form.



Some other examples of pressure are- soldiers carrying heavy loads on the back, people carrying backpacks, athletes wearing a tight headband, women wearing bras with tight straps etc. Any such instance when the skin is tightly covered with cloth and pressurized makes it vulnerable. For example- people who wear very tight clothes made of synthetic material may get it.

Not everybody gets acne mechanica. Those who have a tendency to develop body acne may get it. Those with very small comedones may get it. When these small comedones are subjected to mechanical pressure and friction, they may flare up. Comedones are whiteheads and blackheads.

To avoid acne mechanica, wear loose fitting cotton clothing, avoid headbands, avoid constant pressure on the skin by any object and keep skin clean of perspiration. Wearing cotton clothes that breathe under your regular clothes can help. Washing yourself thoroughly after removing the irritating baggage/object can help. Keeping skin clean is a habit that can save you from acne mechanica. Take a thorough bath so that all the closed pores open again.

The treatment of acne mechanica is same as that for Acne Vulgaris. Some of the topical formulations that help treat contain- Benzoyl peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Resorcinol and Sulphur, Alcohol and Acetone, Azelaic Acid, Topical Antibiotics, Topical Retinoids and Nicotinamide.

Acne mechanica can be prevented by most of the people. Professionals, who cannot avoid such skin pressure, must take care of the skin immediately after getting free of their professional duties. Acne mechanica can cause skin scars. Protect yourself from it.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.