What Is Acne Mechanica?
Acne mechanica is acne triggered by repeated friction, heat, or pressure on the skin—often from helmets, masks, straps, tight clothing, or gear. It typically appears as small red bumps and can occur anywhere friction is frequent—face, shoulders, back, thighs, etc.
Treatment Approach
1. Eliminate the Trigger
Remove or reduce the source of friction/pressure (gear or tight clothing).
Add breathable padding: wear a clean cotton layer (e.g., T-shirt, bandanna, sweatband) between skin and gear to absorb friction & sweat .
Wash the offending gear regularly to remove buildup of bacteria.
Let skin breathe: avoid occlusive clothing and showers immediately after sweating.
2. Proper Hygiene & Skincare
Clean gently once or twice daily with mild, non-comedogenic cleansers—avoid harsh scrubbing.
Shower right after wearing sweaty gear to remove sweat, oil, and bacteria.
3. Over-the-Counter Treatments
Salicylic acid (BHA): 1–2% cleansers/toners to exfoliate and unclog pores.
Benzoyl peroxide (2.5–5%): kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
Alpha hydroxy acids (gluconic acid, glycolic acid): help exfoliate, but use gently to avoid irritation .
Sulfur, azelaic acid, adapalene (OTC retinoid): useful for mild cases; adapt based on your skin’s tolerance.
Barrier creams/occlusives: e.g., Vaseline or silicone-based gel for healing spots and reducing friction — recommended for localized healing after active breakouts.
4. Prescription or Professional Care
(If OTC treatments over 6–8 weeks aren’t enough, or lesions are severe):
Topical retinoids (e.g., tretinoin, prescription-strength adapalene) to normalize cell turnover.
Topical/oral antibiotics (clindamycin, erythromycin, doxycycline) to combat inflammation and infection.
Hormonal therapy (if hormonal factors contribute).
Procedures: chemical peels, light/laser therapy, microdermabrasion, comedo extraction to address persistent or scarring lesions.
Routine Summary
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Protect | Add cotton/sweatband under gear; keep equipment clean |
| Cleanse | Gently wash twice daily + after sweating |
| Treat | Use SA/BP; retinoids, azelaic, sulfur as needed |
| Repair | Use occlusive barrier creams on healing spots |
| Professional help | If no improvement after 6–8 weeks, or it’s persistent/infected |
Timeline & When to See a Dermatologist
Most mild cases should improve in 6–8 weeks with consistent care.
If lesions are painful, deep, scarring, or persistent after that, dermatologists can offer stronger treatments and procedures.
Additional Tips
Maintain a gentle, fragrance‑free skincare routine.
Moisturize to support the skin barrier—non-comedogenic, ceramide-containing is ideal.
For mask-related friction (“maskne”), same tools apply: clean mask, breathable fabric liners, and topical treatments.
Final Thoughts
Treating acne mechanica revolves around reducing friction and heat, while applying gentle acne treatments. Most rundown and manageable with OTC methods and basic hygiene. However, if it persists or worsens, see a dermatologist for personalized care and possibly professional procedures.