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Acne mechanica is a type of acne caused by the combination of pressure, friction, heat, humidity, and occlusion. Any repeated and prolonged mechanical irritation to the skin, such as rubbing, pressure, friction, pinching or pulling can produce these inflammatory papules and pustules.1 Sever cases may progress to nodules and cysts. Rather than being a primary acne, it is an exacerbation of an underlying acne, where the inflammatory lesions become much worse.
This often occurs under protective equipment during sports such as football and hockey, so acne mechanica is prevalent in athletes. Therefore, it is sometimes called sports-induced acne and football acne. It can also be a result of contact with other types of athletic clothing such as tight spandex. It may be more severe in young athletes who already have trouble with pediactric acne.
Acne mechanica can occur on the areas that come into contact with helmets, shoulder pads, chin straps, and various braces: the forehead, chin, shoulders, and upper back, especially. However, it can occure anywhere. To help prevent the condition, athletes and others should wear cotton or polypropylene t-shirts beneath protective equipment, when possible. Sweat soaked clothing should be removed quickly after training and play and a shower should be taken as soon as possible.
This type of acne is also not uncommon in strength training, especially in those who bench press often, where the back comes into contact with the vinyl-covered bench under pressure and friction from the barbell being lifted and manipulated, resulting in an acne breakout on the back. This may tend to be more likely with high volume and long periods of time spent on the bench. The same preventatives apply.
Truck drivers can be prone as well because of the pressure and rubbing of the seat against the driver's back. Also, the use of face masks, such as in hospital workers or those who work with hazardous materials may be vulnerable. Belts, straps, hats, telephone headsets, and even violins against the neck are also associated.
Severe cases of acne mechanica may sometimes progress to acne keloidalis, especially in black athletes. Typically occuring on the posterior neck and scalp from helmet irritation, multiple small keloids develop in the affected region. Keloids are similar to a hypertrophic scar except these lesions can expand beyond the original area and do not resolve, either on there own or with treatment. Although usually asymptomatic, they may sometimes by puritic, painful, or tender. Although prevalent in darker skinned races, they can occur in anyone.
Although acne mechanica can be treated with topical or systemic antibiotics, topical retinoids (Retin A), salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide, it usually goes away on it's own after the playing season ends or the offending activity is ceased, except for severe chronic cases. Systemic antibiotics are generally only prescribed when topical treatments fail or when the acne occurs on the back, where it is difficult to apply topicals. Some of these treatments have disadvantages and side-effects, which should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor. This condition could be mistaken with contact dermatitis or folliculitis.
Body Wipes for In Between Matches
Ahtletes, and especially wrestlers, who are prone to this type of acne and have a need to quickly clean up in between matches or during long tournaments can use any one of various brands of body wipes. Wipes with antibacterial herbal ingredients are available, such as eucalyptus wipes. However, the scent may be annoying and these will slightly "oil" the skin. The are also uneconomical and there is no way, as well, to gauge their efficacy. The common "wet nap" wipes found in grocery stores and drug stores are too small to be used on the body, being intended for the hands and face. Some of these products may also contain alcohol, which is drying to the skin. Simple "soap and water" clean up wipes are a better option, being the most affordable, if not the most soothing. One cost-effective product, marketed especially for athletes and wrestlers, is Kennedy Athletic Body Cleaning Wipes. These come in a dispenser tub. Less affordable but individually wrapped, are Qwik Shower Gym Class Wipes. Unfortunately, wipes are difficult to use on the back, without assistance.
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References
O'Connor, Daniel P., and A. Louise Fincher. "Chapter 12." Clinical Pathology for Athletic Trainers: Recognizing Systemic Disease. Thorofare, NJ: SLACK, 2008. 300.
Kanerva, L. Handbook of Occupational Dermatology. Berlin: Springer, 2000. 226.
Landry, Gregory L., and David T. Bernhardt. Essentials of Primary Care Sports Medicine. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 2003. 102.
This page is provided by Ground Up Strength for information purposes only and should not take the place of professional medical advice. Although we have done our utmost to provide accurate and safe information, we are not medical professionals and the information on this page should not be taken as professional medical advice, or any other kind of medical advice.
This page created 01 Oct 2011 23:57
Last updated 14 Mar 2012 15:42
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