I’d never heard this term when I ran across it this week so I had to do a double take and make sure it was a real skin condition!
Acne Mechanica is real and it is caused by external mechanical forces such as constant pressure, constant or repeated friction, covered skin, and repetitive heat source on the skin.
If you’re the sporty type or in a high activity job, and suffering from acne this could be your condition!
Acne mechanica is common with busy active lifestyles when coupled with tight-fitting or restrictive clothing that is worn for long periods. These sort of jobs and lifestyles may include strenuous workouts or positions where you are busy with repetitive tasks.
In fact this is also seen quite often in the military! Soldiers who wear uniforms most of the day while carrying backpacks with straps that cause friction with every movement rubbing against the body. Add to that they are often operating in extreme conditions and there’s little wonder that regular acne turns to mechanica.
Other possible causes:
Head bands that can rub the forehead and irritate the skin.
Ear phones worn for hours a day, every day.
Friction caused by any physical contact with musical instruments for hours a day.
Tight clothing of any material – natural or synthetic.