All You Need to Know about Sports Acne (Body Acne)

What is sports acne? If you have acne on your neck, shoulders, you may have what is colloquially called sports acne but is more formally called acne mechanica. Those suffering from acne mechanica have many of the same problems as those who suffer from Pimple vulgaris. Fortunately, sports acne, is usually fairly easily treated.

What Causes Body Acne (Acne Mechanica)?

You don’t have to be an athlete to get acne mechanica. It comes from acne-susceptible skin that has been covered and aggravated by heat, pressure and repetitive motion, such as the skin that rubs against a football player’s helmet and shoulder pads or the skin under sweatbands worn by tennis and soccer players. However, acne mechanica can also develop on the necks of violin players or motorcycle riders, and body acne can show up under bra straps or even tightly worn jeans.

Predisposition to Sports Acne

Being an athlete can cause sports acne, but not all athletes get it. Some people have a predisposition to sports acne. This includes people who already have sandpaper acne, which are small, nearly invisible lesions that are rough to the touch. Also, teens and young adults who have body acne problems normally may be more prone to sports acne problems. Although not necessarily predisposed to sports acne, soldiers often develop body acne due to the hot conditions in certain combat zones combined with the friction of the equipment that they must carry.

Preventing Sports Acne and Body Acne

Since sports acne and body acne are caused by trapped heat, sweat and irritation on the skin, the type of clothing you wear can be very important in determining whether or not you will develop acne. Athletes worried about sports acne should make it a point to wear a fresh cotton T-shirt under their uniforms. The cotton will absorb sweat and reduce friction on the skin. They should also shower immediately after participating in athletics and pay particular attention to washing areas that were covered by straps or pads. In addition, sweatbands and caps should be removed frequently and the covered areas washed.

Treating Sports Acne and Body Acne

The treatment for acne mechanica is fairly simple. A topical medication like Proactiv containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid applied to the affected area when the outbreak is discovered can effectively reduce the presence and severity of lesions. Such medications are usually available over the counter. If this is not effective, the individual should see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can do a thorough examination of the skin and suggest a more aggressive treatment, if necessary. Such treatment may include antibiotics or a stronger topical or oral acne medication. The best way of handling body acne is to use one of the methods of prevention listed above, which are generally quite effective in reducing or eliminating outbreaks. However, for when prevention is not feasible or not completely effective, the above methods of treatment will usually help resolve the problem.

No matter what suggested treatments given, the sincerity of eliminating this skin problem lies on your hands. This article hopes to give you ideas what are the best acne scar treatments to be applied.

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