Anyone who has ever played football or lacrosse is familiar with the unpleasant phenomenon of “chin strap acne.” Many athletes will develop acne on their chins or other areas of the skin where protective equipment is present. The acne normally looks like red, clustered, papule-type acne, often without any clear whiteheads forming.

Far from being a gridiron anomaly, this type of acne — known as acne mechanica — affects everyone from soldiers carrying gear in hot weather to violin players who may use chin rests for hours at a time. Anywhere there is heat and friction, acne mechanica has the potential to form.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are four factors that lead to the formation of acne mechanica:

1. Heat
2. Covered skin
3. Constant pressure
4. Repetitive friction against the skin

While athletes mostly get this condition, it may also develop from tight-fitting clothes. Some women even get acne mechanica along their bra strap lines.

The American Academy of Dermatology warns that certain traits may make people more pre-disposed to contract acne mechanica. For example, people who are more susceptible to non-facial acne (such as on the chest and back) seem more likely to develop acne mechanica. People who work in hot, humid conditions or have ‘sandpaper acne,’ which is basically small, rough bumps, are also good candidates for developing acne mechanica.

There are some simple things you can do to avoid acne mechanica, such as avoiding tight-fitting clothes and showering right after athletic activities. Be careful to thoroughly wash areas where you may have worn tight-fitting athletic equipment or may have experienced prolonged friction. Also, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing a cotton undershirt during athletic activities, which will be effective at absorbing sweat and reducing friction.

Acne mechanica is usually simple to treat through over-the-counter products or by eliminating the cause of the acne mechanica, such as removing a headband or loosening a chin strap that may be a little too tight.