Physical acne

Frictional acne Wilentz and Berger demonstrated that the popularity of the headbands worn by  the  devotees  of the  hippie culture produced, in some wearers, an acneiform eruption. This type is  comparable to that  seen on  the necks  of concert violinists87 and under the fur  headbands  worn by people in cold climates. An identical eruption is occasionally seen under tight bra straps.

The mechanism of this type of acne is uncertain: it  could represent a hypercornification response to local trauma or the effects  of  localized  hydration  on the pilosebaceous duct. Immobility acne Three  cases of acne occurring in  the perioral region have been observed following prolonged splinting of the teeth after periodontal surgery  (MacGregor, Tan and Cunliffe, unpublished observations 1975). Such patients may be unable to take solid food for up to three months. Although the mechanism of this acne is unclear, immobility of the perioral skin is probably an important factor.  The  acne is  usually mild but it is rather distressing  to the patient, especially since the dental  operation  is often  performed for cosmetic reasons. The acne usually settles  with topical and/or oral therapy 3-12 months  after the removal of the splints.