Pomade Acne

Abstract

A total of 735 Negro men were examined with regard to the daily use of scalp creams and oils. About 70% of long-term users of pomades displayed a recognizable acneiform eruption of the forehead and temples consisting mainly of rather uniform closed comedones with occasional papulo-pustules. The more elaborate formulations (Noxzema, Dixie Peach and Wild-root) induced pomade acne more frequently and more intensively than simpler preparations like mineral oil and Vaseline. Application of five pomades to back skin under continuous occlusion for eight weeks produced microscopic signs of early comedone formation. Histologically, pomade acne was indistinguishable acne vulgaris.