How to treat butt acne

What causes pimples on your butt?

Sweat, tight clothing, friction and hair removal can irritate hair follicles. Damaged follicles can become infected, commonly with bacteria, although yeast and other organisms can also be involved. Folliculitis can look like individual pimples or a rash and can itch or hurt. Other common explanations include keratosis pilaris, where the skin protein keratin builds up in follicles, and boils, which are deeper follicle infections. Rough bumps and a deep painful lump need different approaches; appearance alone is not enough to choose a prescription.134

How to treat mild bumps at home

1. 1Wash gently each day with soap and water. Avoid scouring the area with scrubs or exfoliants.
2. 2If cleansing alone is not helping, try a wash containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Daily use is not necessary, because these washes can dry your skin. If you use one daily, follow with a noncomedogenic moisturizer, meaning one designed not to clog pores.
3. 3For suspected folliculitis, apply a warm compress for 15 to 20 minutes at least 3 to 4 times daily to help relieve discomfort.
4. 4Stop shaving, waxing or plucking if hair removal triggered the bumps. For folliculitis caused by these activities, pause them for 30 days.
5. 5Leave bumps alone. Do not pick, squeeze or attempt to drain a boil yourself.

A dedicated butt mask is optional, so there is no need to give every body part its own purchasing department. If you use a mask, test a small area first, especially with sensitive skin or eczema, and choose one without fragrance. Skin care products can cause irritation or allergic reactions.4

When should you get medical help?

Mild folliculitis often clears after its trigger stops in people with a healthy immune system. Contact a clinician if symptoms worsen, return often or last longer than 2 to 3 days. Persistent buttock folliculitis can be stubborn; there is no single reliable clearing time. A clinician can check the cause and, when needed, test for bacteria or fungus. Treatment can include an antiseptic cleanser, antibiotics or antifungal medicine, depending on the cause. Get urgent medical help for a boil with hot, painful, swollen surrounding skin, fever or chills, or if you have a weakened immune system. Repeated boils or a cluster of boils also need assessment. A painful boil sometimes needs professional drainage.2356

How do you prevent butt acne?

Shower after exercise, or at least change out of sweaty clothes promptly. Wear loose clothing in hot, humid weather, keep clothing and washcloths clean, and wash and fully dry swimwear after use. Avoid poorly maintained hot tubs. If you need moisturizer, choose an oil free product rather than a heavy, occlusive ointment that can block follicles. Gentle cleansing belongs in the routine; a collection of butt polishes is not a treatment plan, however organised the shelf looks.1236

Can sitting cause butt acne?

Sitting for long periods can trap sweat and bacteria against your buttocks. Rubbing from tight clothing adds another trigger, especially when skin is hot and damp. Reduce those conditions rather than treating sitting itself as the whole explanation.13

How do you treat butt acne scars?

Flat colour changes after acne are different from indented or raised scars. Colour changes often improve with time, but can take months or longer; true acne scars are usually permanent, although treatment can improve them. For confirmed acne scars, treat active acne before starting scar procedures. A dermatologist chooses options such as peels, laser resurfacing or skin needling based on scar depth, location and skin type. These are general acne scar treatments, not a reason to assume every mark left by a butt bump needs resurfacing.7