Common Causes Of Pimples On Butt And How To Get Rid Of Butt Breakouts
Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer Health
Breakouts of pimples on your butt can cause a lot of frustration when trying to get rid of these annoying red bumps from your buttocks. Sometimes referred to as butt acne or buttne, it can be challenging to know how to treat painful butt pimples. It seems like every time you sit down you are reminded of these painful bumps on your butt cheeks. Butt pimples may also cause embarrassment if you have to pull on a swimsuit and you have acne-like bumps on your behind.
One of the most common causes of pimples on the butt is a condition called butt folliculitis. This can cause breakouts of inflamed red bumps or zits on your butt that can be itchy or sore to touch. However, boils, keratosis pilaris, or carbuncles can cause large pimples on your buttocks with acne-like symptoms.
Thankfully, there are many effective home remedies that can help to kill off infection-causing bacteria from your rear end. Homemade treatments for butt pimples that include tea tree oil, witch hazel, or aloe vera can help to stop pimples from getting worse. These natural ingredients also have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness, swelling, and inflammation in small to large pimples on your butt.
Lets look in more detail at this distressing condition that can affect your buttocks. This article also looks at the best ways of controlling breakouts of pimples on your butt.
How To Get Rid Of Pimples On The Butt
on your buttocks may look like pimples, but theyre actually a bit different than standard acne zits, typically found on the face as well as other areas of the body. A bettermore accuratename for butt acne, which is the medical term for inflammation around hair follicles
The causes and triggers of folliculitis are quite different from regular acne typically experienced on the face, typically related to genetic predisposition and hormonal imbalance.
The main cause of acne on the bodyspecifically, pimplesis chronic friction on the skin. Often this can be the result of wearing sweaty tight clothingpimples are typically small, reddish bumps, which are frequently itchy or even painful. In more severe cases, folliculitiscyst-like bumps.
The butt area’s red bumps are frequently caused by a combination of the regular acne bacteria and the staph aureus bacteria.
Use A Benzoyl Peroxide Wash Or Gel
Although “butt acne” isn’t typical acne vulgaris, some treatments for facial acne also work on mild butt breakouts. This includes small, fine bumps or a small number of inflamed pimples.
Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in acne medications. It’s an antimicrobial that helps clean pores. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe mild swelling.
Look for a body wash, bar soap, cream, or gel spot treatment made with 5% to 10% benzoyl peroxide. Because it can bleach out fabrics, use white towels and wear white underwear when using benzoyl peroxide products on the skin.
Also Check: What’s Good For Oily Acne Skin
Reducing Your Risk Of Butt Acne
You may be able to lower your risk of developing pimples on your butt by:
- Changing out of wet or damp bathing suits and workout clothes right away. Be sure to wash these items after each use.
- Making sure hot tubs are properly maintained before using
- Using proper technique if you shave or remove hair from your butt cheeks
- Wearing loose clothing, especially when its hot or humid
If you are concerned about your risk of butt acne, talk with your doctor about strategies to keep your skin clear.
Shower After Sweating To Prevent Butt Acne
Listen, I know you’re tired after working out, and we’re already asking a lot of you to peel off your sticky bike shorts when your arms are still burning, but once you’ve made it that far, you might as well step in the shower and wash away all that sweat, oil, and dirt. According to Dr. Libby and Dr. Rabach, a quick rinse or a cleanse with body wash is key for treating and preventing butt acne, and it also works like a charm for acne all over your body, like the acne on your back.
Also Check: How Does Toothpaste Help Acne
Question 3question 3 Of : What Is Causing My Folliculitis
Risk Factors For Butt Acne
There are a few risk factors for getting acne on your butt. Hereditary butt pimples are caused by a condition known as keratosis pilaris. It is most commonly observed during childhood or adolescence but may also occur in adults at times.
Risk factors for developing folliculitis include:
- Excessive weight gain
- Shaving or waxing the butt excessively
- Using dirty hot tubs or spas
- Using topical steroids
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Try With Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide contains antimicrobial properties which are also called bacteria-fighting,is effective for cleaning folliculitis acne. It is commonly used in many countries to treat acne and other skin-related issues.
keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide should be used under medical practitioners consult your doctor then use it.
How to use it?
Benzoyl peroxide is available in many forms, especially for acne treatment. You need to select the correct product for your skin type. for your butt acne, the best one is wash formulated Benzoyl peroxide or you can also choose gel-type Benzoyl peroxide.
Bothersome Buttne: How To Best Prevent Butt Acne Breakouts
Believe it or not, it is very possible that ones fashion choices may be the primary cause of their butt acne. While leggings are often the perfect pair of comfortable pants for working out or running errands, the tight-fitting fabric can cause friction against the skin, leading to irritation. When sweat and friction are combined, the environment is right for the development of skin conditions like folliculitis and butt acne.
In order to best prevent acne and folliculitis from forming on the buttocks, opt for clothing that is loose-fitting and breathable as opposed to tight-fitting clothing. Clothes made from cotton are generally more breathable than other fabrics and are a good choice for those looking to prevent buttne. Wash clothes, towels, and sheets regularly, as bacteria can be transferred to your skin as well.
Additionally, be sure to shower regularly. Especially after a workout session! Allowing sweat, dirt, and bacteria to stay on your skin after exercising is a recipe for developing buttne and folliculitis. If you suffer from frequent butt acne breakouts or are looking to prevent them altogether, then always promptly rinse off after sweating. Throw your workout clothes in the laundry after you exercise, too!
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Apply A Warm Compress
Warm moisture can soothe irritation and help release pus from whiteheads. Press a warm washcloth to your bottom or sit on one for 15 minutes at a time at least three times a day.
Dipping the washcloth in a saltwater solution may be especially soothing. You can make one by adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt per 1 cup of water. Soaking in a warm bath or a saltwater sitz bath can be helpful too.
Research suggests apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties. Add a few drops to your washcloth or a cup to your bath. This can help reduce staph bacteria that can cause infections and worsen breakouts. Thoroughly towel or air dry before you get dressed.
Soaking in a warm saltwater bath may be soothing to inflamed skin. On the other hand, hanging out in a hot tub could lead to a type of folliculitis called hot tub folliculitis. This can arise from spending time in a hot tub or pool that’s not maintained properly.
Chemical Peels For Improving Skin Tone And Texture
Chemical peels are used to chemically exfoliate the surface of the skin, encouraging the dead skin cells to be sloughed off more quickly than they typically would on their own. By increasing the rate of skin cell turnover, chemical peels can be used to reveal a complexion that is more even in both tone and texture, as well as to minimize the appearance of acne scars and dark marks left behind from acne, such as PIH. Dr. Green typically suggests TCA peels to her patients who are suffering from acne scars that may not benefit from laser treatment.
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What Causes Butt Acne Anyway
Buttne is usually caused by a combination of clogged hair follicles and a bacterial infection. But, most of the time, you can blame your booty bumps on blocked follicles, says Gary Goldenberg, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital. Below are a few reasons you might end up with butt bumps.Warning: They can range from gross to “wait, seriously?”
1. Hormones: Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, board-certified dermatologist, explains that there is a hormonal component to butt acne. Even though other factors can contribute or exacerbate the overgrowth of bacteria that can lead to inflamed hair follicles , hormones can still play major role, she says. “Hormonal changes can make the lining of the follicles more sticky and lead to clogged pores and pimples. Androgens are the hormones that are most likely to do this.”
2. Keeping your wet, sweaty clothes on after you’ve hit the gym: Your sweat can dry over your pores, trapping dirt and dust, and leave bumps in their wake. Change your clothes and hop in the shower ASAP after you work out. If you don’t have time for a full shower, do a quick cleanse to get rid of bacteria and sweatwith a wipe, like Degree Deodorant Wipes.
3. Not changing your undies daily: Not-fresh underwear puts acne-promoting dirt, sweat, and oil up close and personal with your skin. Make sure to put on a new pair every day.
Topical Antibiotics For Butt Acne
Someone who is struggling with butt acne may also benefit from using traditional topical or oral antibiotics, especially if there are any signs of infection. Common topical antibiotics include Clindamycin lotion or Erythromycin lotion. Combination topical antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide gels, such as Benzaclin or Benzamycin, are also very effective. When there is a deeper infection, or a breakout that may be hard to reach with a topical antibiotic , oral antibiotics such as Doxycycline or Minocycline may be prescribed. These medications are typically prescribed for a week or longer in order to clear an active infection.
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Should I Use A Moisturizer For My Butt Acne
Rich, nourishing moisturizers, while excellent for providing hydration to the skin, can sometimes cause or exacerbate irritation associated with folliculitis and butt acne. Also, heavy moisturizing creams can further clog the pores and worsen your butt breakout. However, using certain targeted treatment lotions can help!
Body lotions containing lactic acid can be useful for loosening and eliminating dead skin cells from the surface of skin. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, which works by both re-hydrating and also gently exfoliating the skin. This ingredient helps to keep the skins pores clean and in turn, reduces the appearance of folliculitis and butt acne. AmLactin is just one variety of lactic acid body lotion that can easily be purchased through Amazon or any other large retailer. Lactic acid lotion can also be used in combination with skincare products containing ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and tea tree oil to help resolve butt acne breakouts.
Butt Acne: What Not To Do
Just like acne bumps on your skin, there are some things you should never do to try to deal with acne bumps on your bottom.
- Picking. You want that blemish gone, and the obvious solution looks like popping it but dont try it. First of all, blemishes on your bottom are usually a lot more painful than the ones you get on your face or anywhere else on your body. Second, picking can leave a dark mark that makes your blemish look more noticeable. Swelling from picking your blemish can also cause a small bump to be more eye-catching than it was before you messed with it.
- Dont scrub. Your initial reaction might be to scrub your skin with an exfoliating product or washcloth. Dont do it! Remember, folliculitis is caused by skin irritation. Anything you do to irritate your skin can make folliculitis worse, including scrubbing.
- Use a soothing moisturizer after your shower. Every inch of your skin needs moisture, and using a moisturizer on your bottom that is gentle, hydrating, and soothing can help calm down irritating skin. Raels Daily Restoration Nourishing Gel Cream works to hydrate gently and absorbs quickly, so you dont have to worry about it getting on your undergarments.
- Consider going longer between waxes. If you see consistent breakouts immediately after you get a fresh wax, try going longer in between sessions. If you absolutely have to have a wax, make sure your provider is adding a gentle, aloe-based skin treatment to your bottom when youre done.
Recommended Reading: Can Benzoyl Peroxide Cause Acne
What Butt Acne Looks Like
The breakouts you see on your bottom can look similar to the ones on your face, even if theyre caused by different stressors.
Usually, youll see a small cluster of tiny red bumps. Some of these bumps might have whiteheads on them that resemble pimples. These areas can be itchy, swollen, irritated, and can appear to be red. Sometimes the skin can even feel dry or look flaky.
Occasionally, youll develop a 100% certified zit that is red, irritating, and pus-filled right on your cheek. We know, cringe-worthy, but dont worry. Weve got solutions.
How To Prevent Outbreaks Of Pimples On Butt
If your butt is prone to breakout of pimples, pustules, or painful boils, there are many effective ways to help prevent these skin conditions causing discomfort when you sit or move around.
Here are some practical ways to prevent butt folliculitis and butt pimples:
- Shower daily and wash your buttock area with a washcloth to help remove dead skin cells and prevent a buildup of bacteria. Shower immediately after working out and change into clean underwear.
- Apply a natural moisturizer to your butt cheeks to keep your skin moist and well-hydrated. This also forms a protective barrier on your skin to keep it free from infection and prevent pimples developing.
- Wear underwear made from natural fibers to help your skin breathe easier and prevent sweat building up that could clog up hair follicles.
- Exfoliate your buttocks skin once a week using a natural scrub. This will help to remove excess oils and dead skin cells from your butt and prevent pimples from appearing.
- Dont pop butt boils or pimples as this can cause the infection to go deeper into your skin.
Also Check: How To Treat Deep Cystic Acne
How To Help Prevent Pimples From Popping Up On Your Buttocks
You can prevent butt acne by staying in good health overall, says MacKelfresh. Try taking these precautions:
- Wear loose clothing whenever possible. Tight clothing, especially when combined with sweat, can cause skin irritation that leads to folliculitis. Be sure to change your clothes and take a shower after exercise. Also, the Mayo Clinic advises using a fresh towel and washcloth after bathing.
- Work with your doctor to bring any chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, under control. Chronic health issues can make it harder for your body to fight off infection.
- If you do get folliculitis, make sure you get it promptly under control to avoid carbuncles and the need for more aggressive treatment.
- Avoid moistened flushable wipes, especially those made with MI.
Additional reporting by Leslie Barrie.
Butt Acne Is Mainly Caused By Tight Or Sweaty Clothing
Yes, you might have to blame some fashion choices for causing acne on your butt. According to Dr. Nazarian, butt acne is caused by bacteria on the skin that colonizes our bodies, especially as a result of excessive sweating and the friction you get from wearing tight clothes. She explains that the friction and sweating can irritate the small hair follicles in the butt area, leading to a condition called folliculitis, which mimics acne and looks like little red bumps and whiteheads.
Dr. Nazarian says that having oily skin typically means your skin already produces an excess amount of oil and that sensitive skin is more prone to bumps and irritation. “It’s not an absolute, but the risk is there,” she says. So while anyone can get butt acne, you’re more susceptible to getting it if you have oily skin.
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What Shouldn’t You Do When Treating Pimples On Your Butt
Scrubbing the inflamed area is a no-no, says Dr. Idriss. “Please stop scrubbing, whether with a scrub or a loofah,” she tells Allure. “People often think they are doing themselves a favor by doing this because it makes their rear end feel key word smoother. In reality, they are just worsening the inflammation, which could lead to potential scarring and hyperpigmentation.”
Your SoulCycle sweat sessions aren’t helping either, says Dr. Idriss. “A sweaty environment and chronic rubbing due to cycling is a recipe for disaster,” she says. After a workout, be sure to hop out of your drenched duds, wipe yourself off, and change into a more breathable outfit.
“Waxing should also be avoided as it can lead to further obstruction of hair follicles, worsening of inflammation, and subsequent pigmentation,” says Dr. Idriss. Instead, consider investing in a more durable razor or consider another form of hair removal, like sugaring.
