• Acne
• Fungal Infections
• Infections
• Skin Care

How to Get Rid of Butt Acne for Good

Medically reviewed and edited by Michelle Everhart, FNP-C

Most individuals develop acne on their face, but did you know that it can appear almost anywhere on your body — including your buttocks?

This form of acne – typically referred to as butt acne – can cause embarrassment and discomfort.

However, it’s important to understand how to treat butt acne and know when to see a doctor to help you take care of your skin and avoid prolonged discomfort.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about butt acne, including treatment and prevention tips to ensure smooth skin.

What is Butt Acne?

Butt acne — also known as folliculitis — is a condition that develops when the hair follicles on the buttocks become irritated, inflamed, or infected.

This can cause red, pus-filled spots and blemishes to appear on the butt. These blemishes can sometimes be painful, depending on their underlying cause.

Buttock pimples differ from facial acne — or acne vulgaris — which results from clogged pores due to excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

Causes of butt acne

Several factors can contribute to the development of butt acne, including:

• Friction and irritation: Tight clothing and prolonged sitting create friction, contributing to irritation, which can block the hair follicles.

• Sweat and moisture: Excessive sweating, wearing wet or sweaty clothes for too long, and remaining in damp environments can cause hair follicle irritation and infection.

• Bacterial infections: Staphylococcus aureus — a common bacteria found on the skin — can infect hair follicles and cause bumpy skin. These blemishes are normally painful and uncomfortable.

• Fungal infections: Fungi — such as yeast — can infect the hair follicles in the genital area, which can lead to a rash or breakout. These blemishes can then spread to the buttocks.

• Shaving and hair removal: Shaving or other forms of hair removal — such as waxing — can cause ingrown hairs or introduce bacteria into the follicles. This can lead to inflammation, which can cause pimples to develop.

Symptoms of butt acne

Depending on the underlying cause of your butt acne, symptoms may vary. Most people typically experience the following:

• Red bumps and pimples: Small red bumps, pimples, or pustules may be tender or itchy.

• Boils: Larger, more painful, and swollen bumps that may contain pus.

• Itching or irritation: A general feeling of discomfort or itchiness in the affected area.

• Rash: A red and inflamed area of skin that may feel itchy or uncomfortable.

• Ingrown hairs: Hairs that have curled and grown back into the skin, causing inflammation and sometimes infection.

How is Butt Acne Treated?

There are different options for treating butt acne, depending on its underlying cause. Let’s take a closer look at these treatment options:

At-home remedies

In most cases, you should be able to treat butt acne using over-the-counter (OTC) products and home remedies, such as:

• Keeping the area clean and dry to prevent a build-up of moisture that could irritate the skin

• Applying a warm compress to the area to help soothe irritation, reduce swelling, and encourage pus draining from the blemishes

• Wearing loose, breathable clothing that won’t chafe your skin

• Avoiding popping the blemishes to prevent the spread of bacteria

Popular OTC options that can be used to treat acne on the buttocks include products containing the following ingredients:

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Salicylic acid

• Beta-hydroxy acid

• Tea tree oil

These ingredients are known for their ability to soothe irritated skin, while clearing any bacteria or blockages from the clogged hair follicles.

You can also use hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and swelling.

Prescription medications

If at-home remedies and OTC options are ineffective, or if your butt acne is more severe, your healthcare provider may recommend prescription medications.

These could include:

• Topical antibiotics: For bacterial infections, topical antibiotics can be applied directly to the skin to kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and treat blemishes.

• Oral antibiotics: In cases of severe infection or when topical treatments are not enough, oral antibiotics — like isotretinoin — may be prescribed to fight the infection. This may be a more effective method for killing bacteria to treat butt acne.

• Antifungal medications: If a fungal infection is the cause of your butt acne, your doctor will recommend antifungal creams or oral medications. These work similarly to antibiotics by eliminating fungi from the body to reduce blemishes.

• Steroid creams: Topical steroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and itching in cases of severe irritation or allergic reactions. These creams can help soothe butt acne, providing relief from painful blemishes.

Surgical procedures

In severe cases, like recurrent or large and painful butt acne, your doctor might suggest surgical treatments. These include:

• Incision and drainage: This is a procedure where a doctor makes a small cut in the boil or blemish to drain the pus. It can help to relieve pain, speed up recovery, and prevent the spread of infection.

• Laser hair removal: For recurrent folliculitis caused by ingrown hairs, laser removal can effectively decrease hair growth. This can help reduce the risk of future outbreaks.

What Happens If You Don’t Treat Butt Acne?

Although butt acne is rarely cause for concern and may resolve on its own, it can also cause severe discomfort and contribute to the development of other skin conditions.

The impact of untreated butt acne largely depends on its cause. If you don’t treat these blemishes, you may experience the following:

• Increased inflammation and irritation

• More significant discomfort, itchiness, and pain

• Spread of infection

• Abscess formation

• Chronic folliculitis

• Scarring and skin discoloration

• Boils and carbuncles (a cluster of boils)

Untreated butt pimples can impact self-esteem, leading to emotional distress from embarrassment or self-consciousness.

Treating butt acne promptly can prevent these issues and minimize its effect on your life.

Can Butt Acne Be Prevented?

While you can’t always prevent butt acne, there are multiple strategies you can use to reduce the likelihood of developing blemishes. This includes:

• Practicing good hygiene: Washing the buttocks daily with a gentle, non-irritating soap can help remove sweat, dirt, and oil that could irritate the skin. You should avoid scrubbing to reduce the risk of further irritation.

• Change wet clothes promptly: After exercising or swimming, change out of your wet or sweaty clothes as soon as possible. This helps to prevent moisture buildup, which may irritate the skin and cause infections.

• Moisturize regularly: Using a fragrance-free body lactic acid lotion can help keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness that could cause irritation.

• Limit friction: Avoid activities that cause prolonged friction or pressure on the buttocks, such as sitting for extended periods of time. If you must sit for a long time, consider using a cushioned seat to reduce friction.

Implementing these strategies can help you avoid frequent butt acne breakouts. If they don’t seem to help, consider seeing a dermatologist for professional help.

They will provide personalized advice and treatment options based on your skin type and the severity of your breakouts.

When Should You See a Doctor About Butt Acne?

It’s not always necessary to speak to a doctor about butt acne. However, it’s important to make an appointment if home remedies are ineffective or if your condition seems to worsen.

You should also see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain

• Widespread rash

• Persistent redness or swelling

• Fever

• Pus-filled blisters or boils that don’t heal on their own

Experiencing these symptoms can be an indication of a more serious butt acne infection that requires professional medical treatment.

A healthcare provider can offer a tailored diagnosis and treatment plan to prevent further complications and address your specific condition.

Where Can You Learn More About Managing Butt Acne?

If you’re concerned about your blemishes or want to know more about treating butt acne, LifeMD is here to help.

A team of medical professionals can assist you with information and provide guidance on managing butt acne while avoiding any complications.

Make an appointment with LifeMD today to learn more about butt acne care — all from the comfort of your home.

Michelle Everhart, FNP-C

Michelle earned her MSN with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner from California State University. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys working out at the gym with her friends and spending quality time with his husband and three little boys. She also enjoys singing and freestyle dancing in their living room when the right song comes along.

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