How to Get Rid of Pimples on Butt?

/ Guide / By

Let’s admit it.

Having a bigger butt with a good shape is great, but you definitely don’t want it to be full of pimples.

Imagine when you are going to the beach with your boyfriend and you aren’t able to wear a bikini… That’s bad 🙁

So today, we are going to put this issue on the table, and discuss it in a scientific way.

Specifically:

Types of Pimples/Acne on the Buttocks

Understanding your butt is the first step towards getting rid of it.

You must know that pimples on the buttocks are a bit different from the mainstream acne that occurs on the face and back. These may be a manifestation of folliculitis, boils, ingrown hair, or carbuncles that run deeper into the skin.

Let’s talk about each.

Folliculitis

This is the most common form of acne on the buttocks. It typically looks like shallow, itchy bumps that irritate but don’t cause pain. It is an inflammation of the hair follicle instead of the pores on your skin as in regular face acne.

Folliculitis may be caused either from infection by bacteria, yeast, or a fungus, or from irritation or blockage of the hair follicles. Bacterial folliculitis is mainly caused due to infection by Staphylococcus aureus, a commonly found bacterium on human skin. It may resolve on its own in a week or so, or may worsen to form boils.

Furuncles (boils or abscess)

These are caused when a bacterial infection spreads into the tissue surrounding infected hair follicles due to the worsening of pre-existing folliculitis. These appear as red swellings around a follicle opening and feel painful.

Carbuncles

Carbuncles are deeper, larger, and filled with pus, often with multiple openings for pus drainage. A carbuncle actually feels like a mass or painful knot under the skin due to the multiple infected follicles it contains. It often results in scarring and usually occurs as a complication of untreated folliculitis.

Pseudofolliculitis

It is a result of ingrown hair due to hair removal in people with thicker hair growth. It may be caused a few weeks after shaving, waxing, or tweezing, and consists of dead skin that blocks your hair follicle, preventing the hair from growing outwards and making it grow inside the skin instead. This way, sometimes what appears as bumps on the skin of your buttocks may actually be ingrown hair instead of pimples, if you’re used to removing hair over there.

Causes of Acne on the Buttocks

Folliculitis often occurs due to overgrowth of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus which normally lives on your skin without causing any harm. If this bacterium enters your skin through a hair follicle though, it can multiply and cause infection.

Other than infection, inflammation can also be a cause of butt acne if your skin is irritated by any physical or chemical stimuli. Here are a few reasons you might be having pimples on your buttocks:

Hair Removal

If you’re used to waxing, shaving, or epilating your buttocks, the hair removal process may result in folliculitis. Small red bumps can appear immediately after waxing due to inflammation of your hair follicles. This is usually not a cause for alarm and will go away on its own.

However, if these bumps last for more than a few days, turning white or becoming filled with fluid, it means that your follicles have become mildly infected. This is still not a cause for worry and can be treated at home.

If bumps appear a few days after your waxing inflammation has subsided, it may not be acne but simply an ingrown hair, a special kind of folliculitis where the hair grows under your skin instead of growing out of it.

Tight Clothes

Are yoga pants your favorite piece of clothing? You really should reconsider!

Working out in tight clothes like yoga pants can develop heat and friction, resulting in sweat. It opens your pores and pushes the bacteria on your skin deeper inside, while the heat promotes further inflammation and irritation. Result? You guessed it!

Lounging in your swimsuit in the summers may seem like a good idea, but not for your butt. Once again, the sweat, heat, and friction produced due to the tight fit can have not-so-flattering results over your bum.

Dry Skin

Dry skin can clog your pores, causing acne. Especially combined with the friction between your clothes and skin, dryness could be the culprit that stands between you and a smooth bottom.

Over-moisturizing

Some moisturizers just aren’t worth the hydration they have to offer. They can, in fact, clog your pores and make your buttocks quite greasy. Abandon fancy lotions over the buttocks, and start using non-greasy moisturizers if you have dry skin.

Sitting on Your Bum Excessively

If you spend most of the day sitting on your ass, you aren’t doing it any favors! Your buttocks need breathing space, so respect that, please.

Sitting for long periods at a time can really warm up your booty, and it likely won’t be a pretty sight when sweat builds up there and compromises your hygiene.

Skipping Exfoliation

If you’re not exfoliating, it’s likely that you’re letting the Staph bacteria thrive under layers of dead skin. However, balance is essential since harsh abrasive exfoliants may irritate the skin itself! Using a soft washcloth or a gentle shower scrubber over the buttocks is great for keeping them flawless.

Tips to Prevent Butt Acne

Here are some precautionary measures you can take if you really value a silky-smooth, bump-free butt:

Give It Breathing Space

Just like you should give space to the people you love, the same applies to your booty. This will avoid the buildup of sweat and clogged pores due to heat and friction.

It’s better if you don’t trap your bum in tight undergarments, body-con dresses, and yoga pants ever so often. Prefer soft cotton panties for the day and let it free once you’re in your PJs at night.

Keep ’em Clean

If you’re prone to developing butt acne, you should wash your buttocks morning and evening with antibacterial soap. This will lessen the chances of developing an infection and keep your skin fresh.

Washing is especially important if you work out regularly since sweat and dirt can collect over your booty after a productive hour at the gym. In cases of dry skin, keep it moisturized but not greasy.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating simply means getting rid of dead skin which can clog pores and cause unsightly bumps. Choose a sea-salt scrub or natural sponge and gently rub it about twice a week over the skin of your buttocks to keep them clear. Don’t overdo it otherwise you could irritate the skin instead!

Avoid Fabric Softeners

Sometimes, your underwear detergent or fabric softener may be acting harshly towards your skin. Look into hypoallergenic detergents and avoid fabric softeners as a precautionary measure against butt acne.

Treatment for Pimples on Butt

There are different treatment options for different kinds of butt acne. While most cases aren’t serious and may be dealt with on your own, it is best to consult a doctor in cases of painful infection or if you have a fever that accompanies a boil.

It is normal for folliculitis to go away on its own in a week or ten days without any treatment. If it worsens or still doesn’t subside, here are a few things you can try:

Precautionary Measures

Make sure you are following all the above tips to prevent butt acne. Those also apply in cases when you already have pimples on your buttocks. Loose clothing and hygiene maintenance are especially important if you wish to get rid of this condition. Shower regularly after your workout, and daily change your underwear for a germ-free butt.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural essential oil extracted from an Australian plant. It has been studied at length due to its benefits for skin. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and infection-fighting properties of the oil have made it a popular ingredient in medicated body washes, lotions, and creams. Using tea tree products for butt acne could be helpful in improving the condition.

Benzoyl Peroxide Body Wash

Mild cases of butt acne can be treated with benzoyl peroxide body washes available as over-the-counter formulations. 10% benzoyl peroxide is usually effective against inflammation and blemishes over the skin.

Salicylic Acid/Lactic Acid

Medicated pads with 2% salicylic acid can do wonders for butt acne. It’s a chemical exfoliant that helps you shed dead skin cells that tend to accumulate around hair follicles. Rub the pads gently over your buttocks, avoiding the genital area.

Lactic acid is another chemical exfoliant you can use to get a smoother booty. Over-the-counter lactic acid lotions can be applied regularly over the buttocks to get rid of dead skin cells that might build up otherwise.

Visit Your Physician

While butt acne usually isn’t a concern for medical attention, it’s definitely time to see a doctor if your infection seems to be getting worse or more painful. While folliculitis isn’t a major issue, pus-filled carbuncles often require antibiotic medication to resolve. Your doctor may need to make a small incision to drain the pus and give you a course of prescription tablets for a week or so.

We understand that it may be embarrassing to show your butt acne to your physician. However, they’re professionals trained in dealing with bodily issues, and you should put your safety first and get treated the right way.

Conclusion

Having your butt full of pimples and acne is not the end of the world. You always have the chance to prevent or get rid of it. The question is, are you ready to take action for it? Leave your comment below and let me know.