How to Get Rid of Acne on the Buttocks

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If you’ve noticed some uncomfortable red spots on your buttocks, you’re definitely not alone. Lots of people deal with this skin condition, but it may feel a bit strange or uncomfortable to bring up to a doctor or dermatologist. Don’t worry—this condition is perfectly normal and straightforward to tackle at the source. Take a peek at some frequently asked questions and answers to get extra info below!

Question 1 of 7:

What is butt acne?

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  1. It’s not actually acne at all, and is often caused by folliculitis, which is an inflammation of the hair follicles. Other common causes of butt acne include keratosis pilaris (bumps made of keratin), boils, contact dermatitis, and eczema. [1]
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Question 2 of 7:

Is acne on buttocks normal?

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  1. Butt acne, especially caused by folliculitis, is common and treatable. Since folliculitis is caused by inflamed hair follicles, just about anyone can deal with it. You have nothing to be upset or ashamed about if you notice these uncomfortable bumps. [2]
Question 3 of 7:

What is causing my folliculitis?

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  1. Many cases of folliculitis can be chalked up to a bacterial infection, which can look like a large boil. It may also be caused by a yeast, fungal, or viral infection; however, bacteria are the most common culprit when it comes to butt acne caused by folliculitis. [3]
  2. If you wear really tight clothing, it might be chafing against your skin and creating bumps and “acne.” [4] Take a look at some of your favorite shorts, pants, or other bottoms. If they’re skin-tight, then they might be trapping sweat between your clothes and skin, causing the issue. [5]
  3. Your hair follicles can get blocked if you’re using a really thick moisturizer or ointment on your skin. If you use a thick moisturizer all over your skin, that might be causing your folliculitis. [6]
    • If you tend to sweat a lot, that may also be part of the problem.
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Question 4 of 7:

Do I need to see a doctor or dermatologist?

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  1. They can prescribe an antibiotic lotion or gel to help you tackle the bacteria at the source. Don’t worry—you shouldn’t have to take antibiotic pills for this unless you have severe or repeat infections. [7]
    • A doctor can confirm if it’s an infection, and if so, what’s causing it. If bacteria are causing the problem, then you’ll probably need an antibiotic lotion or gel. However, fungal infections can be treated with over-the-counter creams and ointments.
  2. Keep tabs on how you’re feeling—butt acne is typically harmless, but in more serious cases, folliculitis can lead to fever, chills, fatigue, and more. Call your doctor for guidance if you’re feeling under the weather or develop any of the following symptoms: [8]
    • Spots that are firm or painful.
    • Any bumps that are draining pus or fluid.
    • Folliculitis that spreads from one area to other parts of your skin.
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Question 5 of 7:

How do I treat the breakouts?

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  1. Pick up an acne wash with benzoyl peroxide as one of the main ingredients—this will kill off any bad bacteria in the area. [9] Dampen the skin with a wet towel, and massage the product onto the affected area. After 1-2 minutes, rinse off the product and pat the skin dry with a towel. [10]
    • You can use this wash up to twice a day. Most people see results within 4 weeks, but it may depend on the case.
  2. Mix 1 pint (473 mL) of water with 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of white vinegar. Dip a clean cloth in the mixture and apply the compress for 5-10 minutes. You can make and use this compress several times each day. [11]
  3. Fill your tub about halfway with warm water, and then stir in 1 ⁄ 4   c (59 mL) of bleach. Relax and unwind in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse yourself off with clean water. [12]
    • This can help stop bacterial folliculitis from returning.
  4. If your folliculitis is pretty mild, then it might clear up on its own. Some folliculitis cases go away within 7 to 10 days. [13]
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Question 6 of 7:

What shouldn’t I do?

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  1. It can be really tempting to pick or “pop” the acne in that area. Unfortunately, this will only make things worse in the long run. [14]
Question 7 of 7:

How do I prevent future breakouts?

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  1. Friction and butt acne tend to go hand in hand, and tight shorts and pants might be doing you more harm than good. Instead, rifle through your closet for loose, breathable clothes. [15]
  2. After a tough workout, bacteria may be trapped on your skin. Gently wash and rinse off the skin with a mild soap after you exercise or are near chemicals. [16]
    • Always change out of your workout clothes right after you’ve exercised. [17]
  3. Body oils tend to get bacteria stuck in your pores, which can lead to butt acne and folliculitis. Instead, look for oil-free and noncomedogenic products that won’t clog your pores. [18]
    • Look for products with “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” on the label. [19]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How much time does it take to heal this type of acne naturally?
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    The time to heal depends on the severity. You should see an improvement in your acne after 2 to 4 weeks of using over-the-counter treatments, if you do not, then you may need to talk to your healthcare provider about other treatment options.
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    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 18
  • Question
    What happens if you have tried acne cream with Lactic Acid and it hasn't worked?
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    Be sure to follow a gentle cleansing routine. You can also try salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide products. If you are not seeing an improvement in your acne after 2 to 4 weeks of using over-the-counter treatments, then you may need to talk to your healthcare provider about prescriptions that will help you get rid of the acne infection.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Talk to your dermatologist about getting a chemical peel to get rid of butt acne scars. [20]
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      • Some people find that over-the-counter washes with salicylic acid can help get rid of butt acne. [21]
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      • Ask your dermatologist about laser hair removal if you deal with butt acne often. Hair removal can give you some relief, but it’s not very fun when the hair starts growing back in. See if laser hair removal or intense pulsed light (IPL) are possible options for getting rid of your hair in that area. [22]
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Don't be scared to see a doctor. I did, and I was given a lotion and antibiotic that cleared the problem up in a couple of days. There's nothing embarrasing about butt acne; doctors have seen way worse, I promise.
      • Wear loose-fitting clothing rather than tight-fitting stuff. Giving your skin some space to breathe can really help.
      • Don't scratch. Butt pimples are often really itchy, but they can bleed and get infected if you scratch too much.
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      Warnings

      • Only soak in a hot tub or heated pool if you know for sure that it’s clean. A dirty pool or hot tub can lead to folliculitis. [23]
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      • Avoid sharing razors. Razors can spread bacteria, so it’s not a great idea to share them with your friends and relatives. [24] Instead, shave with your own personal razor, guiding it in the same direction your hair is growing.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/butt-acne
      2. ↑ https://www.michelegreenmd.com/butt-acne
      3. ↑ https://dermnetnz.org/topics/folliculitis
      4. ↑ https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/folliculitis
      5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17692-folliculitis
      6. ↑ https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/folliculitis
      7. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20361662
      8. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17692-folliculitis
      9. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20361662
      1. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/benzoyl-peroxide/
      2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20361662
      3. ↑ https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/folliculitis
      4. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547754/
      5. ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw171614
      6. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/butt-acne
      7. ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw171614
      8. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/folliculitis
      9. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/butt-acne
      10. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/treat-large-pores
      11. ↑ https://www.michelegreenmd.com/butt-acne
      12. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/butt-acne
      13. ↑ https://dermnetnz.org/topics/folliculitis/
      14. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361634
      15. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361634

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get rid of acne on your buttocks, wash your buns in the morning and at night with a gentle soap or body wash to remove excess oils. After you've rinsed, apply an acne lotion, like Clearasil or Proactive, to the affected area. You can also try doing a natural acid rinse by diluting some apple cider vinegar or lemon juice with water and spraying it on your buttocks. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and then rinse well to avoid over-drying your skin. If you have painful or chronic buttock pimples, visit your doctor to see if a steroid treatment or antibiotic might help. For tips from our Nurse reviewer on how to reduce painful inflammation, read on!

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