Like facial acne, butt acne (or butt-ne, as it’s colloquially known) can cause pain and itchiness. However, despite their similar appearance, the red pimples on your buttocks might not be the same as those on your face. Although common acne can sometimes affect the lower back and the buttocks, most butt acne outbreaks are the result of a condition known as folliculitis.
In this article, you will learn more about the causes of folliculitis and find out how to get rid of butt acne with over-the-counter treatments and home remedies.
What Causes Folliculitis?
The main cause of folliculitis is an overgrowth of staph bacteria, most often Staphylococcus aureus.
More than 30% of people already have S. aureus living on their skin or in their nose and not causing any problems. However, sometimes the bacteria may travel deeper into the skin, where they can grow and multiply. This could eventually lead to a staph infection which clogs the follicle and leaves it inflamed.
Not all cases of folliculitis are caused by bacteria. The condition can also be viral, fungal, or parasitic.
Sweat is a major risk factor for folliculitis because it irritates the skin and creates a fertile ground for bacteria to thrive. Failing to shower after excessive sweating can also lead to skin irritation. Similarly, non-breathable underwear (e.g. polyester or nylon) prevents sweat from evaporating, thus keeping it pressed against your skin, which might also irritate hair follicles.
In fact, even sitting in a chair while you’re sweating may be enough to irritate the follicle as it keeps the moisture locked in. Hair follicles can also be irritated due to the friction and the resulting chafing that occurs when you’re wearing tight-fitting pants. Wearing skinny jeans and other tight-fitting clothes for long periods of time is thus not recommended, especially while exercising.
How to Get Rid of Butt Acne at Home
Because the skin in your intimate region is almost always in contact with clothes, butt acne may take longer to clear up than facial acne. If you’re wondering how to get rid of butt acne, one of the following home treatments may help.
1. Benzoyl Peroxide
Some common facial acne remedies may also be effective against butt acne. Benzoyl peroxide is one of them. Available in most pharmacies as either a body wash or a bar soap, 10% benzoyl peroxide helps reduce acne outbreaks by clearing out clogged pores. Used for its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a particularly good choice for people who suffer from recurrent butt acne breakouts.
Keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide has a bleaching effect, so it could stain colored clothing. To avoid this, use all-white fabrics during your treatment – white washcloths, white towels, and white underwear.
2. Lactic Acid
Lotions containing lactic acid are also effective against butt acne. This potent ingredient helps loosen and remove dead skin cells from the surface, leaving you with smoother and softer skin. Available over-the-counter in many variants, lactic acid lotions can be used daily either on their own or in combination with other home remedies, including benzoyl peroxide.
Lactic acid isn’t only a butt acne remedy. You can also use it to remove dead and rough skin from your hands, your feet, your knees, and your elbows. On top of that, it is an effective remedy against keratosis pilaris, a very common condition that causes tiny red bumps on your upper arms, thighs, and cheeks.
3. Salicylic Acid
Like lactic acid, salicylic acid is also a beta-hydroxy acid which helps loosen and remove dead skin cells. Salicylic acid is available in several forms, but pre-moistened pads are by far the most convenient. Similar to wet wipes, all you have to do is take a pad out of the packaging and rub it all over your buttocks.
Salicylic acid pads are available over-the-counter in most pharmacies. Some are advertised as being specifically for butt acne, while others are just for acne in general. Either of these will likely help solve your problems. To ensure optimal results, always opt for a 2% salicylic acid solution. For an even more effective treatment, combine salicylic acid in the morning with lactic acid in the evening.
4. Tea Tree Oil
One of the most potent essential oils out there, tea tree oil is known for its strong antimicrobial effect. Since most cases of butt acne are the result of a bacterial infection, tea tree oil could be effective against them. In fact, some studies indicate that 5% tea tree oil can be as effective as a 5% benzoyl peroxide.
To improve the effectiveness of tea tree oil, you can mix it with benzoyl peroxide gel. Simply combine 4oz of the gel with up to 10 drops of tea tree oil, apply a gentle cleanser to your buttocks to remove excess sweat, rub the mixture onto the affected area, and give your skin time to absorb it.
5. Salt Water
A homemade salt water treatment may also help you get rid of butt acne. Just mix one teaspoon of regular table salt into two cups of water until it fully dissolves and use a gentle washcloth to apply it to the parts of your buttocks affected by acne. For optimal results, do this twice a day until acne clears up.
Further Tips for Getting Rid of Butt Acne
In addition to the five remedies highlighted above, the following tips will help you get rid of butt acne and prevent future outbreaks.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes. While they can look good, especially if you’ve recently lost weight and want to highlight your slim figure, tight-fitting clothes can cause friction as you move, which could lead to hair follicle irritation. Wear loose-fitting clothes instead, at least while exercising.
- Shower after the gym. Trapped sweat is a common hair follicle irritant, which is why you should always shower right after a workout or some other activity that involves excessive sweating.
- Use hypoallergenic detergents. If you have sensitive skin, you should only use hypoallergenic detergents and fabric softeners to avoid irritation. If you suspect that your butt acne is caused by some product you use to wash your undergarments, you should stop using it.
Final Thoughts
Butt acne can be treated successfully with over-the-counter medication and home remedies, so there’s usually no need to go to your doctor at first. However, if none of the treatments work or if the acne continues to advance, you should stop treatment and see a dermatologist as soon as possible. The same applies if the red bumps on your buttocks turn into painful, pus-filled boils or carbuncles.
References:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/staphylococcal-infections
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22639852
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/benzoyl_peroxide
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/bumps-and-growths/keratosis-pilaris
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/qa/what-is-betahydroxy-acid
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435909
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2145499
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1282310
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