Butt acne is a term used to describe small, red bumps on the buttocks. It is not the same acne that affects the face and other body parts. Unlike facial acne, butt acne often develops because of an infection or skin condition such as folliculitis, keratosis pilaris, or boils. It is possible to develop acne anywhere on your body, including the back, arms, chest, face, or buttocks.
Treatments for butt acne vary depending on the cause. When home remedies are ineffective, consider seeing a dermatologist, a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating skin conditions.
Several treatment options are available for butt acne. It’s important to determine the cause of the acne to find the most effective treatment. There are home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) products, and prescription medications that may help.
Home Remedies
Many of the common causes of butt acne are mild and can be treated at home. Home remedies often focus on comfort and keeping the skin clean and dry.
Home remedies for butt acne may include:
- Exfoliation: Acne may occur when the skin pores become clogged with dirt, dead skin cells, or bacteria. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and may improve mild cases of butt acne. Cleaning the area with a washcloth may remove dead skin cells. There are also chemical options in the form of creams. Avoid harsh products or scrubbing the skin.
- Daily washing: Keep the skin clean and dry to treat mild acne and prevent future breakouts. Wash the skin with a gentle cleanser once daily. Washing more often can lead to dryness and irritation.
- Warm compress: If your acne is painful and inflamed, you may have skin abscesses called boils. Treat a mild boil at home with warm compresses, which soften the skin and allow the boil to drain.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A research review found that using tea tree oil on the skin is an effective acne treatment. Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations before trying a new essential oil.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments
When home remedies are ineffective or your butt acne returns, consider an OTC treatment. These are treatments you can purchase without a prescription. OTC medications may improve mild to moderate cases of acne.
OTC treatments for butt acne include:
- Benzoyl peroxide: Body washes and cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide kill skin bacteria that can lead to acne. Regular use of this type of soap can treat and prevent acne. Possible side effects include skin dryness, peeling, and irritation.
- Retinoids: Retinoid creams dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores. Consider applying a retinoid cream to the affected skin after showering.
- Salicylic acid: Cleansers and moisturizers containing salicylic acid work by exfoliating, dissolving dead skin cells, and unclogging pores.
Prescription Options
Consider seeing a dermatologist for butt acne that does not improve with home remedies and OTC treatments. You may have an infection that requires antibiotics. A dermatologist can determine what is causing your acne and how to treat it.
Prescription options for butt acne may include:
- Corticosteroids: Your healthcare provider may recommend a topical corticosteroid cream to reduce inflammation and redness. Corticosteroids help treat red bumps caused by contact dermatitis, a common skin condition that causes red, itchy rashes.
- Antibiotics: Skin infections may present as swollen, painful bumps. Severe infections require topical or oral antibiotics.
- Tretinoin: Creams containing tretinoin, a form of vitamin A that removes dead skin cells, may improve redness and inflammation caused by acne.
There are several possible causes of butt acne. Knowing the cause will allow you to determine the most effective treatment plan for your skin.
Possible causes of butt acne may include:
- Folliculitis: Inflamed hair follicles appear as red, swollen bumps on the skin. The bumps may itch or feel painful. Folliculitis can develop from skin irritation or an infection. Mild cases usually resolve on their own.
- Keratosis pilaris: This common skin condition develops when a protein on the skin (keratin) builds up and clogs the pores on the skin. This results in small, red or skin-colored bumps. Children and adolescents are at increased risk of keratosis pilaris. This condition usually heals on its own.
- Contact dermatitis: This skin reaction happens when an irritating substance touches the skin and causes red bumps to develop. Your skin may be sensitive to certain soaps, lotions, laundry detergents, or fabrics. The skin may thicken and appear scaly over time.
- Boils: Skin abscesses (boils) are large bumps that develop when the hair follicle becomes infected and swollen. Boils appear larger than typical acne and are often painful. Common bacterial infections that cause skin boils include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas.
- Acne vulgaris: Acne occurs when the skin pores become clogged with dirt, oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria. Acne most often develops on the face or chest but may also affect the buttocks.
There are several lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the risk of butt acne. Keeping the skin on your buttocks clean and dry may help prevent acne and other skin conditions.
Prevention tips for butt acne include:
- Wear cotton underwear: Cotton is a gentle fabric that allows your skin to breathe and reduces the risk of acne.
- Avoid tight clothing: Underwear or clothing that is too tight may cause friction that irritates the skin and leads to bumps.
- Shower after sweating: After a workout or time outdoors, shower right away to avoid sitting in sweaty clothes. The moisture can irritate the skin and lead to breakouts.
- Use a gentle cleanser: Choose a gentle, fragrance-free soap or body wash formulated for sensitive skin. Avoid scrubbing your skin, as this could cause irritation. Do not use harsh scrubs or antibacterial soaps, which could damage and irritate your skin.
- Allow acne to heal on its own: Avoid picking or popping pimples. This can increase the risk of infection and may cause scarring.
See your primary healthcare provider or dermatologist if your butt acne is not improving or keeps returning. There are several treatment options available, and a prescribing provider can help you pick the right combination of treatments for your skin.
Other signs to see your provider include:
- Swollen, painful bumps on the skin
- Fever and chills
- Skin sores that do not heal
Butt acne is a common skin condition that occurs when small, red bumps develop on the buttocks. There are several possible causes, including folliculitis, keratosis pilaris, contact dermatitis, boils, or traditional acne. Butt acne is treatable, and mild cases may resolve on their own.
To treat butt acne, keep the skin clean and dry. Consider trying gentle exfoliation, but avoid harsh scrubs or toners. There are several OTC treatments that work to unclog the pores and clear up acne. If your symptoms do not improve at home, make an appointment with your dermatologist.
