How to Get Rid of Acne on the Buttocks

What is butt acne?

Butt acne isn’t acne at all—it’s actually called folliculitis. This is a fancy term for when your hair follicles get infected from fungus, bacteria, or yeast. It typically looks like a small, irritated bump, similar to standard acne. Medical experts say that these spots usually feel uncomfortable and possibly itchy.

Is acne on buttocks normal?

Yes, it’s perfectly normal. Medical professionals agree that folliculitis is very common—since it’s 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.

What is causing my folliculitis?

Your folliculitis might be caused by an infection. Many cases of folliculitis can actually 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 is the most common culprit when it comes to butt acne.

It might be caused by a lot of friction. If you wear really tight clothing, it might be chafing against your skin, which creates the “acne.” Take a look at some of your favorite shorts, pants, or other bottoms—if they’re pretty skin-tight, then they might be causing the issue.

Your hair follicles might be clogged. Your hair follicles might be blocked if you use a really creamy moisturizer or ointment for your skin. If you use a creamy moisturizer all over your skin, then that might be causing your folliculitis. If you tend to sweat a lot, that may also be part of the problem.

Do I need to see a doctor or dermatologist?

Visit a doctor or dermatologist if you think you have an infection. They can prescribe an antibiotic cream to help you tackle the bacteria at the source. Don’t worry—you shouldn’t have to take antibiotic pills for this unless your infection is really severe. A doctor can confirm if it’s an infection, and if so, what’s causing it. If bacteria is causing the problem, then you’ll probably need antibiotic cream. However, fungal infections can be treated with over-the-counter creams and ointments.

Call your doctor if you develop serious symptoms. Keep tabs on how you’re feeling—butt acne is typically harmless, but in more serious cases, folliculitis can lead to fever, nausea, chills, and more. If you’re feeling under the weather, call your doctor for guidance.

How do I treat the breakouts?

Clean the skin with a benzoyl peroxide wash. Pick up an acne wash with benzoyl peroxide as one of the main ingredients—this will kill off any bad bacteria in the area. 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. You can use this wash up to twice a day. Most people see results within 4 weeks, but it may depend on the case.

Soak the area with a vinegar compress to ease the irritation. Mix 1.4 cups (320 mL) of water with 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of white vinegar. Dip a clean cloth in the mixture and sit on the compress for 5-10 minutes. You can make and use this compress up to 6 times each day.

Take a twice a week if you have bacterial folliculitis. Fill your tub about halfway with warm water, and then stir in ⁄4 c (59 mL) of . Relax and unwind in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse yourself off with clean water. This might stop the bacteria from returning again.

Wait up to 2 weeks and see if it goes away. If your folliculitis is pretty mild, then it might clear up on its own. In some cases, it might go away within 7 to 10 days.

What shouldn’t I do?

Don’t scratch or pick at the skin. 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.

How do I prevent future breakouts?

Wear loose clothes instead of skin tight garments. Friction and folliculitis tend to go hand hand, and tight shorts and pants might be doing you more harm than good. Instead, rifle through your closet for pants, shorts, and other bottoms that fit comfortably, and don’t rub against your skin quite as much.

Take a shower with gentle soap right after you exercise. After a tough workout, bacteria may be trapped on your skin. Gently wash and rinse off the skin with a mild cleanser, so this bacteria doesn’t turn into folliculitis later on. Always change out of your workout clothes right after you’ve exercised.

Ditch any oil-rich products from your beauty routine. Body oils tend to get bacteria stuck in your pores, which can lead to folliculitis. Instead, look for lotions, creams, and other skin products that aren’t as likely to clog up your follicles. Look for products with “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” on the label.