What is Butt Acne
When the weather warms up, some people may become anxious about bearing more skin, mainly if they are prone to body breakouts or butt pimples. And, though it can seem humiliating, rest assured that it’s natural, and you’re not alone.
So, if you are looking for a way to stop the lumps Fergie didn’t mention, we’ve got you covered. We spoke with cosmetic dermatologists in New York City to determine how to get rid of ass acne for good.
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But what causes butt acne if it is not a regular pimple?
A bacterial infection usually causes butt in conjunction with blocked hair follicles. According to Gary Goldenberg, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, most booty bumps are caused by blocked hair follicles. There are various reasons you may have clogged hair follicles, ranging from the gross to the “wait, seriously?”
- Keeping your dirty, wet clothes on after a workout: Sweat will dry over your pores, leaving bumps in its wake. After your workout, change your clothes (and underwear) and get in the shower as soon as possible. If you don’t have time for a full battery, use a wipe like Degree Deodorant Wipes to cleanse your skin quickly.
- Excessive sitting: Rubbing or discomfort causes inflamed hair follicles, also known as folliculitis. As a result, too much booty-to-chair time will aggravate the situation. “Make an effort to stand up more often if your work needs a lot of sitting,” says Mona Gohara, MD, dermatologist, and member of the Women’s Health advisory board.
- Using underwear that is past its prime: It is essential to change your underwear regularly, as old lingerie exposes your skin to acne-causing dirt, sweat, and oil. Be sure to change your socks every day.
- Tight-fitting clothing: Yes, your favorite skinny jeans and leggings will have an impact on whether you get butt acne. Tight-fitting clothing not only rubs against your skin but also traps sweat and oil against your backside, making hair follicles more likely to become blocked, resulting in bumps on your buttocks.
What Exactly Is Butt Acne?
Most importantly, you should be aware that breakouts on your buttocks are rarely acne. “Butt acne is not acne — it is, in fact, most commonly due to folliculitis, or itching secondary to chronic rubbing, which can be caused by wearing tight-fitting clothes or even waxing,” says Shereen Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology.
According to Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, a simple way to tell whether it’s folliculitis is an actual infection of the hair follicle is how it feels and where it’s on the body. Tiny, shallow lumps that are itchy or painful are the most common form of these bumps. They will develop into larger, cyst-like clusters when irritated.
What’s the only way to deal with butt breakouts?
Clean up the environment first and foremost. “Washing with benzoyl peroxide (like the Murad Clarifying Cleanser, which has salicylic acid and green tea to soothe) regularly helps keep pesky bacteria at bay, reducing the risk of developing bacterial folliculitis,” says Idriss. “However, folliculitis is not only caused by bacteria; a fungus may also cause it.”
So, what do you do if you suspect a fungus is to blame? You’ll need to get your hands on an anti-fungal drug, according to Zeichner, because fungus-caused folliculitis will not change or clear up if you use an acne cream.
He also has another simple solution for you. “You can also use your dandruff shampoo as a liquid cleanser to the infected area if you suspect fungal folliculitis,” he says. “Apply it, then rinse it off while singing the alphabet.” It needs enough time in contact with the skin to do its job.”
So, you have ass acne? That is fine! Here are seven options for dealing with the situation.
- Take a shower right after your workout: Dr. Zeichner says that showering right after a workout will help eliminate sweat, oil, and dirt collected on the skin’s surface.
- Use benzoyl peroxide to spruce things up: Use a benzoyl peroxide body wash or cleanser to target your booty. The ingredient is useful in treating both acne and folliculitis because of its antimicrobial (a.k.a. bacteria-fighting) properties. “After you’ve applied the cream, sing the entire alphabet to allow it to sit on the skin long enough to do its job, then rinse it off,” advises Dr. Zeichner. (Be aware that BP can bleach colored fabrics, so rinse thoroughly and use white towels!)
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- Use salicylic acid to unclog pores: You may also use a salicylic acid acne cream to treat the ass breakouts. This form of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) can help exfoliate dead skin cells and extract excess oils so they don’t get stuck in your pores and follicles (which is how butt acne starts).
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- Use glycolic acid to lighten dark marks: This is just another anti-butt acne ingredient. “It brightens dark spots that can grow after pimples or folliculitis have gone down,” Dr. Zeichner says.
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- Don’t forget to moisturize the peach: You would think that using a lactic-acid body lotion would clog your pores, but this isn’t the case. Dr. Zeichner explains, “Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that helps hydrate the skin and exfoliate dead cells.” Additionally, removing dry skin cells aids in the prevention of bumps. (This is why it helps to avoid keratosis pilaris, also known as chicken skin.)
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- Shave properly: Some people do shave their buttocks. Dr. Gohara recommends shaving with a one- to two-blade razor and shaving with the hair’s grain rather than against it. “As well as a lubricant, use a lot of shaving cream.”
- Make an appointment with a dermatologist: If at-home remedies aren’t working, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a specialist. “The dermatologist can recommend a topical or oral antibiotic,” Dr. Gohara says. “These will help reduce the inflammation in your skin and clear up the folliculitis.”
Causes Other Than Acne:
The vast amount of butt acne isn’t acne at all. Although we commonly refer to any set of red bumps on the skin as “acne,” those blemishes on your thighs are most likely caused by something else entirely.
- Folliculitis
Folliculitis is the most common cause of swollen, inflamed pimples on your backside. The inflamed hair follicle is a fancy way of saying inflamed hair follicle. 2
You have hair on almost every part of your body, including your booty. A hair follicle becomes red and swollen when it is irritated. The bumps can form a white head and appear to be acne pimples. These bumps can be uncomfortable or itchy at times, but not always.
Folliculitis, by the way, can occur almost anywhere on the body. It’s not just about the butt. Butt acne is becoming much more popular, according to dermatologists, three due to our clothing choices and current fashion. Tight-fitting clothing will irritate your hair follicles because of friction.
You could be unknowingly leading to your butt breakouts if you reside in yoga pants or spandex running shorts or if you prefer tight jeans and slim-fit slacks.
Sweat is another irritant to hair follicles. Wearing non-breathable undergarments, such as nylon or polyester, will trap moisture against your skin even if you’re not sweating profusely. This can irritate the hair follicles once more.
Folliculitis may also be caused by bacteria such as Staph or Pseudomonas infecting the hair follicle. Spending time in a poorly maintained hot tub or pool causes a form of folliculitis known as hot tub folliculitis.
- Keratosis Pilaris:
What if you had subtle, rugged bumps over your booty instead of fiery, inflamed blemishes? Keratosis pilaris is most likely the case.
Keratosis pilaris is a skin disease that affects many people. It causes tiny skin-colored or red bumps to appear on the skin’s surface. The nodes may resemble small pimples or even goosebumps. 5 Until you run your hand over your anus, you may not spot them.
An accumulation of keratin around the pore opening causes these bumps to appear. Keratin is a protein found on the skin’s surface that forms a protective layer. Keratin builds up and includes a robust plug for unexplained reasons, resulting in the bump you see and feel. 6
You may have had this disorder your whole life and had no idea what those bumps were called. Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition that affects the buttocks, upper arms, and thighs’ fronts. It’s also common for children to get it on their cheeks (of the face this time, not the bum).
A variety of factors causes keratosis pilaris. It’s a trait that seems to run in families. It’s usually at its worst during childhood and adolescence, then fades with time. 5 The good news is that keratosis pilaris is harmless, despite how irritating it is.
Keratosis Pilaris is a form of keratosis that causes the skin to boil (Skin Abscesses)
- Boiling (Skin Abscesses)
You may have a boil if you have a big, painful pimple (or a cluster of large pimples) on your derriere. When an infection takes hold inside the hair follicle, it causes boils, also known as skin abscesses. The bacteria Staph is the most common cause of spots. Some bacteria such as strep or pseudomonas, on the other hand, maybe to blame. Fungal infections may also cause boils, but they are uncommon.
Boils begin as small blemishes, but they quickly develop into large blemishes. And boils are a pain! They can occur anywhere on the body, but they’re most common on the buttocks.
Also read: Aida Bicaj Skin Care
Butt Acne Natural And Home Remedies
Folliculitis-causing bacteria flourish in complex environments. The following are several methods for preventing bacteria from growing and causing folliculitis:
- Consistent washing
Clogged and contaminated hair follicles cause folliculitis. Washing the follicles regularly helps keep them clean by removing dirt, grease, and sweat. This can help to reduce the number of bacteria on the skin and the risk of folliculitis.
Washing in the morning and evening is recommended for those who are susceptible to folliculitis. To avoid bacterial growth, use antibacterial soap.
It is essential for people who exercise regularly to wash at least twice a day. While washing after every bike ride or yoga class may not always be practical, the extra sweat from exercise may provide the ideal environment for bacteria to develop.
- Exfoliation that is not abrasive
Exfoliation is the most effective method for preventing dead skin cells from clogging pores and follicles. Using a regular loofah or scrub, on the other hand, can be too rough for those with inflamed or sensitive skin.
Washing and exfoliating with a standard soft washcloth or nylon shower scrubber can help to avoid discomfort and inflammation.
- Using natural substitutes
Some natural alternatives are available for people who do not want to use over-the-counter (OTC) medicated creams.
- Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic.
Tea tree oil is a standard natural skin treatment. The essential oil’s antimicrobial properties tend to help keep the skin clean and destroy the bacteria that cause folliculitis.
- Turmeric is a spice that is used to make
Turmeric has also been linked to the prevention of folliculitis. Curcumin, a turmeric component, is active against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that can cause folliculitis, according to one study.
Applying a turmeric and water paste to the affected region daily may be a beneficial natural remedy. Turmeric, on the other hand, will turn the skin yellow for a short time.
However, it’s worth noting that the majority of research into curcumin’s antibacterial properties has focused on curcumin rather than turmeric.
Another natural antibacterial that can help balance the skin is acetic acid, which can be contained in apple cider vinegar or household vinegar. Researchers found that acetic acid inhibited the growth of bacteria on burn wounds in one study. Also, they discovered that the acid inhibited bacterial growth in laboratory samples.
A cup of apple cider vinegar added to a warm bath will help combat folliculitis bacteria and keep the skin on the buttocks clean. It’s worth noting that the study focused solely on acetic acid rather than vinegar.
- Applying the appropriate moisturizer
Although it is essential to keep the skin moisturized, some moisturizers may cause more harm than good by clogging follicles and aggravating pimples.
Non-greasy moisturizers containing compounds like lactic acid can help some people avoid folliculitis.
Lactic acid is a chemical that is identical to salicylic acid, which is used in acne remedies. It can assist in keeping the skin moisturized while loosening and removing dead skin cells.
Coconut oil may also be used as a natural moisturizer to relieve itchy skin.
- Dressing in comfortable, natural clothes
Gym clothing may help a person sweat less when exercising, but it may also encourage bacterial growth in the wrong places.
Tight gym clothing may also increase heat and friction, potentially clogging follicles or inflaming the irritated region.
Instead, opt for light, airy fabrics like cotton, hemp, or linen.
- Applying a warm compress to the affected area
Applying a warm washcloth to the follicles can help open them, allowing some pus and bacteria to drain without causing any sores to pop. After using a warm compress, make sure to clean the place thoroughly.
Sensitive, inflamed, or irritated skin can benefit from the warmth.
- Experimenting with a saltwater treatment
Saltwater can aid in the sterilization of the area as well as the treatment of minor infections.
A warm saltwater sitz bath is a great way to relax, soothe, and clear the skin naturally.
Some exfoliants are too abrasive and can exacerbate inflammation.
When it comes to treating folliculitis on the buttocks, there are a few things to avoid:
- Scrubbing or exfoliating too vigorously or too often
- Pimples that pop or clogged follicles
- Putting on the same outfit after a workout
- Avoiding chemicals that aren’t required, such as perfumes in laundry detergent or dryer sheets
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Folliculitis is a condition that affects the hair follicles.
Folliculitis is caused by an overabundance of bacteria, such as S. aureus. These bacteria usually live unnoticed on the skin.
If bacteria penetrate the skin, they can expand and multiply, causing infections in the deeper hair follicles.
Folliculitis may be influenced by factors other than bacteria, such as friction and sweat.
She was sweating or chafing, as when working out in gym pants, maybe enough to allow bacteria to develop. Another cause may be sitting in a chair right after a workout. Folliculitis on the buttocks can often be caused by wearing tight clothing.
Where Do You See A Dermatologist Or A Doctor?
In severe cases of folliculitis, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics.
If you have folliculitis on your buttocks, you should see a dermatologist. They’ll have a lot of experience treating the disease and will be able to suggest a home cure for the symptoms.
It’s time to see a doctor if the folliculitis spreads or worsens despite treatment.
If the bumps turn into carbuncles or boils, seek medical attention. In severe outbreaks, more potent antibiotics or creams can be needed to combat the infection.
Folliculitis is unpleasant, but there are many treatments available. Doctors, particularly in severe cases, may prescribe effective treatment options. Folliculitis is a condition that usually responds well to treatment.
What Do You Avoid Doing If You Have Pimples On Your Buttocks?
Idriss advises against physically exfoliating the inflamed region. She tells Allure, “Please quit scrubbing, whether with a scrub or a loofah.” “Some people believe they are doing themselves a favor by doing this because it makes their back end feel smoother. They are simply exacerbating the inflammation, which can result in scarring and hyperpigmentation.”
Idriss claims that your SoulCycle sweat sessions aren’t helping either. “A humid climate combined with chronic rubbing from cycling is a catastrophe waiting to happen,” she says. After a workout, get out of your sweaty clothes, dry yourself clean, and put on something more breathable.
“Waxing should also be avoided,” Idriss adds, “because it can cause further obstruction of hair follicles, worsening of inflammation, and subsequent pigmentation.” Instead, invest in a more robust razor or try a different hair removal method, such as sugaring.
What would you do to avoid getting hyperpigmentation on your backside?
When you avoid scrubbing, the chances of getting dark spots decrease. “With less coercion and more psychological therapy, hyperpigmentation can be prevented,” she says.
Use a gentle cream exfoliator of lactic acids, such as AmLactin, or a urea-based cream, such as PurSources 40 percent Urea Foot Cream, to moisturize your backside.
What Would You Do To Avoid A Butt Breakout?
Regular use of gentle exfoliators, such as salicylic acid or lactic acid, can help keep your skin surface smooth and prevent buildups if you’re prone to irritations. In general, if you sweat a lot, keep your tush clean and dry — and if you ever have folliculitis, get it handled as soon as possible.” (We love the Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment Acne, which contains salicylic acid.)
If all else fails, consult your dermatologist, who will be able to help diagnose and manage your breakout problem.