How to Get Rid of Acne on the Buttocks

Co-authored by Janice Tieperman | Medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

Last Updated: August 18, 2022 References Approved

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 really easy to tackle at the source. Take a peek through some frequently asked questions and answers to get a little extra info!

Question 1 of 7:

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.^{[1]
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Question 2 of 7:

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.^{[2]
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Question 3 of 7:

What is causing my folliculitis?

1
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.^{[3]
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DermNet NZ
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2
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.^{[4]
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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.^{[5]
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- If you tend to sweat a lot, that may also be part of the problem.

Question 4 of 7:

Do I need to see a doctor or dermatologist?

1
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.^{[6]
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Mayo Clinic
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- 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.
2
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.^{[7]
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Question 5 of 7:

How do I treat the breakouts?

1
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.^{[8]
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Research source} 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.^{[9]
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- 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
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.^{[10]
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3
Take a bleach bath twice a week if you have bacterial folliculitis. 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.^{[11]
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- This might stop the bacteria from returning again.
4
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.^{[12]
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Question 6 of 7:

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.^{[13]
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Question 7 of 7:

How do I prevent future breakouts?

1
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.^{[14]
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Mayo Clinic
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2
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.^{[15]
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- Always change out of your workout clothes right after you’ve exercised.^{[16]
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  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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3
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.^{[17]
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- Look for products with “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” on the label.^{[18]
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  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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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

Support wikiHow by unlocking this 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.
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

Support wikiHow by unlocking this 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.

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 might lead to folliculitis.^{[22]
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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. Instead, shave with your own personal razor, guiding it in the same direction your hair is growing.^{[23]
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