How to Treat Buttock Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a common condition causing inflamed hair follicles and a raised rash. While it can occur anywhere on your body, the buttocks are a common area for an outbreak. If you have folliculitis on your buttocks, you can control the infection by keeping the area clean and applying a warm compress regularly. If the infection doesn’t clear up, see your dermatologist for a number of prescription treatments. Prevent further outbreaks by wearing loose-fitting clothing, showering whenever you get sweaty, and avoiding dirty swimming pools.[1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Getting Rid of an Outbreak

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    Wear loose-fitting underwear and pants to let the infection air out. Sweat buildup from tight clothing is a common cause of folliculitis outbreaks. Wearing tight underwear and pants with an active infection can make the irritation worse. Opt for loose-fitting clothes while you're treating the infection.[2]
    • Any kind of tights, leggings, or yoga pants can trap sweat in the area.
    • Breathable, cotton materials are best for undergarments.
    • If possible, sleep without underwear on to let the infection air out overnight.
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    2
    Wash the area twice a day with warm water and soap. This removes bacteria from the area and prevents the infection from spreading. If you shower or bathe, scrub your buttocks with gentle soap. If you’re not in the shower, put the soap on a wet washcloth and rub the area gently. Rinse your buttocks thoroughly to remove any soap residue.[3]
    • Don’t scrub the area hard. This could cause irritation and rupture some of the cysts.
    • Don’t use harsh antiseptics like rubbing alcohol on the area. This can make the inflammation worse.
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    Place a warm compress over the affected area 4 times per day. Warm compresses help soothe the area and drain the cysts. Wet a washcloth with warm water and hold it against the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time. Re-wet the washcloth if it cools off. Repeat this treatment up to 4 times per day until the infection clears up.[4]
    • Always clean the washcloth in between uses. Bacteria can live on the washcloth and re-infect the area.
    • Make sure the water is only warm, not hot. Hot water could burn you or inflame the area.
    • If you can’t remove your pants to apply the compress, then try sitting on a heating pad to get a similar, soothing effect.
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    Apply OTC hydrocortisone creams lightly to reduce the itching. Folliculitis is sometimes itchy, which can cause discomfort. If you experience itching, apply a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream to the area. [5] Don’t apply the cream heavily or you could block the hair follicles and make the infection worse.[6]
    • There are many types of hydrocortisone cream available. Follow the application instructions on any product you use.
    • Don’t cover the cream with a bandage or wrapping. This locks in sweat and dirt.
    • Ask a pharmacist for assistance if you aren’t sure which cream is best for you.
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    Take OCT pain relievers if sitting is painful. Inflamed folliculitis might be painful, especially since you sit on your buttocks. OTC pain relievers can reduce the pain while you wait for the infection to clear up. Any pain reliever will do the job, so use whatever you have available.[7]
    • Follow the dosage directions on whichever pain reliever you use.
    • If the pain doesn’t improve within 3 days, contact your doctor for an exam.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Medical Treatments

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    Visit your doctor if the rash is persistent, very painful, or you have a fever. If the folliculitis doesn’t clear up within 2 weeks, you may need to visit your dermatologist for prescription medication. On rare occasions, the rash can become very inflamed and cause pain or a fever. In either case, visit your doctor for treatment right away.[8]
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    Apply prescription-strength antibiotic cream to the area. If OTC treatments haven’t helped, your dermatologist may try a stronger antibiotic cream to fight the infection. Use the product that your dermatologist prescribes exactly as directed. Continue until the infection clears up.[9]
    • Apply the cream in a light layer, unless your doctor tells you to apply it differently. Heavy creams block the follicles and can make the infection worse.
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    Take oral antibiotics to fight the infection. If the infection doesn’t respond to antibiotic cream, the dermatologist may try an oral antibiotic to fight it systemically. Take the prescription pill according to their instructions and finish the full course.[10]
    • Antibiotics sometimes cause nausea and an upset stomach. If antibiotics bother your stomach, take them with a meal or light snack.[11]
    • Always finish the full course of antibiotics, even if the infection clears up. Stopping antibiotic treatments early can encourage the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.[12]
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    Use a topical steroid to reduce inflammation. If the infection was caused by a virus or is unresponsive to antibiotics, then the dermatologist may try a steroid cream instead. These products reduce inflammation and can help the infection clear up. Use the product that your doctor recommends and apply it as instructed.[13]
    • There are OTC and prescription topical steroids. Your doctor may suggest buying an OTC product from the pharmacy or prescribe a stronger type, depending on the severity of your rash.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Future Outbreaks

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    Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing to prevent sweat buildup. If you’re prone to buttock folliculitis, then avoid wearing tight clothing that traps sweat and dirt. Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear and loose pants. This keeps the area ventilated and reduces the chances of outbreaks.[14]
    • Tight pants are okay occasionally. For example, you can wear yoga pants to the gym, as long as you change as soon as possible after your workout.
    • Sleeping without underwear is also a good way to prevent sweat from building up in the area.
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    Bathe whenever you get sweaty. Sweat is the main cause of folliculitis, so prevent outbreaks by preventing sweat from building up. Wash up as soon as possible after going to the gym, playing sports, or working outside. Let the water run over your buttocks to remove any sweat buildups.[15]
    • Remember to use gentle, fragrance-free soap to prevent irritating your skin.
    • If you’re unable to bathe after sweating, then at least change out of your sweaty clothes. Remember to put on fresh underwear as well.
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    Avoid shaving the area to prevent irritation. Shaving is another major cause of folliculitis. If you shave your buttocks, then you’re at a higher risk of developing an infection. Refrain from shaving to prevent an outbreak.[16]
    • If you have to shave the area, shave with the grain of your hair. Avoid shaving over any bumps or irritations to avoid making them worse.
    • Laser or chemical hair removal can accomplish the same goal as shaving but with less risk of irritation. Look into these treatments instead of shaving.[17]
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    Make sure you only swim in pools that are properly treated with chlorine. One form of folliculitis comes from dirty pools and hot tubs. If you have your own pool, make sure you treat it regularly with chlorine and keep its pH regulated between 7.4 and 7.6. If you’re at a public or hotel pool, look for signs that the pool is dirty and don’t swim if you suspect it isn’t well-regulated.[18]
    • Signs of a dirty pool or hot tub are cloudy or discolored water, slime buildup on pumps and equipment, and foam on the surface.[19]
    • You can also request to see the inspection records for public pools. If the owners don’t let you see them, then this may indicate that the pool isn’t well-regulated.
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    Remove and wash your swimsuit as soon as you leave the pool. Bacteria and fungus from the pool can remain on your swimsuit and cause irritations like folliculitis. Don’t leave your swimsuit on after leaving the pool. Remove it right away and put on fresh clothes. Wash the swimsuit thoroughly to kill any bacteria.[20]
    • Wash your swimsuit in hot water to kill any bacteria, especially if you suspect the water wasn’t clean.
    • Don’t reuse your swimsuit without washing it. The bacteria can remain on surfaces even after the swimsuit dries.
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    Keep your immune system healthy with nutrition and rest. People with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of folliculitis. Strengthen your immune system to increase your chances of fighting off the infection. Follow a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and get 8 hours of sleep each night to keep your immunity up.[21] You might also consider following an anti-inflammatory diet or a low-glycemic diet, or trying intermittent fasting.[22]
    • Avoid activities like smoking, heavy drinking, and using drugs. These can all suppress your immune system.
    • Don’t snack between meals as this causes insulin response activation, which can make inflammation worse.[23] [24]
    • Stress is a major drain on your immune system. If you’re under a lot of stress, try reducing it to improve your immunity. Meditate, practice deep breathing, or do yoga.[25]
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.skinsight.com/skin-conditions/adult/folliculitis
  2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/folliculitis
  3. ↑ https://www.sparrow.org/departments-conditions/conditions/folliculitis
  4. ↑ https://www.aad.org/diseases/a-z/folliculitis
  5. ↑ https://dermnetnz.org/topics/folliculitis-barbae
  6. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/topical-steroids/
  7. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/folliculitis-boils-and-carbuncles
  8. ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw171614
  9. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20361662
  1. ↑ https://www.aocd.org/page/Folliculitis
  2. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-prevent-diarrhea-while-you-take-antibiotics/
  3. ↑ https://www.dignityhealth.org/articles/why-is-finishing-antibiotics-so-important
  4. ↑ https://dermnetnz.org/topics/folliculitis
  5. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/folliculitis
  6. ↑ https://www.summithealth.com/health-wellness/summer-skin-conditions-and-how-deal-them
  7. ↑ https://www.skinsight.com/skin-conditions/adult/folliculitis
  8. ↑ https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/pseudofolliculitis-barbae-prevention-and-treatment
  9. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4948a2.htm
  10. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/publications/books/housing/cha14.htm
  11. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17692-folliculitis-/prevention
  12. ↑ https://www.mtatva.com/en/disease/folliculitis-treatment-diet-and-home-remedies/
  13. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6413166/
  14. ↑ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41387-018-0031-3
  15. ↑ https://medicine.buffalo.edu/news_and_events/news/2013/06/inflammation-insulin-2581.html
  16. ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body

About This Article

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Medically reviewed by:
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. This article has been viewed 38,797 times.
11 votes - 98%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: May 13, 2022
Views: 38,797
Categories: Health

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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