How to Get Rid of Acne on the Buttocks

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

Last Updated: May 31, 2023 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?

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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?

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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?

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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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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?

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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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- 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.
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?

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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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- You can use this wash up to twice a day. Most people see results within 4 weeks, but it may depend on the case.
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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Take a 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 . 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.
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?

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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?

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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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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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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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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

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.

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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

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.

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Tips

Take to your dermatologist about getting a chemical peel in that area. You might be able to get rid of your butt acne really quickly this way.^{[19]
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Some people find that over-the-counter washes with salicylic acid can help fade leftover scars.^{[20]
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Ask your dermatologist about laser hair removal if you deal with butt acne a lot. Hair removal can give you some relief, but it’s not very fun when the hair starts growing back in. See if laser hair removal or intense pulsed light are possible options for getting rid of your hair in that area.^{[21]
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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Don't be scared to see a doctor. I did, and I was given a lotion and antibiotic that cleared the problem up in a couple of days. There's nothing embarrasing about butt acne; doctors have seen way worse, I promise.
Wear loose-fitting clothing rather than tight-fitting stuff. Giving your skin some space to breathe can really help.
Don't scratch. Butt pimples are often really itchy, but they can bleed and get infected if you scratch too much.

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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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