Acne is nothing new; we’ve all been struggling with it for, what feels like, ages now. Buttne (butt acne) is the term used to describe acne that occurs on your butt cheeks. Acne on the buttocks can appear at the most inopportune moments, whether due to wearing too tight underwear, sitting for lengthy periods of time, or a lack of post-workout hygiene. Sigh! But there’s nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. To be honest, it’s more common than you might expect. However, it can become uncomfortable or painful at times, and we are here to help you say goodbye to them!
What Can Cause Buttne?
True butt acne, like all acne, is caused by an overproduction of oil. Hormones, stress, heredity, and your favourite foods can all send your sebaceous glands into a frenzy, causing your pores to enlarge (yes, even the pores on your butt cheeks). When the pores expand, bacterias settle in, causing inflammation and clogging of the pores — thus, resulting in butt acne. And because you’re continually sitting on your butt, these pores are extremely vulnerable to clog, which is why butt bumps are so common on almost every human.
But, surprise, surprise, butt acne is rarely really acne. Because your buttocks experience so much friction from clothing, sitting, walking, and exercising, as well as perspiration and bacteria, it serves as a breeding ground for all kinds of skin bumps, which leads us to…
How To Get Rid Of Acne That Has Appeared On Your Buttocks?
To get rid of acne on your buttocks, you’ll need a proper diagnosis from a dermatologist, because you can only treat your buttock lumps appropriately if you know what you’re dealing with. While more severe cases of butt bumps (such as HS and hormonal acne) would require medical attention, folliculitis, classic zits, and keratosis pilaris can all be treated with a combination of treatments and lifestyle adjustments. So, once you’ve scheduled a visit with your derm, get started on the following:
Butt Bath With Benzoyl Peroxide Or Salicylic Acid
Consider using an acne wash formulated with benzoyl peroxide, which aids in the killing of acne-causing bacteria. Gently massage the body wash over your breakouts once a week in the shower and let it linger for three minutes, allowing the benzoyl peroxide to treat your skin before washing it off (note: benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics, so make sure to rinse it well).
If you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or have skin irritation, you can try salicylic acid, which will work to break down clogged pores on your buttocks whether in a body wash, spot treatment, or skin spray. While BP is more effective in preventing and treating bacteria-based acne, salicylic acid has the added benefit of smoothing bumps and fading dark spots and acne scars when used in leave-on products like as a toner or moisturiser.
Gently Exfoliate Your Bum To Smooth Out Bumps
No, you can’t exfoliate your butt bumps away — in fact, using a heavy physical scrub to exfoliate your folliculitis, acne, or KP would just increase inflammation and aggravate your outbreaks. Instead, gently massage your buttocks in the shower with an acid-based body wash and a silicone scrubber (this will help slough away dead skin and allow your treatments to penetrate easily), then apply a chemical exfoliator, such as an acid-based skin patch, when your skin is dry. To help break down clogged pores, look for a formula that contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as lactic or glycolic acids, or beta-hydroxy acids (such as salicylic acid).
Treat ‘Em With OTC Antibiotics
If you’ve tried everything (including the body washes, scrubs, spot treatments, and lifestyle changes) for at least six weeks and are still experiencing bumps, it’s time to see a dermatologist to talk about medications to reduce inflammation and bacteria that can cause butt acne, folliculitis, and HS. Your dermatologist may recommend topical antibiotics, such as clindamycin lotion or clindamycin and retinol-based serum, or any oral antibiotic, such as the new acne-specific antibiotic.
Butt acne is fairly simple to treat, you know now!
Featured Image: Instagram
