With the warmer months here, many of us are eager to show off our summer bodies. But if you’re dealing with butt acne, also known as bacne on your behind, you might be feeling less confident about flashing your backside. Whether your butt bumps are big, red, and painful or just small and stubborn, they can cause frustration and embarrassment, especially if they affect your self-esteem or intimacy. So, what’s really behind butt acne, and how can you banish it for good?
We asked NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green to explain the causes of butt acne and share effective treatment tips for clearing up your bottom once and for all.
What is Butt Acne?
While we typically think of acne as something that occurs on the face, back, or chest, it can also crop up on your buttocks. Dr. Green points out that acne, in its traditional form, happens when sebaceous follicles get clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, and other debris. This leads to inflammation, causing pimples, blackheads, cysts, and pustules. But butt acne may not be acne at all.
“In many cases, what people think of as butt acne is actually folliculitis,” Dr. Green explains. Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become clogged, usually by sweat and other debris. This leads to inflamed, pimple-like bumps that resemble acne but are technically a different skin issue.
But there’s also a possibility that what you’re dealing with is keratosis pilaris (KP)—a harmless skin condition that causes small, red bumps to appear on the buttocks. And sometimes, allergic reactions (contact dermatitis) can mimic acne-like breakouts, making it harder to pinpoint the real cause of the issue.
What Causes Butt Acne?
Friction and Folliculitis
The most common cause of butt acne is folliculitis. This condition happens when sweat, oils, and bacteria clog hair follicles, leading to inflammation. Dr. Green points to a few main culprits:
- Tight clothing: Wearing leggings or underwear that are too tight can create friction, which irritates the skin and traps sweat and bacteria.
- Sitting too much: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to friction and buildup, especially if you spend long hours sitting.
- Hygiene issues: Not showering after sweating, especially from exercise, can lead to trapped bacteria and sweat.
- Improper hair removal: Shaving or waxing without proper techniques can irritate the skin and lead to ingrown hairs and folliculitis.
Hormones
If you’re dealing with true butt acne, hormonal fluctuations could be to blame. “Changes in hormone levels, especially androgens, can increase sebum production in the skin,” Dr. Green says. “This excess oil can clog pores and lead to acne.” For women who experience hormonal acne on the face, similar breakouts may occur on the buttocks during certain times of the month.
Additionally, increased cortisol (the stress hormone) can also trigger more sebum production, leading to more breakouts on the butt.
Diet and Genetics
Just like facial acne, butt acne can be influenced by your diet. “Sugary and processed foods can cause blood sugar spikes, which in turn increase insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1), both of which can exacerbate acne,” Dr. Green explains. Foods to limit include white bread, pasta, sugary drinks, and fried foods.
Genetics also play a role. “Some people are simply more prone to acne and folliculitis due to their genetic makeup,” Dr. Green adds. Unfortunately, while you can’t change your DNA, lifestyle changes and good skincare habits can help manage flare-ups.
How to Get Rid of Butt Acne
If you’re tired of dealing with annoying bumps on your backside, Dr. Green has several expert-recommended solutions for getting rid of butt acne for good.
- Address the Causes of Folliculitis
If your bumps are caused by folliculitis, Dr. Green advises addressing the main triggers first:
- Wear loose, breathable clothing: Tight clothing can trap sweat and create friction, exacerbating folliculitis. Opt for looser, more breathable fabrics like cotton to allow your skin to breathe.
- Get up and move: Sitting for long periods of time can lead to sweat buildup and irritation. Try to take breaks every hour to move around and avoid friction from sitting.
- Shower regularly, especially after sweating: After exercise or intense sweating, make sure to shower right away to wash away sweat and bacteria that can clog hair follicles.
- Consider laser hair removal: If you frequently deal with ingrown hairs or folliculitis, laser hair removal may help reduce hair growth and prevent irritation.
- Use the Right Products
The products you use play a huge role in treating butt acne. Dr. Green recommends using acne-fighting body washes with active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria, while salicylic acid helps to deep-clean pores and reduce inflammation.
For keratosis pilaris, salicylic acid can also help, along with other exfoliating ingredients like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and urea. “Urea helps loosen and remove keratin and dead skin cells,” Dr. Green says. Retinoids, which promote skin cell turnover, are also effective for treating both KP and acne.
Be cautious with physical exfoliators, like scrubs, as they can sometimes be too harsh and worsen irritation. If you prefer manual exfoliation, use a gentle touch and avoid over-scrubbing.
- Modify Your Diet
Diet plays a crucial role in managing butt acne. Dr. Green advises limiting high-glycemic foods, such as white bread, pasta, and sugary drinks, which can trigger breakouts. Reducing dairy intake may also help some people, as dairy products have been linked to acne flare-ups. Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support clear skin. - Consult a Dermatologist
If your efforts at home aren’t giving you the results you want, or if your butt acne is severely affecting your confidence, it’s time to consult a dermatologist. Dr. Green recommends visiting a professional if over-the-counter treatments aren’t working or if you’re struggling with the emotional impact of your breakouts. A dermatologist can prescribe stronger treatments, such as topical or oral medications like antibiotics, spironolactone, or even Accutane for more severe cases.
The Bottom Line
While butt acne can be frustrating, the good news is that it’s treatable. By addressing the root causes, using the right products, and making a few lifestyle changes, you can minimize breakouts and improve the appearance of your skin. And if all else fails, a dermatologist can help you find the best treatment for your unique needs. So don’t let butt acne keep you from feeling confident—get your smooth, clear skin back with these expert tips.