What is Butt Acne, Really, and Solutions?

May 22, 2023By Duogreen Inc

Acne is generally an irksome condition that can manifest anywhere on your body, including inconvenient places like your butt. This can sometimes result from inadequate hygiene or other underlying factors. If you are grappling with the irritation of butt acne, there are a variety of treatment methods and prevention tips to consider. To better understand and manage this issue, let's explore what buttock acne really is and the various treatment options available, which include remedies like pimple patches and other similar patches.

What is Butt Acne?

In simple terms, acne is caused by pores that are clogged or blocked, forming blemishes that can often be more severe than the average pimple. In some early stages, a pimple patch can provide a quick remedy. Acne can occur on various parts of your body such as the neck and shoulders, among other areas.

The main reason for acne or cysts is the accumulation of oil in our hair follicles. When this oil gets trapped, it can cause inflammation due to acne causing bacteria. Most of these cysts can be treated effectively with patches designed for cystic acne. However, treating acne on the butt may require a different approach.

What are Some Butt Acne Types?

If the discomfort is unbearable and you have a pimple patch readily available, you could use it for temporary relief. However, we advise against popping any breakouts, including butt acne. Doing so can lead to hyperpigmentation or increased inflammation. A safer alternative would be the application of topical antibiotics or the use of an acne patch.

What are Some Butt Acne Types?

Here are some typical types of butt acne in medical terms, some of which aren't easy to remove by cystic acne patches.

Folliculitis

Butt acne caused by inflammation of the hair follicles due to bacterial infection is referred to as folliculitis. This condition can also result from a fungal infection or irritation of the follicles, and it typically presents as small, shallow bumps on the skin's surface.

Carbuncles

Carbuncles refer to a cluster of pus-filled boils that may resemble acne cysts. However, if folliculitis is left untreated, it can lead to a deeper infection causing these carbuncles. Fortunately, these can often be treated effectively with cystic acne patches.

Keratosis Pilaris

This type of skin condition is relatively harmless and doesn't itch as much as other forms of acne. Most commonly, it resembles goosebumps. Typically, it's caused by an excess of keratin—a protein that primarily protects the skin—but in this case, an overproduction can lead to blockage of the hair follicle openings.

Contact Dermatitis

This type of skin irritation is primarily caused by an allergic reaction to moist flushable wipes. It can typically be avoided by opting for unscented wipes or tissues instead.

What are Some Recommended Treatments for These Types?

Based on these four types of butt acne, here are some treatments.

Treating Folliculitis – If your folliculitis clears up, continue using any prescribed medication on your skin. A topical antibiotic cream can also be beneficial in this case.
Treating Carbuncle – The treatment for these conditions is more complex and may require the use of oral or topical antibiotics. If the infection has advanced significantly, you may need a medical practitioner to lance or pierce the carbuncle to facilitate drainage.
Treating Keratosis Pilaris – For this type of skin condition, simple remedies such as moisturizers and acne stickers are usually sufficient, as these conditions are painless and typically just variations of your normal skin texture.
Treating Allergy – It's advisable to cease using moistened wipes for a while. Even if you're taking allergy medication, the condition is likely to reoccur if you start using these wipes again.

The Best Solutions to Butt Acne

While some may recommend using acne stickers as a remedy, this advice usually applies once the acne has fully formed and is at the point of rupture. The solutions outlined here are aimed at both curing existing conditions and preventing future ones, fostering a more effective healing process.

Regular Wash – Taking regular baths with a high-quality, prescribed antibacterial soap is recommended, as pimples and zits are common occurrences. Washing at least twice a day will help remove dirt and prevent the build-up of bacteria on your skin.
Proper Loose Clothes – Tight and form-fitting clothing can contribute to bacteria being pushed back into your pores, which may lead to breakouts. Therefore, consider wearing loose-fitting clothes, at least when you're at home.
Sitting on a Warm and Steamed Washcloth – This approach can help soothe your skin and open your pores, drawing out some of the bacteria and pus. We believe that this is a more effective remedy for buttock acne than using zit stickers.
Skin Treatment Oils – These types of oils are excellent for treating bacteria or wounds caused by popped butt acne. Tea tree oil, which is harvested and processed from Australian trees, is a good alternative.
Fabric Softeners – Despite washing products claiming to be mild for the skin, they are still essentially chemicals and could potentially harm skin health, even fabric softeners. To avoid any irritation caused by such products, we recommend opting for hypoallergenic alternatives.
Zinc Creams – While some studies suggest that individuals with adequate levels of zinc in their bodies are less likely to experience butt acne, the evidence isn't definitive. That said, taking oral zinc supplements and consuming probiotics daily may still be beneficial.
Workout Showers – It's essential to shower as soon as possible after a workout to prevent sweat and dirt from lingering on your skin. These two factors are major contributors to buttock acne. The need for immediate post-workout hygiene is especially crucial if you wear tight clothing during your exercise session. Also, remember to promptly wash your workout clothes to avoid bacteria buildup.

Exfoliate – Consider incorporating a mild exfoliation routine into your skincare regimen every few days to help remove dirt or dead skin cells. However, it's important to keep it gentle, as over-exfoliation can lead to abrasion and irritation, making your skin more susceptible to infections.

Saltwater Solution – Using salt water could significantly reduce the occurrence of acne due to its antimicrobial properties. To prepare a salt water solution, mix a teaspoon of table salt in two cups of water. Apply this mixture to your skin with a washcloth.

Conclusion

The challenge with buttock acne is that, unlike facial acne, we usually don't notice it until it starts causing discomfort. So, if you regularly suffer from buttock acne, it's important to identify and address the daily habits that may be contributing to its recurrence. This article has suggested some solutions that can be integrated into your daily routine to prevent future outbreaks. In this case, prevention is indeed better than cure.