Butt acne is not the same as face acne. A breakout on the face is typically a condition called acne vulgaris, which has specific treatments and remedies. Anyone who has tried these treatments to clear up acne on their buttocks will notice it does not have the same results.
What people refer to as butt acne is typically a different condition. The medical term is folliculitis. Folliculitis affects the hair follicles rather than the pores of the skin.
Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become clogged and infected with bacteria, leading to red bumps and pus-filled follicles. These clogged hair follicles look similar to pimples or blocked pores, which is why many people confuse the two conditions.
Natural and home remedies for butt acne
The bacteria that cause folliculitis thrive in specific conditions. Ways to prevent bacteria from developing and causing folliculitis include:
1. Washing regularly
Regular washing helps keep the follicles clean by removing dirt, oil, and sweat. This may reduce the levels of bacteria on the skin and decrease the risk of developing folliculitis.
People who are more prone to folliculitis should consider washing in the morning and evening. Use antibacterial soap to prevent bacterial growth.
Washing at least twice a day is especially important for people who exercise regularly. It may not always be convenient to wash after every bike ride or yoga class, but the extra sweat from exercise may provide the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
2. Avoiding abrasive exfoliation
Exfoliation is the best way to keep dead skin cells from clogging the pores and follicles. However, using a regular loofah or scrub may be too harsh, especially for those with inflamed or tender skin.
Using a regular soft washcloth or nylon shower scrubber to wash and exfoliate will help prevent irritation and inflammation.
3. Using natural alternatives
For people who do not want to use over-the-counter (OTC) medicated creams, some natural alternatives include.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a popular natural treatment for the skin. The essential oil appears to have antimicrobial properties that might help keep the skin clear and kill the bacteria that cause folliculitis.
Turmeric
Some people suggest that turmeric may also help prevent folliculitis. As one review indicates, a compound in turmeric called curcumin is active against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that can lead to folliculitis.
Applying a paste of turmeric and water to the area each day may be a helpful natural remedy. Turmeric may temporarily dye the skin yellow, however.
It is worth noting, however, that most research into curcumin’s antibacterial properties has looked specifically at curcumin rather than turmeric.
Vinegar
Acetic acid, found in apple cider vinegar or household vinegar, is another natural antibacterial that may also help balance the skin. In one study, researchers reported that acetic acid reduced bacteria growth on burn wounds. They also found that the acid decreased bacterial growth in laboratory samples.
Adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath may help fight the bacteria that cause folliculitis and keep the skin on the buttocks clear. It is worth noting that the research looked specifically at acetic acid and not at vinegar.
4. Using the right moisturizer
It is essential to keep the skin moist, but some moisturizers may do more harm than good by clogging the follicles and making pimples worse.
Non-greasy moisturizers that contain compounds, such as lactic acid, may prevent folliculitis in some people.
Lactic acid is a similar compound to salicylic acid, which is present in some acne treatments. It may help keep the skin moist while loosening and getting rid of dead skin cells.
Coconut oil may also make a good natural moisturizer to help soothe irritated skin.
Some things to steer clear of when treating folliculitis on the buttocks include:
- scrubbing or exfoliating too hard or too often
- popping pimples or clogged follicles
- wearing the same clothes after a workout
- avoiding unnecessary chemicals, such as perfumes in laundry detergent or dryer sheets
What causes folliculitis?
Folliculitis typically appears due to an overgrowth of bacteria, such as S. aureus. These bacteria usually live on the skin without incident.
If the bacteria get under the skin, they may grow and multiply, which can cause small infections in the deeper hair follicles.
Other than bacteria, factors such as friction and sweat may influence folliculitis.
Merely sweating or chafing, such as when working out in gym pants, may be enough for the bacteria to grow. Sitting in a chair directly after a workout may be another cause. Sometimes, wearing tight clothes may be enough to cause folliculitis on the buttocks.
Feel free to visit a dermatologist about folliculitis on the buttocks. They will have lots of experience in treating the condition and may recommend a suitable home remedy for symptoms.
If folliculitis spreads or gets worse despite treatment, it is time to see a doctor.
Also, seek treatment if the bumps turn into carbuncles or boils. Severe outbreaks may require more potent antibiotics or creams to fight the infection.
Folliculitis can be uncomfortable, but there is a variety of remedies available. Doctors can recommend appropriate treatment options, especially in severe cases. Folliculitis generally responds well to treatment.
The remedies listed in this article are available to purchase online:
- Shop for antibacterial soap.
- Shop for non-greasy moisturizers.
- Shop for sitz baths.
Q:
Can any over-the-counter acne treatments help with folliculitis? If so, which ones?
A:
Facial cleansers and gentle exfoliants will help remove oils and keep the skin clean on your bottom. Antibacterial scrubs gentle enough for the face should be safe to use. But take care not to get these products near the anus, the penis urinary opening, or the inner labia. Do not use prescription acne medication on the buttocks until you talk to your doctor.
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