If you’ve ever woken up with a few spots on your cheeks, you’ll understand that it can be hard to sit with. Especially when the cheeks we’re talking about aren’t the ones on your face... 

Butt Acne is real, and it’s super common too, loads of people get them at different times in their life. The main thing to keep in mind, is it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Whether it’s the odd pimple, a patch of irritated bumps, or a mysterious rash that showed up overnight, your bum deserves just as much skincare attention as your face. 

In a world where hour-long skin-care vlogs exist, it’s high time we took our gazes away from the screens and directed them below the waist. This guide will walk you through all things ‘buttne’: what causes butt pimples, how to treat them, how to prevent them, and when to call in a professional. Whatever’s going on below the waist, it’s best to know how to tackle butt pimples should they arise.  

What Is Butt Acne? 

Butt acne is a term people throw around to describe pimples on the skin surrounding the bottom, but medically, most of the time it isn’t actually acne. That might sound confusing, so let’s clear things up. 

Is butt acne the same as regular acne? 

Not quite. True acne (like pimples on your face) develops when pores on the skin get clogged with oil, dead skin, and bacteria. The special skin on your bum doesn’t have as many oil glands as your face, so what people often call butt acne is usually folliculitis, an inflammation of the hair follicles. The bumps might look like pimples, but technically, they’re different. 

Why does it happen on the bum? 

We all know how much our bottoms endure, even if we do sit on them most of the day, staring at a computer screen! Our back alleys are prime real estate for friction, sweat, and trapped bacteria. Add in sitting for long periods, tight clothing, and workouts that leave sweat lingering on your skin, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for irritation and inflammation. You won’t find that one in Jamie Oliver’s 15-minute meals! 

Common Causes of Pimples on the Butt 

There isn’t just one culprit behind butt breakouts, every bottom is different and has different needs, which is why it can be hard to pinpoint exactly what could be causing our spotty bums. Here are the usual suspects. 

Folliculitis (infected or inflamed hair follicles) 

This is the most common reason for butt pimples. When hair follicles get clogged or infected, they form red bumps that can look like whiteheads. These look just like normal pimples, but they’re slightly different. Think of it as acne’s distant cousin – one that WASN’T invited to the family gathering.  

Keratosis pilaris (chicken skin bumps) 

These tiny, rough bumps show up when keratin (a protein in your skin) clogs hair follicles. They’re harmless but can be annoying and make your skin feel bumpy. Exfoliation, lactic acid, or salicylic acid and help soften the skin, but as the skin on your bottom is sensitive, you should be careful not to disrupt it too much. 

Heat rash and sweat build-up 

Sweat + friction + heat = red, itchy bumps. If you’ve ever spent a hot day in leggings or sat too long in damp clothes after the gym, you might know this one. We actually wrote a blog on bottom sweat and how to prevent it here.  

Ingrown hairs 

Shaving, waxing, or even friction from clothing can push hairs back into the skin. The result: small, sore bumps that look like pimples – these can even have whiteheads on them too if they get infected. Most ingrown hairs will go away with gentle exfoliation, but can cause further complications if left for too long.   

Poor hygiene or friction from clothing 

Not showering after sweating, sitting in the same clothes all day, or wearing fabrics that don’t let your skin breathe can all irritate your skin. The skin on your bottom is also creased and warm, the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and cause havoc. It’s important to maintain good hygiene habits to prevent these bacteria from causing trouble down there. 

Hormonal changes 

Hormones affect oil production and skin cell turnover, so fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or stress can trigger butt breakouts. These hormonal changes can come from a range of things, from diet all the way to more serious conditions like endometriosis. If you’re worried about hormonal shifts, chat with a health professional about treatment options.  

Butt Acne vs. Other Skin Conditions 

If it looks like butt acne and feels like butt acne – it might not be butt acne at all! Oh the joys of life! Here’s how to tell whether you’re dealing with butt pimples, or something a little more harrowing below the waist.  

How to tell butt acne apart from fungal infections 

Fungal infections tend to cause itchy, red rashes rather than spotty breakouts. If your bumps come with lots of itching, it could be fungal.  

The difference between pimples and boils 

Boils are large, painful lumps that form when bacteria infect a hair follicle deeply. They’re bigger and angrier than regular butt pimples and sometimes need medical treatment. 

When a rash looks like acne but isn’t 

Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can cause red, scaly patches that might be mistaken for acne at first glance. If your skin looks patchy, dry, or cracked, it might be something else. 

We’ve got a blog on butt rashes (opposed to butt acne), check it out here. 

Symptoms to Look Out For 

What do butt pimples look and feel like? 

To fully understand what’s going on back there, you’re going to have to place your eyes where the sun doesn’t shine, it’s time to bend yourself into a pretzel and grab that mirror. Most bottom bumps are small, red, and sometimes filled with pus. They can be itchy or sore, especially if they’re in an area where you sit or your clothing rubs.  

When is it more serious? 

If the bumps on your bum spread quickly, become very painful, or come with fever or swelling, it’s time to see a doctor. We’ve got some more info on when to see a doctor further on in this guide, so skip down to that if you need.  

How to Get Rid of Butt Acne 

Now for the question on the tip of everyone’s bum. How do we get rid of butt acne? 

Daily hygiene and cleansing tips 

Wash daily with a gentle, unscented cleanser, especially after sweating. Skip the harsh scrubbing, it can make things worse. Natural ingredients like witch hazel and tea tree can help to rectify the issue but can also cause dryness due to the lack of sebaceous glands in the skin around your bottom.  

Clothing and fabric choices 

Loose, breathable fabrics like cotton let your skin breathe. Tight, synthetic fabrics can trap sweat and bacteria. Opt for light, organic cotton underwear, or other moisture-wicking fabrics like ones made from bamboo.  

Exfoliation and gentle skin care 

Use a mild exfoliant once or twice a week. Chemical exfoliants with AHAs or BHAs can help unclog pores without scrubbing your skin raw. It’s worth noting that these chemical exfoliants can be harsh on the delicate skin on your bottom, so don’t overuse them.  

Over-the-counter treatments that help 

Benzoyl peroxide washes, salicylic acid creams, or sulphur-based spot treatments can help fight bacteria and unclog pores. 

Professional treatments from dermatologists 

If OTC options don’t work, dermatologists might prescribe topical antibiotics, stronger exfoliants, or even laser treatments for stubborn cases. 

Home Remedies for Butt Pimples 

If you’re more into natural home remedies, here are some options that are worth trying out that can be easily implemented into everyday life and won’t break the bank: 

Warm compresses 

A warm compress can help soothe pain and draw out pus from more stubborn pimples. A warm sitz bath can help too. 

Tea tree oil and natural antibacterial 

Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties. Dilute it with a carrier oil and dab on problem areas. 

Aloe vera and soothing botanicals 

Aloe is cooling and calming, perfect for reducing redness and irritation. That’s why we use it in the Wype formula, it’s tried and tested and proven to help reduce inflammation. 

When to See a Doctor 

Signs of infection or cysts 

If you find that the pimples on your bum seem like an infection, it’s time to bite the bullet and speak with a health professional. Large, painful lumps, pus-filled boils, or spreading redness need professional care too. You can tell if you're experiencing an infection that needs attention if your symptoms aren’t getting any better, the affected area is oozing pus, or it’s accompanied by a fever. 

Persistent or spreading breakouts 

If butt pimples keep coming back despite your best efforts, a dermatologist can help rule out underlying conditions. They’ll be able to investigate any allergies you might have, dietary changes that might help, and they can run you through the right treatment plans for whatever your body is going through.  

Final Thoughts on Butt Acne and Pimples 

The main thing to take away here is that pimples on your bottom are absolutely normal and are usually nothing to worry about. Most commonly, they’ll be caused by shaving and ingrown hairs, or other less serious causes. However, it’s good to keep track of what’s going on back there, just so you know when it’s worth taking the issue to a health professional.  

If things aren’t looking as good as you’d hope, and you have to take a trip to see your doctor, the last thing you should feel is embarrassed. Not only have they seen everything before, but you also owe it to yourself to take care of your body. Just because we don’t talk about our bottoms a lot, doesn’t mean we deserve to suffer in silence. 

So go forth, talk about your bum, scream from the roof tops! But most of all, take care down there.  

Looking for something to keep conveniently clean and comfortable below the waist? Try the Wype Starter Kit. 

Try it here!