Why Do I Get Pimples on My Butt?

Pimples on the butt occur due to staph bacteria on the skin. They also occur as a result of wearing tight clothing and using abrasive cleaners on the area.

While everyone gets pimples once in a while, most people associate them with the transitional teenage years, when our body chemistry changes. However, pimples form when a pore becomes clogged, regardless of age.

The pores become clogged when skin cells block the oil from the sebaceous gland, leading to bacterial growth and the formation of a pimple.

On your butt, the lesions that form usually come from bacteria getting into hair follicles and pores, which is known as folliculitis or butt acne.

While many bacteria can enter follicles and cause infections, the most common cause is Staphylococcus aureus (staph). As the infection grows, bumps form, sometimes filled with pus.

While not generally life-threatening, certain circumstances warrant a visit to the doctor for butt pimples. It’s important to know the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of these lesions so you can seek help if they become infected, don’t heal, or recur.

Symptoms of butt pimples

Butt pimples usually appear with the same signs as a clogged-pore pimple. These pimples might be red, swollen, and have a hair follicle in the middle. Some may be filled with pus.

Types of butt pimples

While bacterial folliculitis is the most common cause of butt pimples, other forms of folliculitis can also develop. Some of these include gram-negative folliculitis, pseudomonas folliculitis, pityrosporum folliculitis, viral folliculitis, demodex folliculitis, eosinophilic folliculitis, and hookworm folliculitis.

Causes of butt pimples

Staph bacteria are primarily responsible for most butt pimples. Tight clothing and abrasive cleansers can damage hair follicles and contribute to the formation of pimples. A sedentary lifestyle and regular sweating in tight clothing can also lead to bacterial infection of hair follicles.

If the pimples on your butt are not bacterial, they can form due to viruses, fungi, or mites that enter the hair follicles in your skin.

Hot-tub folliculitis can develop when sitting in a poorly maintained hot tub. Hookworm folliculitis occurs when hookworm larvae burrow into the skin, often in tropical areas.

QUESTION

When to see a doctor for butt pimples

Butt pimples usually heal on their own with proper treatment. However, if you have recurring or larger, more painful bumps, you may want to see your doctor. These could be furuncles or carbuncles and require different treatment than folliculitis.

Diagnosis of butt pimples

You can self-diagnose butt pimples if you know what to look for. Small, slightly painful red bumps with pus in the center are generally butt pimples. Larger, more painful bumps might be boils or cysts, warranting a visit to the doctor.

Your doctor will physically examine the area, check for underlying medical conditions, and determine the appropriate treatment.

Treatment for butt pimples

The recommended treatment for butt pimples, like other pimples, is to apply warm, wet compresses to open the pores and draw out the pus. Avoid scratching or shaving the affected area to prevent bacterial spread. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and antibacterial ointment for infected pimples. Prevention measures include regular showering, especially after exercise, and ensuring thorough drying.

Can lifestyle changes cause acne?

Hormones are the primary cause of acne, and many people outgrow it after their teenage years. However, certain lifestyle changes can cause or worsen acne.

Pregnancy and acne

Pregnancy can impact your skin due to hormonal changes. If you had acne as a teenager, it might reappear during or after pregnancy. Even women who’ve never experienced acne before may develop skin blemishes during this time. Consult your doctor for safe products or lifestyle changes to improve your skin.

Stressful situations and acne

Stress can lead to acne flare-ups. Identifying stressors and finding ways to reduce their impact can help improve your skin. Seek the help of a counselor or talk to your doctor for guidance.

Diet changes and acne

A healthy diet can reduce the likelihood of acne. A high-sugar diet may contribute to flare-ups. Consider recent diet changes and opt for foods rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and healthy fats.

New medications or supplements and acne

Medications and supplements may have side effects like acne. Discuss acne flare-ups with your doctor if you’re treating a medical condition or taking supplements.

Hygiene products and acne

Haircare and skincare products can cause acne. Check product labels for terms like non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, and oil-free. If your skin reacts, discontinue use and find alternative products.

Sports or outdoor activities and acne

Facial or head gear worn during sports or outdoor activities can trap bacteria and sweat against the skin, leading to clogged pores. Clean gear between each use and have multiple options to protect your skin.

Cosmetics and acne

Some cosmetics, particularly foundation and blush, may clog pores. Look for oil-free products and spot-test before applying to your entire face. Remove makeup completely and prioritize topical acne medications.

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Sources:

– Canadian Medical Association Journal: "Hookworm folliculitis."

– Cedars-Sinai: "Don’t Mistake These Skin Conditions For Acne."

– National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease: "Acne."

– The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: "Interventions for bacterial folliculitis and boils (furuncles and carbuncles)."

– American Academy of Dermatology Association: "Adult Acne."

– Cleveland Clinic: "Acne."