Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Butt Acne And Prevention Tips

What Is Butt Acne?

Simple – it’s acne vulgaris on your butt. Butt acne usually occurs as a result of clogged hair follicles on your butt.

What Causes Butt Acne?

Butt acne is caused when the hair follicles are infected by Staphylococcus aureus (or staph bacteria) . This infection of the hair follicles is also referred to as folliculitis. The staph bacteria are always present on the surface of your skin – and they cause no harm. But if there is a break in your skin, these bacteria can enter inside and cause skin inflammation. According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a staph infection can become deadly if the bacteria enters the blood. The report says more than 119,000 people suffered from bloodstream staphylococcus aureus (staph) infections in the United States in 2017 and nearly 20,000 died. A boil or acne is almost always a result of such infections. Dr. Ramya Kollipara, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “It is caused by inflammation around the hair follicles. It tends to be more common in the summertime when people tend to sweat a lot. Wearing tight clothing can also trigger this condition.” Folliculitis bumps or butt acne look similar to acne. That is, they are usually red with a white pus-filled bump in the center. That said, there can be a few different types of acne or pimples that can develop on the butt. Continue reading to know more.

Types Of Butt Acne

While butt acne typically occurs due to a bacterial infection, different types of folliculitis may also cause it. These include:

Pseudomonas folliculitis, also called hot-tub rash, caused by prolonged contact with contaminated water Gram-negative folliculitis, a persistent type of infection, typically caused when bacteria are resistant to antibiotics (such as those prescribed for prolonged periods) Pityrosporum folliculitis, or fungal folliculitis, caused by yeast overgrowth Hookworm folliculitis, caused by the hookworm larvae Demodex folliculitis, caused by microscopic mites Viral folliculitis, caused by herpes simplex virus Immunosuppression-associated eosinophilic folliculitis, which commonly affects individuals with HIV

These bumps can become quite itchy and uncomfortable in the long run. In some cases, they may even leave scars behind. Don’t worry, you can learn how to prevent acne anywhere on the body easily using some simple and effective home remedies. Head over to the following section to learn more.

Home Remedies To Treat Butt Acne

1. Saltwater Solution

1 teaspoon of salt 2 cups of warm water A clean washcloth

You can do this thrice daily. Salt is composed of sodium chloride that is known for its antibacterial properties, which makes it an effective remedy for butt acne (1).

2. Tea Tree Oil

3-4 drops of tea tree oil 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil (olive or coconut oil)

You must do this 2 to 3 times daily for best results. Tea tree oil works great for acne because of its exceptional antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, research says that tea tree oil is almost as effective as benzoyl peroxide for treating acne (2),(3). Remember to dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil or another product before using it. James, a blogger, shared how he used tea tree oil to manage butt acne. He writes, “Tea Tree works wonders on all skin ailments, especially where bacteria is involved. But Tea Tree is strong stuff so you can develop sensitivity if you use it undiluted persistently. Try mixing some drops into your body wash like I do, or using a natural wash (i).”

3. Hot Or Cold Compress

A hot or cold compress You must do this 2 to 3 times daily. A hot compress can fight the bacteria responsible for butt acne. It can also reduce the inflammation and swelling and even extract the pus. An ice pack reduces inflammation and helps shrink the large pores, thereby preventing the formation of new acne (4).

4. Lemon Juice

1/2 lemon Cotton balls

You can do this 2 to 3 times daily. Lemon juice has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the swelling and inflammation associated with butt acne. And its astringent properties can shrink the large pores and prevent future breakouts. Additionally, lemon juice is also found to have bactericidal properties that may fight the acne-causing bacteria (5),(6).

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil (as required) You can do this 2 to 3 times in a week. Coconut oil contains beneficial medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid and capric acid and works like topical antibiotics against butt acne. These fatty acids possess excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can eliminate bacteria and reduce the appearance of existing acne (7),(8).

6. Oatmeal

1 tablespoon of powdered oatmeal 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 tablespoon of yogurt

You must do this once a week. Oatmeal helps with in exfoliating for butt acne treatment and eliminates the dead skin cells. It also cleanses the clogged pores and prevents future breakouts. The anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal help reduce the inflammation, thus helping you get rid of butt acne (9).

7. Turmeric And Sandalwood

1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder Curd or water (as required)

You must do this every alternate day. A mixture of turmeric and sandalwood exhibits natural antiseptic properties that can destroy the acne-causing bacteria (10). This combination also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the swelling and redness accompanying acne breakouts.

8. Garlic

Peeled garlic cloves You must do this 4 to 5 times a week. Garlic contains allicin that exhibits antimicrobial properties. It also has exceptional anti-inflammatory properties. All of these not only kill the acne-causing bacteria on your skin, but also reduce the inflammation (11).

9. Aloe Vera

Fresh aloe vera gel You must do this thrice daily for best results. Given its excellent healing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera gel can quickly dry up existing acne. Its astringent properties can help shrink large pores and prevent future breakouts (12).

10. Apple Cider Vinegar

2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar 1 glass of water Cotton pads

You can do this 3 to 4 times in a week for effective results. The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar can reduce the redness and itchiness associated with butt acne. And its antimicrobial properties can fight the acne-causing bacteria (13).

11. Baking Soda

1 tablespoon of baking soda Water (as required)

Do this every alternate day. Baking soda possesses antibacterial properties that help combat the acne-causing bacteria. It also balances the pH of your skin and fights pain and inflammation. Now that we know how to get rid of butt acne fast, you can prevent this problem altogether by making some simple changes to your lifestyle. Listed below are a few tips that can help you steer clear of butt acne.

Prevention Tips

Bathe regularly using a good antibacterial soap, as poor hygiene can be a cause of butt acne. Avoid tight clothing and wear loose-fitting dresses to reduce friction. Do not use fabric softeners as a few people are allergic to them. Take a shower post workout. Sweat glands which are present all over the body, cause excessive sweating during physical activity. It harbors bacteria that can cause butt acne. Practice regular gentle exfoliation methods to get rid of dead skin cells. Avoid using strongly scented soaps. Avoid using creams or lotions that may clog your sebaceous glands and pores. Follow a healthy diet that consists of fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of water to eliminate toxins from your body, especially during hot and humid climate.

Which age group is most affected by butt acne? Acne usually begins around puberty (when one is 11 years old). However, for some individuals, it can begin at any stage of life. The same goes for butt acne. Anyone can develop this at any point in their lives. Although those who sweat more or are more involved in physical activity might be more prone to developing it. Does baking soda help with butt acne? Anecdotal evidence suggests that baking soda contains antibacterial properties that may help manage butt acne. Exercise caution while using this remedy. How can diet and lifestyle changes help with getting rid of butt acne? Studies have found that foods that have a high glycemic index cause your body to release more insulin to regulate blood glucose levels (16). Excess insulin can trigger the release of androgen hormones that increase sebum secretion which may play a role in the pathogenesis of acne (17). Thus, consuming a low-glycemic diet and also avoiding smoking may help reduce butt acne (18). Can using topical antibiotics help get rid of butt acne? Topical antibiotics can help prevent further progress of bacterial infection in your skin pores and help treat butt acne. What are the best skincare products for treating butt acne? Non-comedogenic skin care products can prevent pore clogging and minimize the chances of acne. Further, products with glycolic or salicylic acids may help clear butt acne. Can butt acne be treated with laser or light therapy? Laser or light treatments have shown promising results in clearing acne in some cases however more research is warranted in the field (19). How can stress and anxiety impact the development of butt acne, and what can be done to manage these factors? While stress cannot directly cause acne but it is known to aggravate an existing condition of acne. It may also delay healing and reduce the efficacy of ongoing treatments. What are the best topical treatments for butt acne, and are they safe for long-term use? Natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients suggested in the article can help treat acne without any risk of side effects. What foods should I avoid to reduce the risk of developing butt acne? Anecdotal evidence suggests that lowering your consumption of dairy products, unhealthy fats, and excess carbs can help prevent inflammation in the body. This may help reduce the chances of developing butt acne. How to get rid of spots on the bum overnight? It is crucial to understand that getting rid of spots on the bum overnight is not possible because blemishes take time to heal. However, wearing loose-fitting clothes, applying a warm compress, and using OTC products with glycolic and kojic acid may improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation on the buttocks over time.