How to Get Rid of Butt Acne, Quickly

Butt pimples, buttne, rump bumps – whatever you choose to call them, we can all agree that butt acne is annoying and occasionally embarrassing. If you’re done dealing with butt breakouts, here’s your ultimate guide to getting rid of butt acne for good. 

Causes Of Butt Acne

If you’re wondering “why am I getting acne on my butt?”, we’re here to explain. That butt acne likely isn’t actually acne at all. Instead, you’re more likely either dealing with folliculitis, keratosis pilaris, or boils. 

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a super common skin condition triggered by irritation in the hair follicles, which results in raised bumps, resembling acne. This irritation can come from physical aggravators (like shaving or friction from tight pants or undies), but may also be caused by bacteria or fungus. Most cases of folliculitis are caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Folliculitis bumps can be red, yellow, or white in color. Since the condition is tied to the hair follicles, these bumps can manifest almost anywhere on the body – including the butt. 

Generally, folliculitis isn’t a cause for concern. That said, many will (understandably!) choose to take steps to minimize the appearance of folliculitis bumps. The right treatment will depend on the root cause. 

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris has to do with a buildup of keratin – a protein that is present in our skin. We do need keratin, as it keeps our skin strong and protected. However, when we have excessive amounts of this protein on our skin, it can build up in our follicles. This causes dry, rough patches of skin, as well as small bumps.

Keratosis pilaris is typically found not only on the butt, but also on the back of the arms and on the thighs. The condition is totally harmless, and in some cases clears up on its own. That said, it can be managed with topical treatments that remove dead skin cells, and addressing any nutritional deficiencies that may result in this condition (more on that, below!)

Boils

Lastly, we have boils, which are actually a more severe form of folliculitis. Boils are painful, red bumps that are filled with pus, and basically look and feel like a deep acne cyst. 

Most often, boils are caused by an excess of the S. aureus bacteria. When the infection becomes deeper and more aggressive, a cluster of boils (also referred to as a carbuncle) might form. 

Sometimes, a boil will clear away on its own. However, in the case of a carbuncle or a single persistent boil that just won’t seem to go away, you may want to seek the advice of a doctor who can drain it. 

How to Get Rid of Butt Acne

Ok, now that we have an idea of what butt acne actually is, let’s get into the steps you can take to fight it. Here are our tips on how to get rid of butt pimples and keep your backside clear for good. 

Topical Antifungal & Antimicrobial Oils

The right essential oil can get right to one of the main causes of butt acne (or more specifically, butt folliculitis). Certain oils have antifungal and/or antimicrobial effects, making them the perfect natural solution for killing the microorganisms responsible for buttne. 

For example, neem oil has been shown to inhibit S. aureus (the bacteria we talked about above that is often behind boils and folliculitis), as well as other bacteria strains and fungi that may lead to butt pimples. Thyme oil and oregano oil are also known for their antimicrobial activities, and both have been found to effectively fight against S. aureus.  

Keep in mind that these oils should be diluted in a carrier oil before use, as they can aggravate the skin when used undiluted (which is the opposite of what we want!). Some great carrier oils that have low comedogenic ratings (meaning they won’t clog your pores) include hemp seed oil, sunflower seed oil, and jojoba oil.  

Reduce Friction

A great way to stop butt acne from forming in the first place is by minimizing friction against the skin to prevent aggravation. The best way to do this? Take a look at the clothes you wear on a daily basis.

If you spend most of your time wearing tight clothing (like leggings or slim-fit jeans), add some diversity to your wardrobe by working in looser fitting styles. This will reduce the friction caused by fabrics against your skin. Bonus: you’ll probably be more comfortable, too! 

Choose Natural Fabrics

Yoga pants made out of recycled water bottles sound good in theory (we’re all for recycling and saving the planet!) but, the reality is, fabrics made out of synthetic fibers - including polyester, nylon, and acrylic - contain plastics and trap heat and moisture, making your booty the perfect breeding ground for butt pimples. 

Opt for pants and underwear made from natural, breathable fabrics that don’t trap in moisture, such as cotton, linen, and hemp. 

Shower Immediately Post Sweat

Another tip for stopping butt acne in its tracks: take a shower as soon as possible after sweating. The longer you go without showering, the greater the chance that your sweat will mix with bacteria and other debris, potentially aggravating the follicles and clogging the pores. The issue is exacerbated even more when wearing tight and unbreathable clothes. 

If you can’t shower immediately, at the very least change out of your sweaty clothes and into something dry, lightweight, and breathable. This will ensure the sweat and debris isn’t being trapped against your skin. 

Tackle Butt Acne Gut First

Topical solutions and lifestyle changes will undoubtedly help. That said, you’ll also want to consider how you can tackle butt acne from the inside out – more specifically, by focusing on your gut health. 

The health and makeup of our gut microbiome has been shown to have a major impact on our skin. Certain “bad” bacteria in the gut are associated with an increased risk of skin disorders. For example, excess levels of Helicobacter pylori have been linked to rosacea, while research has revealed a connection between eczema and elevated levels of Escherichia coli and Clostridium difficile. 

On the flip side, studies have shown that certain “good” bacteria strains in the gut are associated with improvements in the skin. Take for example Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1, which has been found to help improve acne. 

Now, there isn’t much research looking directly at the effects of probiotics on butt acne (in fact, there aren’t a ton of studies on butt acne in general!). That said, given the fact that we know a healthy, balanced gut microbiome influences the skin, seeking out a probiotic supplement made with the right strains may be helpful. 

As we’ve discussed, the bacteria S. aureus is often one of the biggest culprits when it comes to folliculitis and boils. With that in mind, it’s smart to seek out probiotic strains that have been proven to inhibit this bacteria. Some of the most powerful strains to keep an eye out for include Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14, Lactobacillus plantarum Lp-115, and Bacillus subtilis. 

Designed specifically to promote clearer skin, Glow Biome is a daily probiotic supplement made with 6 clinically validated probiotic strains. This includes S. aureus-fighting L. acidophilus La-14 and L. plantarum Lp-115, as well as skin clearing L. rhamnosus SP1. 

Boost Your Nutrients

In addition to enhancing your gut health, another one of the best ways to clear your skin from within (from head to toe!) is by focusing on your diet and any potential nutritional deficiencies you may have. 

Suspect your buttne is a case of keratosis pilaris? Ensure you’re getting enough vitamin A in your diet, as some evidence suggests a deficiency in this vitamin may be linked to the keratosis pilaris. Examples of foods packed with vitamin A include leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, cantaloupe, and cod liver oil.

Additionally, studies show that a vitamin C deficiency is associated with keratosis pilaris. Make sure you’re getting your daily dose of this vitamin with foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwis, papayas, brussels sprouts, and broccoli.