Overview
Acne causes pimples, zits, whiteheads, blackheads or cysts in the affected area. These blemishes are caused when oil and skin cells become trapped in a hair follicle and cause the follicle to become irritated. Acne that appears on your buttocks is considered a form of body acne. There aren’t any overnight treatments that effectively treat acne. Getting rid of acne on the buttocks and keeping the buttocks blemish-free requires ongoing care.
Step 1
Keep your buttocks clean. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recommends washing acne-prone areas up to twice per day using a gentle antibacterial soap. Be sure that you don’t scrub the area. You must be gentle so you don’t irritate the area and make the acne worse.
Step 2
Wipe your buttocks with a wet towel if the area begins to sweat. This will help to keep the area clean without irritating it with soap.
Step 3
Wear loose clothing, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Tight clothing will cause sweat and bacteria to stay against the buttocks, which may aggravate acne. Women should wear cotton undergarments, as other fabrics don’t allow air to reach the skin.
Step 4
Apply an over-the-counter acne medication to the buttocks. These products can take up to eight weeks to improve the acne, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, so don’t get discouraged if the acne doesn’t clear up quickly. Some of these products may cause the skin to peel or dry out. This is normal. If you notice this, don’t stop the acne treatment; simply decrease the frequency of treatments.
Step 5
Keep your hands away from the acne. Picking at the acne blemishes can introduce new bacteria into the area and it can irritate your skin, both of which can make the acne worse and may increase the risk of scarring in the area.
Step 6
Visit a dermatologist if the acne is severe or if it doesn’t improve after eight weeks of over-the-counter treatment. A dermatologist can prescribe topical and oral medications, such as retinoids and antibiotics, that may help you to treat your body acne.
