How to Get Rid of Butt Acne: Causes and Remedies

If you have ever dealt with red, irritated bumps on your buttocks, you already know how frustrating it can be. It is the kind of skin concern people rarely bring up with friends or even their doctor, which means many people spend months cycling through random products without understanding what they are actually treating.

Here is the reality: butt acne is extremely common. The buttocks are constantly subjected to friction, sweat, and pressure from sitting, which makes the area particularly prone to breakouts. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, and body acne — including on the buttocks — affects a significant number of those 50 million people dealing with breakouts annually.

The good news is that butt acne is very treatable once you understand what is causing it. In many cases, the bumps on your buttocks are not even true acne — they are a condition called folliculitis, which requires a slightly different approach. Below, we will break down the causes, the most effective treatments, and how to keep your skin clear long-term.

What Is Butt Acne? (It Is Probably Not What You Think)

When people say "butt acne," they are usually describing red bumps, pustules, or irritated spots on the buttocks. But in most cases, what appears on the buttocks is not acne vulgaris — the type of acne that affects the face, chest, and upper back. Instead, the most common cause of butt breakouts is folliculitis.

Folliculitis vs. True Acne

Folliculitis is an infection or inflammation of the hair follicles, typically caused by bacteria (most commonly Staphylococcus aureus) or yeast (Malassezia). It produces small, red, sometimes pus-filled bumps that can look almost identical to acne. However, folliculitis tends to be itchy rather than deeply painful, and the bumps are usually centered around a visible hair follicle.

True acne (acne vulgaris), on the other hand, is driven by a combination of excess sebum production, clogged pores, the bacterium Cutibacterium acnes, and inflammation. While true acne can occur on the buttocks, it is less common there than on the face, chest, and upper back because the buttocks have fewer sebaceous glands.

Feature	Folliculitis	True Acne (Acne Vulgaris)
Cause	Bacterial or fungal infection of hair follicles	Clogged pores from oil, dead skin, and C. acnes bacteria
Appearance	Small, uniform bumps often with a hair in the center	Varies: blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts
Sensation	Typically itchy	Typically painful or tender
Comedones present?	No (no blackheads or whiteheads)	Yes (blackheads and whiteheads are common)
Common on buttocks?	Very common	Less common
Treatment	Antibacterial or antifungal products	Retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, oral medications

Why does this distinction matter? Because treating folliculitis with standard acne products may not work — or may even make it worse. For example, if your butt breakouts are caused by a yeast (fungal) overgrowth, antibiotics can actually worsen the problem. Getting the right diagnosis is the single most important step toward clearing your skin.

What Causes Butt Acne?

Whether you are dealing with folliculitis or true acne on your buttocks, several common factors create the conditions for breakouts. Understanding your triggers is key to finding the right treatment and preventing recurrence.

Friction and Pressure

Your buttocks endure constant friction — from sitting at a desk, exercising, or wearing tight clothing. This mechanical irritation can damage hair follicles and trap sweat and bacteria against the skin. Research on acne mechanica shows that heat, pressure, and friction are a well-established trigger for follicular breakouts. Athletes, people with desk jobs, and anyone who wears tight pants or underwear regularly are especially susceptible.

Sweat and Moisture

The buttocks are often covered by multiple layers of clothing, creating a warm, humid environment where bacteria and yeast thrive. When sweat sits on the skin for extended periods — after a workout, during a long commute, or on a hot day — it mixes with bacteria and dead skin cells, leading to clogged and infected follicles. A study in the Archives of Dermatological Research confirmed that occlusion and moisture significantly contribute to body breakouts.

Bacteria and Yeast

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common bacterial cause of buttock folliculitis. The warm, moist environment of the buttock area gives this bacterium ideal conditions to colonize hair follicles. In some cases, yeast (Malassezia) can also cause folliculitis — a condition sometimes called "fungal acne" — producing uniform, itchy bumps that do not respond to standard antibacterial treatments.

Tight Clothing and Non-Breathable Fabrics

Skinny jeans, compression leggings, synthetic underwear, and other tight-fitting garments press against hair follicles and trap heat and moisture. Non-breathable fabrics like polyester and nylon are particularly problematic because they do not wick moisture away from the skin.

Shaving or Waxing

Hair removal in the buttock area can cause irritation, ingrown hairs, and folliculitis. Shaving creates tiny nicks that allow bacteria to enter the follicle, while waxing can pull hairs out at angles that lead to ingrown hairs as they grow back. Both can produce bumps that look like acne.

Prolonged Sitting

Sitting for long periods — at a desk, in a car, or on a plane — creates sustained pressure and heat on the buttocks. This combination of pressure, reduced airflow, and trapped sweat is a recipe for follicular irritation and breakouts.

Hormonal Factors

While hormonal fluctuations are more commonly associated with facial and upper body acne, they can contribute to buttock breakouts as well. Elevated androgen levels increase sebum production throughout the body, which can clog follicles even in areas with fewer oil glands.

How to Get Rid of Butt Acne: At-Home Treatments

Mild to moderate butt acne or folliculitis often responds well to consistent at-home care. These treatments target the bacteria, inflammation, and pore blockages driving your breakouts.

Benzoyl Peroxide Body Wash

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most effective over-the-counter treatments for butt breakouts — whether you are dealing with folliculitis or true acne. It kills bacteria on the skin's surface and within the follicle, and it helps unclog pores. A study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that benzoyl peroxide washes significantly reduced both inflammatory and non-inflammatory body lesions.

How to use it: Apply a 5-10% benzoyl peroxide body wash to the affected area in the shower. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes before rinsing. Use it daily. Keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabric, so use white towels and let the area dry completely before getting dressed.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates into pores and dissolves the dead skin cells and oil causing blockages. It is particularly helpful for preventing new bumps from forming. Look for body washes, body sprays, or medicated pads containing 2% salicylic acid.

How to use it: Use a salicylic acid body wash or apply medicated pads to the buttock area after showering. It can be used alongside benzoyl peroxide — for example, benzoyl peroxide in the morning shower and salicylic acid pads in the evening.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A review published in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents confirmed tea tree oil's effectiveness against a range of skin bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus. It can be a good option for people who find benzoyl peroxide too drying or irritating.

How to use it: Look for body washes containing tea tree oil, or dilute pure tea tree oil with a carrier oil (like jojoba oil) before applying it to the skin. Never apply undiluted tea tree oil directly — it can cause irritation.

Antifungal Treatments

If your butt breakouts are caused by yeast (Malassezia), antibacterial products alone will not help. An antifungal approach is needed. Over-the-counter options include body washes containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione — you can find these in dandruff shampoos, which double as effective body washes for fungal folliculitis.

How to use it: Lather the antifungal wash onto the affected area, let it sit for 3-5 minutes, then rinse. Use it 3-4 times per week. If you are not sure whether your breakouts are bacterial or fungal, a dermatologist can help you figure it out.

Gentle Exfoliation

Regular exfoliation can help prevent dead skin cells from clogging follicles. Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid or lactic acid (AHAs) are gentler and more effective than physical scrubs. Use an AHA body lotion on the buttock area a few times per week.

A word of caution: Avoid harsh scrubs, loofahs, and aggressive exfoliation. Over-scrubbing damages the skin barrier and can worsen irritation and inflammation.

Prescription Treatments for Butt Acne

When over-the-counter products are not enough, prescription treatments can provide more effective, faster results. A dermatologist can tailor your treatment plan based on whether your bumps are folliculitis, true acne, or a combination of both. For a full overview of prescription acne therapies, see our guide to the most effective acne treatments.

Topical Antibiotics

Prescription topical antibiotics like clindamycin can reduce the bacterial load on the skin and calm inflammation. They are often prescribed in combination with benzoyl peroxide to prevent antibiotic resistance. For buttock folliculitis specifically, topical mupirocin may also be used.

Oral Antibiotics

For more widespread or stubborn buttock breakouts, oral antibiotics like doxycycline or minocycline can address the infection from within. The American Academy of Dermatology guidelines recommend oral antibiotics for moderate to severe inflammatory acne, used for the shortest effective duration (typically 3-6 months) to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Topical Retinoids

If your buttock breakouts include true acne with comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), a prescription retinoid like tretinoin or adapalene can accelerate skin cell turnover and keep pores clear. Retinoids are particularly useful for preventing new breakouts and can also help fade post-inflammatory dark marks over time.

Antifungal Medications

For confirmed fungal folliculitis, your dermatologist may prescribe oral antifungal medications like fluconazole or itraconazole if topical antifungals are not providing enough relief. These are typically prescribed as a short course to clear the infection.

Accutane (Isotretinoin)

In cases where true acne on the buttocks is persistent and has not responded to other treatments, Accutane (isotretinoin) may be considered. Isotretinoin dramatically reduces sebum production, shrinks oil glands, and addresses every major factor behind acne. It is most commonly considered when buttock acne is part of a broader pattern of persistent body acne.

Treatment	Best For	Prescription Needed?	Timeline
Benzoyl peroxide wash	Mild bacterial folliculitis, mild acne	No	4-6 weeks
Salicylic acid	Clogged pores, mild breakouts	No	4-8 weeks
Antifungal wash	Fungal folliculitis (Malassezia)	No	2-4 weeks
Topical antibiotics	Moderate bacterial folliculitis or acne	Yes	4-8 weeks
Oral antibiotics	Widespread or recurrent folliculitis, moderate acne	Yes	6-12 weeks
Retinoids	True acne with comedones, dark marks	Yes (Rx-strength)	8-12 weeks
Accutane (isotretinoin)	Persistent body acne unresponsive to other treatments	Yes	4-6 months

How to Get Rid of Butt Acne Scars

Even after your active breakouts clear up, you may be left with marks or scars. Butt acne scars typically fall into two categories: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and true scarring (textural changes in the skin).

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (Dark Spots)

These flat, darkened marks are the most common aftermath of butt breakouts. They are not true scars — they are areas where the skin has produced excess melanin in response to inflammation. The good news is that they fade on their own over time, but you can speed the process with targeted treatments.

• AHA body lotions: Products containing glycolic acid or lactic acid gently exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover, helping dark spots fade faster.
• Niacinamide: This vitamin B3 derivative helps regulate melanin production and can be found in body lotions and serums. Research in the British Journal of Dermatology found that niacinamide significantly reduced hyperpigmentation.
• Retinoids: Prescription tretinoin accelerates skin cell turnover and is one of the most effective treatments for fading dark marks.
• Sunscreen: UV exposure darkens post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If your buttocks are exposed to sun (at the beach, for example), apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.

True Scarring

Deep or cystic breakouts can leave textural scars — depressed (atrophic) or raised (hypertrophic or keloid). These are more difficult to treat at home and may require professional procedures.

• Chemical peels: In-office glycolic or TCA peels can improve the texture and tone of scarred skin over a series of treatments.
• Laser therapy: Fractional laser treatments stimulate collagen production and can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars.
• Microneedling: This procedure creates micro-injuries in the skin to trigger the body's natural healing response and collagen production.

How to Prevent Butt Acne From Coming Back

Once you have cleared your butt breakouts, prevention is about eliminating the conditions that caused them in the first place. These habits make a real difference.

Clothing and Fabric Tips

What you wear matters more than most people realize. Tight synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Switch to cotton or moisture-wicking underwear, avoid wearing the same pair of leggings multiple days in a row, and consider looser-fitting pants when possible. If you wear compression gear for workouts, change out of it immediately after.

Hygiene Habits

Shower as soon as you can after sweating. If a shower is not immediately available, changing into dry clothing and using medicated wipes on the affected area can help bridge the gap. Wash your towels and bedding regularly, and avoid reusing towels that have touched breakout-prone skin.

When to See a Dermatologist for Butt Acne

While mild butt breakouts often respond to at-home care, there are clear signs that it is time to involve a professional.

At Honeydew, our board-certified dermatologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants have treated over 100,000 acne cases, including many patients dealing with body acne and folliculitis. We offer same-day or next-day video appointments, so you do not have to wait weeks for an in-person visit or deal with the awkwardness of a physical exam for this particular area. You can share photos securely through our platform, get an accurate diagnosis, and start a personalized treatment plan — all from the comfort of your home.