Various skin problems can result in pimples (bumps) on the buttocks. The presence of pimples does not always point to acne as the cause. Many conditions can look like acne on the buttocks and require different treatments to eradicate the issue effectively. Read on to learn what conditions mimic acne and how to treat and prevent them.
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There are many causes of pimples on the buttocks, such as acne, folliculitis, furuncle/carbuncle, keratosis pilaris, contact dermatitis, herpes, molluscum contagiosum, and warts.
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There are many home remedies for the treatment of pimples on the buttocks, but most of the evidence to support their use is anecdotal, and more research is required.
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General prevention tips include proper hygiene with mild cleansers and moisturizers and the use of oatmeal baths to soothe irritation and itching.
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If your condition does not improve, worsens, or you exhibit fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting, see your doctor immediately.
What are pimples on the buttocks?
Pimples, or bumps, on the buttocks, can present in various ways. They may appear as pink bumps with a smooth top or have a pus head or crusting. These pimples may be solitary or appear in groups. Some patients will have no symptoms, while others may complain of pain, soreness, or itching.
Causes of pimples on the buttocks
Most people associate pimples on the buttock with acne. However, there are many possible causes. Acne is not even the most common cause.
Acne
Acne can occur on the buttocks, but it is rare. Patients can present with blackheads, whiteheads, papules (small bumps), nodules (tender, large bumps), or cysts (painful, very large bumps). Genetics, medications, medical conditions, hormones, stress, poor diet, and comedogenic products can cause acne.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is the most common cause of pimples on the buttocks. Patients complain of small, pink bumps, some of which have pus heads. They may be itchy or tender. The most common cause is a bacterial infection, but some cases may involve fungus or yeast. It occurs from wearing sweaty clothes too long, tight-fitting clothing, or friction.
Keratosis pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition characterized by keratin plugs stuck in the follicles. The exact cause is unknown. Patients report pink small pink papules (bumps) around the hair follicles with crusty tops. They may be itchy or have no symptoms at all. They commonly present on the arms, legs, and buttocks.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an allergic or irritant reaction to certain chemicals that come in contact with the skin. It is an inflammatory disorder that is very itchy. Patients report numerous pink papules that can become crusty and excoriated.
Furuncle/carbuncle
Furuncle, also called a boil, is a pus-filled bump under the skin. It arises from a bacterial infection of the hair follicle. Patients usually present with a tender or painful red bump, sometimes with a pus head. A carbuncle is a cluster of boils.
Herpes
Herpes simplex (the same virus that causes cold sores on the lips) and herpes zoster (shingles) can appear as clustered, painful blisters on the buttocks. Herpes simplex virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person, and patients are prone to experiencing recurrences. The herpes zoster virus is a reactivation of the chicken pox virus, and patients may never have a recurrence.
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that is not prone to recurrence. Patients report small pink bumps with a pearly indented top. They can be itchy or asymptomatic. The infection comes from direct contact with an infected person.
Wart
Warts arise from an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many subtypes affecting different areas of the body. Some even cause cancer. They present as pink bumps, sometimes crusted. They can be itchy or asymptomatic. While you may be able to remove the bump, the infection is not curable. Recurrence is possible.
Home remedies for pimples on the buttocks
Treatment of pimples on the buttocks depends on the particular cause. Each cause of pimples has a different treatment. It is also a challenging area to treat since it is prone to constant trauma and exposure to bacteria. Most home treatments do not have reliable evidence to support their use. More research is needed.
Proper hygiene is essential for all causes of pimples on the buttocks. Wash gently with a mild cleanser and moisturize with non-comedogenic moisturizing cream twice daily. Oatmeal baths can soothe irritation. Avoid picking, squeezing, popping, or touching the lesions. Avoid friction or wearing tight, dirty, sweaty, or wet clothing.
| Condition | Home remedy |
| Acne | A diet low in carbs and sugars, lowering stress, tea tree oil, saltwater soaks, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, probiotics, zinc, exfoliation, aloe vera, witch hazel, or over-the-counter acne washes and treatments with salicylic acid, adapalene, sulfur, or benzoyl peroxide. |
| Folliculitis | Tea tree oil, salt, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, antibacterial wash or ointment, aloe vera, or coconut oil. |
| Keratosis pilaris | Urea cream, ammonium lactate cream or lotion, glycolic acid, lactic acid, coconut oil, tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, argan oil, aloe vera, or lavender oil. |
| Contact dermatitis | Remove culprit causing the rash, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, or petrolatum. |
| Furunlce/carbuncle | Warm compresses, tea tree oil, turmeric, saltwater soaks, antibacterial soap or ointment, castor oil, or neem oil. |
| Herpes | Lysine, zinc, lemon balm, peppermint, or sage. |
| Molluscum contagiosum | Tea tree oil, coconut oil, lemon myrtle, or apple cider vinegar. |
| Wart | Salicylic acid, duct tape, tea tree oil, or apple cider vinegar. |
How to prevent pimples on the buttocks
Prevention of pimples on the buttocks, like treatment, depends on the cause. In general, gently wash with a mild cleanser and moisturize twice daily. Avoid friction and tight clothing. Remove wet, dirty, or sweaty clothing immediately. Do not touch, squeeze, pick, or pop pimples.
Here are some tips for the specific conditions:
- Acne. Use over-the-counter acne washes or treatments.
- Folliculitis, furuncles, or carbuncles. Wash the area with antibacterial soap.
- Herpes or warts. Practice safe sex and do not engage in sexual activity with infected people or those with unknown lesions in the genital area. Sun exposure, trauma, and illness can trigger a herpes recurrence.
- Contact dermatitis. Avoid products with dyes or fragrances.
When to see a doctor for pimples on the buttocks
Not every case of pimples on the buttocks is treatable with home remedies and will require medical attention. If your condition worsens, spreads, or does not improve, see your dermatologist immediately. Prompt medical attention is critical, especially for infectious causes of pimples If you experience fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting, see your doctor immediately.
Because many different skin conditions can cause pimples (bumps) on the buttocks, it is crucial to diagnose them properly. Correct diagnosis leads to the appropriate treatment. Many of the conditions are treatable with at-home or over-the-counter treatments. However, if your condition does not improve or worsens, see your dermatologist immediately.
- American Family Physician. Genital Herpes: A Review.
- Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics. Genital warts treatment: Beyond imiquimod.
- Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigative Dermatology. Molluscum contagiosum: an update and review of new perspectives in etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
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