Bumps on the buttocks may be unsightly but they are generally not harmful.
Most often, bumps on the buttocks (sometimes referred to as “butt acne”) are usually not acne but folliculitis, which is infected hair follicles.
A Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”) bacterial infection is the most common cause of folliculitis. The bacteria enter hair follicles and pores on the skin of the butt, and infections occur which can result in bumps on the buttocks.
Other causes of bumps on the buttocks include:
- Carbuncles
- A cluster of boils
- Occurs when folliculitis becomes a deeper infection
- Keratosis pilaris
- Small bumps that may look like “goose bumps”
- Caused by excess keratin blocking hair follicle openings
- Contact dermatitis
- May be caused by allergies to chemicals
- A chemical preservative called methylisothiazolinone, found in moistened flushable wipes, can cause allergic reactions in some people
What Are Symptoms of Bumps on Your Buttocks?
Bumps on the buttocks often look like pimples on the butt. The bumps may be:
- Red
- Swollen
- Have a hair follicle in the middle
- Filled with pus in the center
- Shallow and small
- Itchy
- Sore
How Do You Get Bumps on Your Butt Cheek?
Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”) bacteria is the most common cause of folliculitis that results in bumps on the buttocks.
In addition to bacteria, other causes of folliculitis that can cause bumps on the buttocks include:
Folliculitis may be caused by:
- Friction from clothing and skin
- Tight clothing that restricts air flow to the skin
- Exercising and sweating regularly in tight clothing
- Scrubbing the buttocks hard in the shower to get clean
- Use of abrasive cleansers
- Spending a lot of time sitting, which can damage follicles and cause more sweat
- Sitting in a hot tub that does not have the proper chlorine and water balance
- Sitting on a beach (often in a tropical location) where hookworm larvae from animal feces can burrow into the skin
How Are Bumps on Your Buttocks Diagnosed?
Bumps on the buttocks are often self-diagnosed.
To diagnose the cause, a doctor will take a patient history and examine the buttocks. Additional testing is usually not needed.
How to Get Rid of Butt Acne
Bumps on the buttocks often heal on their own if properly treated.
Home treatment for bumps on the buttocks includes:
- Warm, wet compresses held over the bump to open the pore and draw out any pus
- Don’t scratch or shave the affected area because it could spread the bacteria around
- Shower daily, especially after exercise
- Use an antibacterial body wash that contains benzoyl peroxide if recommended by your doctor
- Dry off thoroughly after showering
Medical treatment for folliculitis may include topical antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
Treatment for bumps on the butt due to carbuncles may include:
- Oral or topical antibiotics
- Draining the boil
Treatment for bumps on the butt due to keratosis pilaris is not usually needed. It cannot be prevented but moisturizing the skin may help with dry patches.
Treatment for bumps on the butt due to allergic contact dermatitis usually involves avoiding the allergen or irritant.
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Image source: iStock Images
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/folliculitis
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/keratosis-pilaris-overview
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/contact-dermatitis
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/boils-and-carbuncles#toc-1