Pimples on the bum: Why they happen and what you can do to prevent them

The skin on the buttocks has sebaceous glands just like the skin on the face. That’s why this area of the body is also prone to blemishes. Pimples appear on the buttocks for the same reasons that they appear on the face or other parts of the body. However, the skin on the buttocks is more vulnerable for several reasons:

Tight clothing, such as skinny jeans or tight sportswear, can irritate the skin on the buttocks. Friction or prolonged pressure, for example if you sit a lot, can irritate the skin and inflame hair follicles. This can cause small pimples or even bigger inflamed blemishes.

After physical activity and when the weather is very hot, the buttock area is often exposed to sweat. But unlike other areas of the body, the moisture is trapped in the buttock region by clothing and cannot dissipate. This can block pores, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause pimples.

Hormonal changes can also be a trigger for pimples. Fluctuating hormone levels during menstruation, puberty or even during periods of stress can increase sebum production, which in turn can cause pimples. Hormones can cause pimples on the back, on the buttocks and on other parts of the body.

Folliculitis is the name of the condition that causes hair follicles to become infected by fungi or bacteria. This can cause pustules or small pimples to develop, which can be painful or itchy. Folliculitis is generally caused by a combination of sweat, friction and ingrown hairs.

Strongly scented shower gels or very rich moisturisers can block pores and cause blemishes. Pimples on the bum are often the result, especially in people with sensitive skin.

If you’ve been wondering what to do about pimples on your buttocks, we’ve got you covered. There are several steps you can take to soothe your skin and effectively get rid of those pimples:

Cleanse your skin regularly It’s best to use a mild soap that thoroughly cleanses the skin without blocking the pores. Shower gel, containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide substances that are often used to treat acne, helps to reduce inflammation and fight bacteria.

Gentle exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and prevent blocked pores. Make sure that the exfoliating product isn’t too coarse, as this will irritate the skin and can make the inflammation worse. Salicylic acid or lactic acid are good choices as chemical peels because they gently exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells and also have antibacterial properties.

After you have cleansed and exfoliated your skin, it needs a lot of TLC. Use a non-greasy moisturiser. Some creams for acne or for especially oily skin contain anti-inflammatory ingredients such as zinc or aloe vera that soothe the skin without blocking the pores.

If the pimples have already become inflamed or just won’t go away, you can also use antibacterial ointments. Products with tea tree oil, zinc oxide or benzoyl peroxide are particularly effective.

Pimples on the bum are preventable. In fact, they’re often easier to prevent than treat. Adjust your skincare routine and follow this advice:

• Wearing breathable clothing is one of the most important things you can do to prevent pimples on your bum. Avoid synthetic trousers or skirts and go for cotton instead. This fabric absorbs sweat and allows the skin to breathe. Very tight clothing can cause skin irritation, which is why you can reduce friction on the buttocks with loose cuts.
• Shower soon after exercise or sport. This ensures that all sweat and bacteria are removed from the skin. Take off your sweaty clothes immediately after exercising and don’t wear them a second time, otherwise bacteria will develop and blocked pores may occur.
• Hip baths with camomile or anti-inflammatory tannins can also help with pimples on the backside. They have a disinfecting and soothing effect on the skin.
• You can also help to prevent pimples on your bum with your diet. Eating a diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals helps to support healthy skin and skin regeneration.

Many products that can be used on the face can also be used on the buttocks. Facial creams that are suitable for skin prone to acne can also help to get rid of pimples on the bum. But make sure the products you apply contain no irritating ingredients and are suitable for use on for all parts of the body. To cleanse the buttocks it is best to use a mild gel that does not block the pores. Make sure that the product doesn’t dehydrate your skin too much.

• If you’re using an exfoliating product with salicylic or lactic acid, make sure it is suitable for use on the body. Some face scrubs may be too gentle for the skin on your bum.
• If you choose a moisturiser, it should have a light formula so that it doesn’t block the pores. Generally, you can use creams that are formulated for the face on your buttocks.

In most cases, you don’t need any special products to treat pimples on your bum. If you have persistent skin problems or if the pimples don’t go away despite all the measures you’ve taken, you should either use products that have been specially formulated for body acne or visit a dermatologist for advice. If you have a lot of inflamed pimples that keep coming back, the dermatologist may recommend other over-the-counter or prescription products to you.