Butt acne, often called "buttne," is usually not true acne but rather caused by other skin conditions, primarily folliculitis. Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles on the buttocks, which can be triggered by bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus), yeast, fungus, irritation, or blockage of hair follicles
Common causes of butt acne include:
- Friction and tight clothing: Tight or synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester trap sweat and cause rubbing, irritating hair follicles and leading to folliculitis
- Sweat and poor hygiene: Sweat that remains on the skin combined with dead skin cells and dirt can clog pores, especially if you wear sweaty or wet clothes for long periods without changing
- Prolonged sitting: Pressure from sitting for long periods can irritate the skin on the buttocks and contribute to pimples
- Hormonal changes: Women may be more prone during menstruation or pregnancy due to increased oil gland activity in the area
- Hair removal: Shaving or waxing improperly can damage the skin and cause inflammation or folliculitis
- Diet and genetics: Diets high in sugar, starch, or dairy and a family history of buttock pimples can increase risk
- Bacterial or fungal infections: Sometimes infections cause painful bumps or boils that resemble acne but require medical treatment
Other possible but less common causes:
- Skin conditions like keratosis pilaris or contact dermatitis.
- Rarely, sexually transmitted infections such as herpes or mpox can mimic butt acne with blister-like lesions
Summary:
Butt acne is mainly caused by inflammation or infection of hair follicles due to friction, sweat, pressure, and sometimes infection. Tight clothing, poor hygiene, hormonal changes, and skin irritation from shaving or sitting too long are key contributors
. If butt acne is severe, painful, or persistent, consulting a dermatologist is advised to rule out infections and receive appropriate treatment.
