If you’re the type to get some acne-like bumps on your booty. Yes, it may sound embarrassing (when it shouldn’t be), but just know you’re not alone. Most importantly you should know that, typically, breakouts on your butt aren’t actually acne.
Butt acne is not truly acne—it is, in fact, most often due to inflammation around hair follicles known as folliculitis, or an irritation secondary to chronic rubbing, which can come with wearing tight-fitting clothes or even waxing. An easy way to tell if it’s folliculitis, which is truly an infection of the hair follicle, is how it feels, along with its placement on the body. These bumps usually appear as small, shallow lumps, which tend to be itchy or painful. When irritated, they can develop into larger, cyst-like clusters.
The lighter and looser the fabric of your clothing is, the less likely you are to cause a folliculitis flare-up, that’s why it is important to wear cotton underwear on a hot sunny day instead of lace or satin-like panty. Trapped sweat and friction as a result of tight clothing and movement or close contact can easily cause inflammation of the hair follicle.
The lighter and looser the fabric of your clothing is, the less likely you are to cause a folliculitis flare-up, that’s why it is important to wear cotton underwear on a hot sunny day
So how do you treat butt breakouts?
1. Make sure to shower right after working-out
A sweaty environment and chronic rubbing due to cycling is a recipe for disaster. After a workout, be sure to hop out of your drenched duds, wipe yourself off, and change into a more breathable outfit. Using an antibacterial soap can also help remove sweat, oil, and dirt that accumulate on the surface of the skin.
2. Exfoliate, but don’t scrub it
Physically exfoliating the inflamed area is a no-no. So, please stop scrubbing, whether with a scrub or a loofah. People often think they are doing themselves a favor by doing this because it makes their rear end feel aka smoother. In reality, they are just worsening the inflammation, which could lead to potential scarring and hyperpigmentation.
3. Choose a breathable fabrics
Gym clothing may help wick away sweat while a person works out, but it may also promote bacterial growth in all the wrong areas. Tight gym clothing may also create more heat and friction, which could lead to clogged follicles or inflame the irritated area. Aim instead for loose, breathable fabrics, such as cotton, hemp, or linen.
4. Use benzoyl peroxide
Try targeting your booty with a benzoyl peroxide body wash or cleanser. The ingredient is effective in treating both acne and folliculitis because of its antimicrobial (a.k.a. bacteria-fighting) properties. Don’t forget to sing the full alphabet once you’ve applied the product so it can sit on the skin long enough to do its job, then rinse it off
