You Probably Had No Idea That These 5 Things Are Causing Your Butt Acne
No part of the body is safe from breakouts -- not even your butt. Butt acne, otherwise known as folliculitis, is caused by bacteria surrounding the hair follicles of your backside. Sounds delicious, I know. Face, chest, and back acne are all caused by clogged pores, but what exactly causes butt acne?
Unlike traditional acne, which comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors, butt acne is easy to identify. It usually comes in the shape of a small, red bump around the follicle or, in extreme cases, it's a juicy, pus-filled sucker not unlike those that can pop up on your cheek or forehead.
On the bright side (there had to be one, right?), butt acne isn't necessarily painful. Dermatologist Jamie MacKelfresh, MD, told Everyday Health that because these bumps form on top of the surface, they are “more likely to be itchy or irritating than painful.”
Well, at least there's that.
Now that we've narrowed down what butt acne is and what it entails, let's talk about where it actually comes from.
1. Dry Skin Could Be The Culprit
The skin on your butt is easily susceptible to drying out, and you won't even realize it until it's too late.
You should be regularly scrubbing in between your cheeks with soap and water every day to prevent this.
2. Your Clothes Might Be Too Tight
Whether you wear body con dresses on the reg, or practically live in a pair of hip-hugging Lululemons, give your butt some breathing room.
Dr. Macrene Alexiades of 37 Actives Skincare tells Elite Daily you should wear cotton workout apparel whenever possible, because you can wash this material in hot water (which kills bacteria more efficiently).
3. Your Workout Equipment Might Be Dirty
A word of advice: Never trust that the person using the the spin cycle before you thoroughly washed off the seat. This goes for any workout equipment because, unfortunately, you can't hold strangers accountable.
Dr. Alexiades tells Elite Daily,
[Butt acne is] often caused by unclean workout conditions, such as bicycle seats or gym equipment that is contaminated with staph bacteria coupled with perspiration. This allows the bacteria to transmit through the garment, especially lycra shorts, and infect your buttock skin.
In other words, wipe before you work out -- your body (rather, your butt) will thank you for it.
4. You May Be Sitting In Your Stinkiest Clothes For Too Long
Athleisure is so in right now, and what's more convenient than one outfit that fits all errands?
I'll admit, I've gone to the store, went out to eat, and even just lazed around in my yoga pants post-workout, but even though you might not feel sweaty, perspiration can hide in dark places, my friend.
If you really can't (or just don't want to) make it home in time for a quick shower or wardrobe change between appointments, you can still freshen up in other ways.
Dr. Hadley King, dermatologist at SKINNEY Medspa, tells Elite Daily,
If you can't shower, then use salicylic acid wipes. Benzoyl peroxide washes can also be helpful, as well as prescription topicals such as Aczone and retinoids.
5. Or Maybe It's Just A Hormonal Imbalance
Are you surprised? Unfortunately, this one's a little harder to control, so if buttne seems to strike literally out of nowhere without reason or probable cause, consult your dermatologist ASAP.
