What Is Butt Acne?
Simple – it’s acne on your butt. Butt acne usually occurs as a result of clogged hair follicles on your butt.
What Causes Butt Acne?
Butt acne is caused when the hair follicles are infected by Staphylococcus aureus (or staph bacteria). This infection of the hair follicles is also referred to as folliculitis. The staph bacteria are always present on the surface of your skin – and they cause no harm. But if there is a break in your skin, these bacteria can enter inside and cause infections. A boil or acne is almost always a result of such infections. Folliculitis bumps or butt acne look similar to acne. That is, they are usually red with a white pus-filled bump in the center. These bumps can become quite itchy and uncomfortable in the long run. In some cases, they may even leave scars behind. Don’t worry, they can be cured easily. Here is a list of some of the best home remedies that can help you treat butt acne.
Home Remedies To Treat Butt Acne
1. Saltwater Solution
1 teaspoon of salt 2 cups of warm water A clean washcloth
You can do this thrice daily. Salt is composed of sodium chloride that is known for its antibacterial properties, which makes it an effective remedy for butt acne (1).
2. Tea Tree Oil
3-4 drops of tea tree oil 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil (olive or coconut oil)
You must do this 2 to 3 times daily for best results. Tea tree oil works great for acne because of its exceptional antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, research says that tea tree oil is almost as effective as benzoyl peroxide for treating acne (2),(3).
3. Hot Or Cold Compress
A hot or cold compress You must do this 2 to 3 times daily. A hot compress can fight the bacteria responsible for butt acne. It can also reduce the inflammation and swelling and even extract the pus. An ice pack reduces inflammation and helps shrink the large pores, thereby preventing the formation of new acne (4).
4. Lemon Juice
1/2 lemon Cotton balls
You can do this 2 to 3 times daily. Lemon juice has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the swelling and inflammation associated with butt acne. And its astringent properties can shrink the large pores and prevent future breakouts. Additionally, lemon juice is also found to have bactericidal properties that may fight the acne-causing bacteria (5),(6).
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil (as required) You can do this 2 to 3 times in a week. Coconut oil contains beneficial medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid and capric acid. These fatty acids possess excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can eliminate bacteria and reduce the appearance of existing acne (7),(8).
6. Oatmeal
1 tablespoon of powdered oatmeal 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 tablespoon of yogurt
You must do this once a week. Oatmeal acts as a natural scrub and eliminates the dead skin cells. It also unclogs the pores and prevents future breakouts. The anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal help reduce the inflammation, thus helping you get rid of butt acne (9).
7. Turmeric And Sandalwood
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder Curd or water (as required)
You must do this every alternate day. A mixture of turmeric and sandalwood exhibits natural antiseptic properties that can destroy the acne-causing bacteria (10). This combination also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the swelling and redness accompanying acne breakouts.
8. Garlic
Peeled garlic cloves You must do this 4 to 5 times a week. Garlic contains allicin that exhibits antimicrobial properties. It also has exceptional anti-inflammatory properties. All of these not only kill the acne-causing bacteria on your skin, but also reduce the inflammation (11).
9. Aloe Vera
Fresh aloe vera gel You must do this thrice daily for best results. Given its excellent healing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera gel can quickly dry up existing acne. Its astringent properties can help shrink large pores and prevent future breakouts (12).
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar 1 glass of water Cotton pads
You can do this 3 to 4 times in a week for effective results. The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar can reduce the redness and itchiness associated with butt acne. And its antimicrobial properties can fight the acne-causing bacteria (13).
11. Baking Soda
1 tablespoon of baking soda Water (as required)
Do this every alternate day. Baking soda possesses antibacterial properties that help combat the acne-causing bacteria. It also balances the pH of your skin and fights pain and inflammation. These remedies will definitely help you get rid of butt acne. You can prevent this problem altogether by making some simple changes to your lifestyle. Listed below are a few tips that can help you steer clear of butt acne.
Prevention Tips
Bathe regularly using a good antibacterial soap. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Do not use fabric softeners as a few people are allergic to them. Take a shower post workout. Exfoliate to get rid of dead skin cells. Avoid using strongly scented soaps. Avoid using creams or lotions that may clog your pores. Follow a healthy diet that consists of fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of water to eliminate toxins from your body.
Which age group is most affected by butt acne? Acne usually begins around puberty (when one is 11 years old). However, for some individuals, it can begin at any stage of life. The same goes for butt acne. Anyone can develop this at any point in their lives. Although those who sweat more or are more involved in physical activity might be more prone to developing it. Does baking soda help with butt acne? Anecdotal evidence suggests that baking soda contains antibacterial properties that may help manage butt acne. Exercise caution while using this remedy.
