There’s nothing uncommon about acne; we all have been dealing with it since eons. Now when acne appears on your derrière, it’s known as buttne. Blame it on your too tight underwear, sitting for long periods of time or lack of post workout hygiene, acne on the butt can make its presence felt at most inopportune times. Well, there’s nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about it though. Truth be told, it’s more popular than you think. However, it can get a tad uncomfortable or painful sometimes and we're here to help!
We asked Dr Apratim Goel, MD, Celebrity Dermatologist and Director of Cutis Skin Studio to give us a lowdown—and she offered some expert advice that’ll change your life (and your butt) forever.
What Is Buttne?
“Acne that occurs on the buttocks is called buttne. Acne on the body is very rarely openly discussed and thus very less understood. Acne can occur on other areas besides the face like chest, back, scalp and sometimes even the buttocks”, explains Dr Goel.
“However it should be differentiated from other boils that can also occur but may not be acne like infections or folliculitis or keratosis pilaris which are skin colored boils like lesions or hidradenitis suppurativa”.
What Causes Buttne?
According to Dr Goel, the causes of acne on buttocks are similar to acne that occurs on the face. The causes are a mix of hormones, genetics and certain lifestyle habits like exercise, diet, stress.
- Genetics: If you have oily skin which you have inherited through genes, getting acne is quite common
- Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations, irregular periods can lead to acne or exacerbate existing acne.
- Stress: Stress in turn causes hormonal fluctuations and leads to acne.
- Tight clothing and excessive sweating makes it more common to get acne on buttocks.
- Intake of anabolic steroids.
How To Treat Buttne
Starting off, Dr Goel recommends using a body wash that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. “Wear loose cotton clothes instead of tight fitting jeans, take a shower after a sweaty gym class and practice yoga and meditation” she adds. “Don’t forget to eat healthy and visit a dermatologist to get prescription products, antibiotics or opt for peels and lasers to treat the acne faster”.
Important Ingredients To Look For In Products To Treat Buttne
“Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and antibiotics help in reducing infection and exfoliating the dead skin away and unclogging of the pores”, explains Dr Goel.
Recommended Products For Treatment
“You can opt for the Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash for Clean Clear Skin which is a good OTC product to use for body acne. Benzoyl peroxide 5% cream is a good prescription drug which is almost always effective for body acne; however, it should be used after taking your doctor's opinion. If you see pus oozing, apply an antibiotic on the boils”, opines Dr Goel.
Products To Diminish The leftover Blemishes Post Buttne
Dr Goel says, “Butt acne almost always leaves a dark spot that takes a long time to go by itself. Therefore you can try creams containing ingredients such as kojic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid which can help in diminishing the spots faster”.
Tips To Avoid Buttne In Future
“In order to avoid buttne, wear loose clothes, take a shower post your workout and incorporate non-comedogenic moisturisers in your body care routine. You should also avoid oiling or too many oil massages and stay away from anabolic steroids”, concludes Dr Goel.
