Why Does My Butt Cheek Have Bumps?

Medically Reviewed on 11/2/2022
Butt Cheek Bumps
Buttocks acne may not seem like a big deal, but it can significantly affect your self-esteem and quality of life.

Butt cheek bumps are caused by various reasons.

  • They are often regarded as butt acne or pimples, but they are not true pimples
  • These bumps occur on the butt cheeks as the skin on the buttocks breaks out.

If you have clogged pores on other parts of the skin, you are more likely to have clogged pores on your buttock skin, which causes butt acne.

The main culprits of buttocks bumps include:

However, they are not the only causes of butt acne; poor hygiene and diet are also to be blamed.

How can you treat or prevent buttocks acne?

Just like the skin on your face, hands, and legs, your butt skin also dries out. Dryness causes flakiness, which results in itchiness. When you scratch the skin, red bumps appear, which can be painful. Therefore, you must moisturize your buttocks as often as possible to keep acne at bay.

Buttocks acne may not seem like a big deal, but it can affect your self-esteem and quality of life because it makes even the most basic tasks difficult, such as sitting down. Take the necessary steps to combat butt acne before it appears. Butt acne-clearing lotion can help you get rid of all the blemishes on your butt.

Most butt acne cases are treatable. If you have butt acne, you should see your doctor so that the underlying condition can be diagnosed.

What are the main causes of buttocks acne?

Also referred to as buttne, butt acne is just an outbreak of acne on the butt cheeks and may have the following causes:

  • Keratosis pilaris
    • Not considered acne.
    • A genetic condition that results in small red bumps on the skin's surface and dry patches that feel rough to touch.
    • Presents as a series of red bumps that look like tiny pimples but lack the whiteheads and blackheads that are typical of acne.
    • Caused by overproduction of keratin.
      • A protein found in the skin, keratin is essential for protecting the skin's surface.
      • The excess keratin clogs the skin, which can turn red and inflamed, resembling acne.
    • Can occur anywhere on the body, including the shoulders, arms, and thighs.
    • Those who have it on their buttocks will usually find it in other places as well.
  • Folliculitis
    • Another common cause of butt acne.
    • Like keratosis pilaris, it isn't technically acne. Instead, it's a skin condition that can cause painful, pus-filled blisters.
    • Tight pants, such as jeggings, skinny jeans, leggings, and athleisure, can trigger folliculitis in the butt.
      • The skin in those covered areas cannot breathe properly as a result of the material brushing against it all day.
      • This can cause inflammation of the hair follicles, resulting in white bumps that resemble whiteheads.
    • Symptoms include itching and pain in the affected areas. If left untreated for too long, the bumps can turn bright red, swell, and eventually lead to blisters.
    • In some cases, folliculitis is caused by bacteria such as Pseudomonas or Staphylococcus.
      • Swimming in hot tubs and pools can cause these types of folliculitis.
      • If you believe that is the case, you should consult a doctor.
  • Abscess
    • A result of a skin infection that can cause pimple-like bumps on your buttocks. 
    • When bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, or Streptococcus enter your hair follicles, they cause an abscess that looks like a boil or a cluster of boils.
    • Although they resemble butt acne, they are not acne and must be treated differently.
    • The acne-mimicking boils are infected and will frequently disappear once the infection is treated properly.
    • Meanwhile, you will have some unsightly bumps on your back, which if left untreated, can become quite painful.
    • Abscesses and boils can become extremely dangerous if left untreated. Consult your doctor or dermatologist if you suspect they are more than just acne.

SLIDESHOW

Rosacea, Acne, Shingles, Covid-19 Rashes: Common Adult Skin Diseases See Slideshow

6 other causes of butt cheek bumps

The following are the six reasons for butt cheek bumps:

  1. Wearing tight clothes
    • The tighter your clothes are, the more bacteria and sweat will accumulate.
    • When this happens, your pores become clogged, and acne appears.
    • One thing you can do is remove your clothes and wash them as soon as you get home. 
    • Allow your butt to air dry so that your skin can breathe.
    • If you believe synthetic and nylon clothes to be the culprits, you can switch to cotton.
  2. Dry skin
    • A good skin-care routine is crucial.
    • When dry skin comes in contact with fabric, it can cause friction, which further causes butt bumps.
    • You must moisturize your buttocks in the same way you treat your hands and legs, especially if you have dry skin.
    • A smooth and moisturized buttock keeps acne at bay.
  3. Not exfoliating butt skin
    • If you want to avoid butt bumps or acne, you must thoroughly clean your butt.
    • You can begin by exfoliating because the more dead skin cells you remove, the more pores you can unclog.
    • A body scrub combined with a pair of hand gloves will leave you with a soft and smooth bottom.
  4. Excessive sweating
    • The more you sweat, the more likely it is that blemishes would appear on your butt.
    • Unfortunately, you can't always keep your sweat under control; however, there are some things you can do to prevent butt acne.
      • Avoid wearing nonbreathing fabrics when the weather is hot or during workouts. This will only trap more sweat and bacteria, resulting in butt pimples.
      • Shower with butt acne-clearing lotion after your sweat session, whether it is post-workout or at the end of the day.
  5. Sitting for long periods
    • Can cause sweat and bacteria to accumulate.
    • Hair follicles can become infected and inflamed, resulting in blemishes on the buttocks.
    • Getting up from your desk more frequently and being active will be beneficial to your butt.
  6. Hormones
    • Can cause butt acne, which can be controlled by incorporating butt acne cleansers into your daily routine.
Medically Reviewed on 11/2/2022
References
Image Source: Gettty image

WHAT ARE THOSE BUMPS ON MY CHILD'S SKIN? https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/rash/rashes-cause-bumps

Keratosis Pilaris: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17758-keratosis-pilaris

Folliculitis: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361634