Buttocks skin care: texture, bumps and everyday care.

01 / First, some perspective

Common, and not always acne.

The skin of the buttocks lives under unusual conditions. It is covered almost constantly, pressed against chairs for hours, enclosed in close-fitting fabric and often warm and damp. Bumps and rough patches are an understandable result.

Because the bumps resemble pimples, most people reach for acne products. Sometimes that is right. Often it is not, because what looks like acne in this area is frequently something else. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that folliculitis usually looks like a sudden acne breakout,[1] and that is only one of the possibilities.

Knowing what the likely causes are makes the care more logical.

02 / Possible explanations

What you may be looking at.

Folliculitis

An infection that develops in damaged hair follicles. It can appear anywhere on the skin apart from the palms and soles. Each spot may have a red ring around it, and the area may itch, feel painful or cause no sensation at all.[1] See body acne vs folliculitis.

Rough, bumpy texture

Tiny, rough-feeling bumps are characteristic of keratosis pilaris, which the AAD describes as most often affecting the upper arms and thighs.[2] See keratosis pilaris: understanding rough bumps.

Dry, irritated skin

Tight clothes rub against the skin and can worsen dryness.[3]

Ingrown hairs

Bumps that follow shaving or waxing. See ingrown hairs vs other bumps: when to seek advice.

Marks

Darker marks where earlier bumps have healed. See dark marks on the body.

These can overlap, and they are difficult to tell apart without training. The AAD advises that it can be helpful to see a dermatologist to confirm whether you have folliculitis, because infected follicles can look like other conditions.[1] Treat the list as background for a conversation, not as a way to diagnose yourself.

03 / Why it happens here

What sets it off.

The AAD explains that folliculitis begins when hair follicles are damaged, which makes it easy for germs to get inside. Its list of causes reads like a description of everyday life for this area.[1]

• Tight clothing.
• Skin rubbing against skin.
• Shaving, plucking or waxing.
• Heat and damp, such as tight clothing rubbing while you cycle on a hot day.
• Hot tubs that are not properly maintained, with breakouts appearing 12 to 48 hours later on skin covered by a swimsuit.

Long periods of sitting add pressure and warmth to the same area. For more on these factors, see sweat, friction and tight clothing: what to review for body skin.

04 / Everyday care

Habits that help most.

Most of what improves the skin here is prevention. The AAD’s advice for avoiding folliculitis and for body breakouts is practical.[1][4]

1. Wear looser, breathable clothing.

   Loose clothing matters most when it is hot and humid. For dry, easily irritated skin, the AAD suggests loose-fitting cotton.[3]

2. Change and shower after exercise.

   If you exercise in tight clothing, change out of it straight away and shower.[1]

3. Wash gently.

   Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid antibacterial soaps, abrasive scrubs, loofahs and brushes, which can make body breakouts worse.[4]

4. Launder swimwear.

   Wash a swimsuit after each use and let it dry completely before wearing it again.[1]

5. Moisturise.

   Apply moisturiser to damp skin after bathing. For rough, bumpy texture the AAD suggests a thick, oil-free cream or ointment.[2]

6. Leave bumps alone.

   Do not pick or squeeze.[4]

For folliculitis, the AAD notes that the breakouts tend to clear on their own if you have a healthy immune system and stop doing what caused them, and that warm compresses for 15 to 20 minutes, three to four times a day, can help.[1]

05 / Hair removal and exfoliation

Two habits to handle carefully.

Hair removal. Shaving, plucking and waxing are common causes of folliculitis. When they are the cause, the AAD advises stopping for 30 days.[1] It also notes that shaving or waxing skin with keratosis pilaris can cause more bumps.[2] See looking after body skin after shaving and looking after skin after waxing.

Exfoliation. It is tempting to scrub rough skin smooth. For keratosis pilaris, the AAD recommends exfoliating gently and warns that scrubbing tends to irritate the skin and worsen the condition. It also cautions that using a chemical exfoliator too much or too often can cause raw, irritated skin.[2] Do not exfoliate over broken skin.[5] See body exfoliation: scrubs, acids and skin tolerance and, for the general principle, how much exfoliation is too much.

06 / Professional care

Where a professional treatment fits.

Professional care for this area can offer thorough cleansing and attention to skin you cannot see well yourself. It works alongside the habits above. It is not a medical treatment, and it is not suitable for skin that is infected or broken.

Before booking, ask what the treatment involves, whether it suits your skin at present and what to do at home between sessions. The Buttocks Skin Care page describes the service. When professional skincare belongs in the plan sets out questions for any treatment, and a consultation comes first.

A few common questions

Frequently asked questions.