If a bout of butt acne is making you miserable, we feel your pain! Zits on the face are bad enough, but a rash of pimples on your buttock can be downright unpleasant. You may, however, be surprised to know that butt acne or “butt-ne” is not an uncommon problem. And there are ways to sort it out and end your misery!
While it’s not entirely clear what causes this localized acne, butt acne may essentially be the result of folliculitis or an inflammation of the hair follicles. This is typically caused by infection by bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus and aggravated by factors like sweat and friction. Antibacterial cleansers, ointments, and even oral antibiotics are conventionally used to clear it up. But natural remedies with an antibacterial effect can work just as well in tackling them. Here are some easy tips to clear your butt acne:12
1. Wear Loose-Fitting Cotton Clothes
Tight clothes, especially innerwear, synthetic fabrics, sweat, and friction are a deadly combination that can irritate your skin and encourage the growth of bacteria. Wear loose clothes made of breathable material like cotton to give your skin a break.
2. Drain Pimples With A Warm Compress
Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can cause inflamed, pus-filled blisters. Apply a warm wet washcloth to these sores for around 20 to 30 minutes to drain the pus. Do this 3–4 times a day and you should see the infection receding in a few days.3
3. Keep The Affected Area Clean
It’s important to practice good hygiene and keep the acne-affected area clean and dry so it doesn’t become worse. Change out of sweaty clothes promptly if you’ve been out in the sun or shower after a rigorous workout. You could also use a good antibacterial soap to reduce the build-up of bacteria and prevent infections.4
4. Use A Tulsi Leaf Wash
Tulsi or holy basil has long been valued for its medicinal properties by traditional medical systems like ayurveda. It has wide-ranging antimicrobial powers and can inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus.5
Grind up tulsi leaves with a little water and press out the juice. Apply the juice to your buttocks and rinse off once dry. You can do this 2–3 times a day to get rid of butt acne.6
5. Apply Turmeric Paste
Turmeric, another herb that’s greatly valued in ayurveda, is also known for its infection-busting properties. Studies show that curcumin, a compound present in this spice, acts against Staphylococcus aureus.7 Turmeric can also suppress inflammation caused by Propionibacterium acnes, another group of bacteria which plays a significant part in the development of acne.8
Mix turmeric powder with a little water to make a thick paste and apply it to your butt acne. Let it dry on your skin before washing it off. Do keep in mind that turmeric can stain your clothes and skin a bright yellow, so it might be best to use this remedy before your shower.
6. Dab On Some Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, obtained from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, has traditionally been used to heal skin infections. It is effective against a variety of germs including Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes. Bioactive compounds such as terpinen-4-ol, α-terpine, and α-pinene give this essential oil its antimicrobial properties.
While tea tree oil is recommended in undiluted form for butt acne, it might be safer to mix it with a little water or aloe vera gel (which also has anti-inflammatory potential) so you don’t have any skin reactions. Even otherwise, carry out a patch test before you use tea tree oil as a remedy for butt acne to ensure you aren’t allergic to it.9
7. Apply Lime Juice
Easily available and convenient to use – limes or lemons are almost unbeatable when it comes to tackling acne. Studies show that undiluted lime juice is effective against Staphylococcus aureus.10 Lemon juice also works well against the acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. In fact, it may even be better than some conventional cleansers which are used for dealing with acne!11
Cut a lime or lemon in half and rub the juice over affected areas. You can also squeeze out the juice and use a cotton swab to apply it.
8. Spread Some Garlic Paste
Garlic is another powerful herbal remedy that can help clear butt acne. According to an animal study, bioactive compounds such as diallyl sulfide and diallyl disulfide in garlic as well as garlic extract was effective against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.12 Garlic’s anti-inflammatory action also comes in handy here.
Crush garlic and apply the paste to pimples to clear away the infection and ease inflammation.
9. Use Diluted Eucalyptus Oil
Another antiseptic remedy coming your way! Eucalyptus oil has an antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, mainly due to a potent compound known as 1,8-cineole or eucalyptol.13 But that’s not all. It also works against Propionibacterium acnes bacteria which cause acne. Eucalyptus oil can also help reduce the size of your sebaceous glands and decrease the amount of oil produced by your skin. And as we all know, oily skin promotes acne.1415
Eucalyptus oil can be too strong for the skin so be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil like grapeseed oil before applying it to affected areas. And do remember to do a patch test first, to make sure you aren’t allergic to the oil.
These natural remedies should bring you relief and sort out an episode of butt acne. But you will need to see a doctor if your butt acne gets worse or lasts longer than 2 to 3 days even after using home remedies. Also, seek medical attention if you get butt acne frequently.16
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