Pimples on the Buttocks: Why They Appear and What These Breakouts Are

Pimples on the buttocks can be acne — the mechanism is the same as on the face and back: a hair follicle becomes clogged with sebum and dead cells, and bacteria inside trigger inflammation. The buttocks are not among the typical acne zones, but the skin there also has follicles, so breakouts are possible. Below we explain what types of breakouts occur and when a doctor is needed.

What pimples on the buttocks and buttocks area are

Acne is a common skin disease in which various types of breakouts appear on the skin. Pimples form when follicles under the skin become blocked. Most often they occur on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders — that is, where there are many sebaceous glands. The buttocks are not on this list, but the skin there also has follicles, so breakouts on the buttocks are possible.

The types of lesions differ. Whiteheads are small bumps the color of the skin. Blackheads are dark, usually flat. Papules are raised bumps that are pink or red on light skin. Pustules are bumps containing pus. Nodules and cysts are large formations under the skin that may merge and be painful. Acne can leave scars.

Acne on the buttocks: causes of appearance

The exact cause is unknown. Hormonal changes probably play a role — during adolescence, pregnancy, menstruation and menopause. Among the factors cited are certain conditions and the use of certain medications, as well as skin and hair products that make the skin oily.

Myths persist. Chocolate and fatty foods are most often blamed unfairly: there is little evidence that food substantially affects acne in most people. Dirty skin is not a cause either — blackheads and pimples do not arise from dirt. Stress does not cause acne, but it can make it worse.

Painful and large pimples on the buttocks: what it may be

A large, deep and painful pimple on the buttocks may be a nodule — a large formation under the skin. Such large formations under the skin may merge, be painful, and the skin over them may be hot and tender to the touch. Severe acne is characterized precisely by painful "lumps" under the skin together with extensive involvement. Acne, especially severe acne, can leave scars.

Other breakouts on the buttocks: not always acne

Not every breakout on the buttocks is acne. Other conditions produce similar lesions, and a doctor distinguishes between them. Acne inversa is mentioned separately — it is not a form of acne but another name for the skin disease hidradenitis suppurativa. It shares with acne a tendency for follicles to become blocked, but it lacks the characteristic features of acne, so it is considered a separate disease.

How a doctor distinguishes the causes of breakouts

The diagnosis is made by examining the skin and the character of the lesions: comedones, papules, pustules, nodules. The doctor determines whether there are hormonal changes, what skin and hair products you use, and what medications you take. Severity — mild, moderate or severe — is determined to choose the approach; there is no single generally accepted rating scale.

When to see a dermatologist

• The breakouts do not resolve after self-care
• There are many lesions, they are deep, painful or leave scars
• Signs of a skin infection: the skin is hot, swollen, red
• Acne affects mental well-being

The doctor will assess the severity and choose the further approach.

Acne by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 — for a life-threatening condition, for example severe chest pain, difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness.

This material is for reference: it explains what is happening and when to see a doctor, but does not replace a dermatologist's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer