Pimple Inside Buttocks: Causes, Treatment & When to Worry

Blocked hair follicles, sweating or friction, or bacteria stuck in skin are the usual suspects for developing a pimple inside the buttocks. However in most cases, they are minor bumps, only to get better after days alone. But because the buttocks remain warm and moist, infection and irritation can develop more easily there than elsewhere in the body. That’s when people get worried — when they spot a painful lump or pimple in the crack in the butt that looks like other conditions — like boils, hemorrhoids, pilonidal cysts or abscesses. Some bumps are just mild folliculitis or skin irritation, and others can summon a doctor if they become swollen or infected, or gradually become more painful. Awareness of what is a simple pimple versus a more serious one may enable you to know when at home medical care is enough and when you should see a doctor.

Folliculitis is one of the top leading causes of pimples inside buttocks crack. This condition occurs when hair follicles are inflamed or infected with bacteria. That’s called butt acne by many people, although it is technically different from acne with facial appearances. Folliculitis usually appears as small red bumps, whiteheads or zingers around hair follicles. It’ll itch, burn or feel sore when sitting. Folliculitis can really get worse by sweat, rubbing and sitting for a long time.

A boil is a deeper skin infection that typically starts in a hair follicle. Unlike an ordinary pimple, boils tend to get bigger and hurt more when filled with pus. Beneath skin, they can feel warm, swollen and firm. Boils often consist of bacteria embedded in skin during irritation, shaving, or friction. Sometimes they burst and empty on their own, but larger boils may require medical treatment.

Sweating and frequent massaging in the buttocks area irritates the skin and may clog pores. This is especially common in person who runs around a lot, sit for long periods of time or move around in a hot climate. The combination of moisture and friction produces the perfect storm for inflamed follicles and skin infections.

Tight underwear, leggings, shapewear and workout clothing can retain heat, sweat and bacteria on the skin. Continuous rubbing may irritate hair follicles and also cause repeated pimples or folliculitis. The breathable fabrics and relaxed clothing may reduce irritation and clear the air.

Non-routine showering after sweating, exercise, or otherwise is harmful and can contribute to bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells accumulating on your skin. Poor hygiene is not a huge factor, but there may also be danger of clogged follicles and infection by falling on the right side instead.

What seems to be a pimple in the buttocks may be another kind of medical condition.

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus that can cause itching or bleeding. Hemorrhoids are often found directly next to the anal opening rather than more at the foot of the butt crack.

Pilonidal cyst: This most commonly forms towards end of the butt crack by tailbone. It may begin as a little lump or a tender bump, but can develop over time into swelling, infection and pain. Pilonidal cysts typically cause drainage, redness or recurrence of infections — and sometimes require surgery if they keep returning.

Abscess is a painful collection of pus formed by bacterial infection. They are more intense and larger than typical pimples. Symptoms can include severe pain, swelling and warmth, fever or foul-smelling drainage. An abscess typically needs medical drainage, and sometimes antibiotics.

While mild tenderness is often a worry with pimples and folliculitis, increasing severity or severe pain over a period of time could also signal a deeper infection.

Inflamed patches or spreading redness around the bump can signify an infection.

A big, swollen lump below the skin might look like a boil, cyst or abscess instead of a pimple.

In case of infected follicles and boils, drainage can be white or yellow. Thick drainage with pain that worsens should require medical evaluation.

And a warm compress, done a few times daily, also reduces swelling and encourages natural drainage. Warmth is good for circulation, and is also effective for relieving pain.

Wipe with warm water and mild soap. Showering after working out or sweating prevents bacteria from accumulating.

Squeezing or popping a pimple in your buttocks can also aggravate the inflammation and allow bacteria to burrow ever deeper into the skin. This can result in scarring or infection.

Over-the-counter cream that includes benzoyl peroxide and antibacterial components may address mild folliculitis or butt acne, with mild forms possibly occurring. And do not wear harsh scrubs. They can be damaging to sensitive skin as well—further aggravating irritation by making sensitive skin an even more irritable place.

Wearing loose clothing and breathable underwear reduce irritation and quicker skin healing.

Mild or increasingly severe pain might predict a boil or abscess.

Large lumps or quick-growing bumps may require specialist care.

Fever or chills with a painful bump could be a sign of something more serious.

If the bump does not show improvement over the next few days, or if it still appears to be developing, it should be spoken to a specialist.

Keeping an environment clean and dry will help prevent bacteria and clogged follicles.

Use fabrics that can breathe, and don’t wrap yourself in tight clothing if you can comfortably do so.

Take off sweaty clothes right after a workout; shower on or after an exercise.

Long stretches of sitting can also lead to more pressure and irritation in the buttocks area. And resting in a spot and getting lots more airflow might also decrease the recurrence rate.

Folliculitis, sweat, friction, bacteria, tight clothing, a source of pimples on the butt.

Yes. Small pimples (or inflamed follicles) in the crack of your butt will usually be normal and harmless.

Yes. In some cases, as bacteria penetrate deeper into the skin, even a small infected follicle can become a big boil.

No. Grabbing or pulling the pimple inside my buttocks could worsen infection and produce irritation.

If the bump gets very painful, swollen, feverish, drains repeatedly, and does not heal, you need to go see a doctor.

Most buttocks pimples will heal following treatment at home. This information should never escape your eyes if one has painful or persistent bumps with swelling or swelling over time. Untreated issues like pilonidal cysts, abscesses and severe infection can worsen over time. In case you continue to have pain, swelling, drainage or pain of the buttocks, getting professional consultation will help to identify the complaint and identify the appropriate treatments. Early interventions might allow the treatment to lower complications, discomfort, and facilitate healing.