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We spoke to cosmetic dermatologists to learn how to get rid of butt acne once and for all.

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Symptoms, treatment options, and personal experiences for various physical, mental, and health conditions and concerns.

What is butt acne?

Most importantly you should know that, typically, breakouts on your butt aren’tactuallyacne.

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acne on a female’s buttocks

These bumps usually appear as small, shallow lumps, which tend to be itchy or painful.

When irritated, they can develop into larger, cyst-like clusters.

How can you prevent a butt breakout?

White and blue tube of Panoxyl 4% Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser on white background

For starters, ensure to hop in the shower after your sweat session.

Throw those workout clothes in the laundry, too!

You might even consider swapping out your fabrics, opting for clothes and sheets made from more breathable cotton.

White bottle of Dove Gentle Exfoliating Nourishing Body Wash on white background

How do you treat butt breakouts?

First and foremost, clean up the area.

Look for cleansers with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which helps tounclog poresand eliminate dead skin.

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acne on a female’s buttocks

It treats existing breakouts and prevents new ones, says Dr. Garshick.

So, what should you do if a fungus is the culprit?

He also has another potentially easy fix.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Acne Treatment tube on white background

“Apply, let it sit while you sing the alphabet, and then rinse off.

It needs enough contact time with the skin for it to exert its job.”

What is the best butt acne spot treatment?

Green tube of Vichy Normaderm S.O.S Acne Rescue Spot Corrector on white background

Scrubbing the inflamed area is a no-no, says Dr. Idriss.

“Pleasestopscrubbing, whether with a scrub or a loofah,” she tellsAllure.

In reality, they are just worsening the inflammation, which could lead topotential scarringandhyperpigmentation."

White bottle with pump of AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion on white background

Your SoulCycle sweat sessions aren’t helping either, says Dr. Idriss.

“A sweaty environment and chronic rubbing due to cycling is a recipe for disaster,” she says.

Instead, consider investing in a moredurable razoror consider another form of hair removal,like sugaring.

White tub with green text for the PurSources Urea 40% Healing Cream on white background

What can you do to ensure that you don’t get hyperpigmentation on your behind?

Once you stop scrubbing, you reduce the risk of developing dark spots.

“Hyperpigmentationcan be avoided with less manipulation and more therapeutic treatment,” Dr. Idriss says.