Why do we get bum spots?

It’s time to talk about bum spots. Loads of people put up with them, but what actually causes them? And is there anything you can do to reduce them? We cover exactly that in this article. 

Skip to: Causes | Bum spots vs. other spots | Management

What causes spots on your bum?

Wondering what’s causing the pesky little pimples on your bum? The main culprit is likely something called folliculitis. This is when your hair follicles become blocked and infected.¹ You can get folliculitis anywhere on your body other than the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet.² Wearing certain types of clothing and touching the area a lot might make things worse, but we’ll share more on that later.  

Are bum spots the same as other spots?

Since bum spots are technically a rash that are thought to be caused by infected hair follicles, they’re not the same types of spots that you get with acne. In fact with acne, there are six different types of spots that you can get. These include:³  

• Blackheads – which are small black or yellowish bumps  

• Whiteheads – look similar appearance to blackheads, but can be firmer and don’t empty when squeezed 

• Papules – which are small red bumps that can feel tender 

• Pustules – like papules, but have a white tip in the centre, caused by a build-up of pus 

• Nodules – which are large hard lumps that build up beneath the surface of the skin and can cause discomfort 

• Cysts – these are most severe, large pus-filled lumps that look similar to boils and carry the greatest risk of causing permanent scarring 

How to manage spots on your bum

If you’ve got spots on your butt, you might be looking for some ways to manage them. While there is no immediate solution, there are a couple of things you can do to try and help. For example, the American Academy of Dermatology Association suggest using a warm compress on your bum cheeks three or four times a day, for 15 to 20 minutes each time.²  

Although it may be tempting, don’t squeeze any of the spots! It’ll only make them worse and cause further discomfort. 

How to prevent them in the future

Want to try and stop bum spots from popping up again? We hear you! Changing up your personal hygiene routine and switching out some of your clothes may be worthwhile. Here’s some tips for keeping butt pimples at bay in the future: 

• Wash straight after your workout – strip out of your sweaty gym clothes and hop in the shower for a quick rinse.²  

• Don’t share towels – for hygiene reasons, always use your own towels if you share a home with other people.¹  

• Wear loose clothes – especially in hot humid weather, as the heat and damp combination may cause bum spots to flare up.² 

• Don’t forget to wash your swimwear – after each dip, always wash you swimwear and let it dry out before wearing it again.² 

The final say

So many people have bum spots, so try not to feel embarrassed! Feeling a little more confident on how to manage them going forward? We hope so. Of course if your pimples get worse, it may be worth checking in with your GP who should be able to provide more detailed advice.