A pimply rash on your buttocks can have many causes.
It may be the result of the skin being irritated by tight clothes or bicycle riding.
You may be able to relieve itching or discomfort with over-the-counter (OTC) medications andhome remedies.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
However, in some instances, you may need to see a healthcare provider like adermatologistfor a prescription medication.
The sores may be limited to a certain area or widespread.
They may be itchy, painful, hot, prickly, or cause no symptoms at all.
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The characteristics of the rash or sore can provide clues as to the cause.
But there are other causes like infections and abnormal immune reactions that can also cause butt sores and rashes.
Scratching often makes the symptoms worse.
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Substances that can causeirritant contact dermatitisinclude:
Allergic contact dermatitiscould be triggered by over 15,000 substances.
The most common culprits are fragrance and nickel.
An OTChydrocortisone creamcould provide ease inflammation and itchiness.
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The most common symptom is a red or discolored, itchy, inflamed rash.
Its also possible to experience cracked skin that weeps clear liquid.
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Experts believe genetic and environmental factors cause eczema.
Healthcare providers usually recommend moisturizers or topical steroids for this pop in of rash.
Eczema is not contagious.
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If you tend to experiencehay feverorasthma, you may be at greater risk of developing an eczema rash.
Eczema is managed like contact dermatitis.
Avoid any irritants and ease the pain and itching with cool compresses and hydrocortisone cream.
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When it overgrows, it causes an infection calledcandidiasis.
Yeast thrives in warm, moist places like skin folds.
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Common yeast infection symptoms include skin discoloration and itching.
If you have noticed acne on your butt that is not itchy, it could be folliculitis.
Folliculitis refers to an infection of thehair follicles.
Once germs enter the follicle, an acne-like breakout occurs.
Acute folliculitis usually comes on quickly after the hair follicles have been damaged.
Most cases of folliculitis go away on their own.
Pinworm (Oxyuren) in the institute for parasitology of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich.Image Credit: /Getty Images
Once folliculitis clears, avoid shaving that area for at least a month.
Jock itch is a common infection brought on by ringworm.
you might often manage ringworm at home with OTC antifungal creams.
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Heat rash is common in the groin area and buttocks.
It looks like clusters of bright red or discolored pimples or small blisters.
Heat rash forms in areas of the body that can trap heat and moisture.
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you might manage heat rash by:
Heat rash usually resolves on its own.
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Herpes lesions can appear as blisters on the lower back or buttocks and around the anus.
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Blisters may also develop around the mouth or genitals.
When the blisters break open, they leave painful, ulcerative sores.
Herpes is contagious, especially when someone has open blisters.
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Only a healthcare provider can diagnose herpes.
While there is no cure for herpes, the condition can be managed withantiviral drugs.
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Hemorrhoids
People sometimes mistakehemorrhoidsfor a rash on the butt.
They are often the result of straining to have a bowel movement.
Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum, and you cannot see them.
On the other hand, external hemorrhoids appear around the anus and may feel and look like a rash.
Hemorrhoids can cause intense itching and pain, discomfort, and bleeding.
Pilonidal Cyst
Apilonidalcystis a small, fluid-filled pocket that forms just above the cleft of the buttocks.
The cyst is characterized by:
Sometimes there are no symptoms other than the lump itself.
In such cases, the cyst can be drained after numbing the skin with alocal anesthetic.
Pinworm causes mild itching in and around the anus, and some people have no symptoms at all.
However, when the worm lays eggs in the skin, it causes itching.
To diagnose pinworm, your healthcare provider may apply a piece of transparent tape to the anus.
They will then examine the tape under a microscope for evidence of pinworm eggs.
As concerning as pinworm sounds, it is relatively easy to get rid of.
Your healthcare provider will usually prescribe anti-parasitic drugs to kill the worm and prevent future infections.
It is possible to experience psoriasis patches on the butt or groin area.
The most common jot down of psoriasis,plaquepsoriasis, presents as thick, raised patches of dry skin.
The patches are usually itchy and get worse with scratching.
Healthcare providers usually recommend first trying a steroid ointment.
The less common causes require a visit to a healthcare provider and prescription medication.
Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilarisis sometimes referred to as chicken skin.
They are usually dry and itchy.
Keratosis pilaris is harmless and usually resolves on its own.
If self-care at home is not showing any results, see a healthcare provider or dermatologist.
Creams derived from vitamin A calledtopical retinoidscan help unblock blocked hair follicles.
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Intertrigo
Intertrigois dermatitis resulting from the skin rubbing against itself, leading to moisture and friction.
Symptoms include inflammation, discoloration or redness, and scaling.
Many clear up with topical or oral antibiotics along with low-potency topical steroids.
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Shingles
The herpes zoster virus causesshingles.
It leads to a painful rash on one side of the body or face.
Most people with shingles first notice pain, numbness, and tingling before the rash appears.
Other shingles symptoms include fever, headache, chills, and upset stomach.
Shingles need to be seen by a healthcare provider.
Other symptoms include discoloration or redness, itching, and pain.
These patches of skin may tear or bleed.
Lichen sclerosus can also lead topainful sex, urinary retention, and constipation.
If you develop symptoms of lichen sclerosus, see a healthcare provider.
They will likely start topical steroids to reduce inflammation along with itching and pain.
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Diagnosing it can be tricky since the rash resembles eczema.
The discolored or red rash is usually itchy at first.
Scratching further irritates the skin and causes the rash to become more intense.
Use a mild laundry detergent made for sensitive skin.
If they cannot determine the cause, they may refer you to a dermatologist.
Less commonly, they may be because of things like lichen sclerosus and cancer.
Many causes of butt rash can be managed at home with self-care or over-the-counter medications.
If your rash doesn’t respond to home care, see your healthcare provider.
You may need prescription medication or specialist procedures to help scrub the rash.
These can be treated at home with common sense care and OTC medications.
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