Why does a pimple on the buttocks itch, and what can you do about it?

An itchy pimple on the buttocks tells a different story than a painful one. Itching is a clue: a bacterial infection causes pain, while a fungal infection, irritation, or allergic reaction causes itching. In most cases, the condition is fungal folliculitis, keratosis pilaris, or contact dermatitis—three conditions that are treated differently. Unlike the face, the skin on the buttocks is not prone to acne, but it is subject to a number of risk factors: friction, heat, and maceration.

The symptoms will subside, as long as you avoid the one thing that makes everything worse: scratching. Once the inflammation has subsided, using a purifying body treatment as part of your skincare routine will smooth your skin texture and help prevent future flare-ups. Here’s how to identify the cause, soothe the affected area, and know when to see a healthcare professional.

Why Itching Changes the Diagnosis

Pruritus, the medical term for itching, results from the release of histamine in the skin. It is much more common in inflammatory, allergic, and fungal reactions than in bacterial infections. Here’s a useful tip: a buttock boil caused by Staphylococcus is usually painful but rarely itchy, whereas yeast folliculitis is distinctly itchy. On acne-prone skin, the same principle applies to the rest of the body.

Scratching makes everything worse. Your fingernail creates micro-tears on the skin’s surface, which allow bacteria to enter, fuel inflammation, and can cause spots or scarring. This is the vicious cycle you need to break before you even start looking for the right product. For pimples that don’t itch, everything is explained in detail in the section on the causes of pimples on the buttocks.

The Seven Causes of an Itchy Pimple on the Buttocks

• Fungal folliculitis: inflammation of the hair follicle caused by a yeast, which thrives in warm, moist environments—such as when sweating, exercising, or wearing a wet swimsuit. It presents as a rash of small, very uniform red bumps, all the same size, affecting several adjacent hair follicles, and causing significant itching. This is the most common cause of this type of rash.
• Keratosis pilaris: small, hard bumps that give the skin a grainy texture, often described as “chicken skin.” It’s especially itchy when the skin is dry. It’s neither an infection nor a serious illness: an excess of keratin blocks the hair follicle. Here’s how to treat it.
• Contact dermatitis: a reaction to a product or fabric—such as laundry detergent, fabric softener, scented shower gel, fabric dye, or wipes. It typically appears as red, itchy patches rather than actual pimples, often in the area that came into contact with the irritant. People with sensitive skin are particularly prone to this condition.
• Intertrigo: a skin condition in skin folds, sometimes complicated by a yeast infection, caused by moisture, which results in weeping redness and unpleasant itching. It is common in the summer, after wearing a wet swimsuit, and among people who sweat heavily.
• Dry skin: When the skin barrier is damaged by overly hot showers, harsh soap, or a horsehair washcloth, it itches. Prolonged sitting and wearing tight clothing can also contribute to the development of pimples and redness. Over-cleansing is often the cause, not the solution.
• Ingrown hairs grow back: After waxing or shaving, ingrown hairs grow under the skin and cause itching before they start to hurt. Here's how to get rid of them without damaging your skin.
• Body acne: This type is less common because it causes little itching. It results in comedones, blackheads, and whiteheads caused by excess sebum and clogged pores. See body acne and back acne.

If you experience itching around the anus, it’s not a problem with the skin on your buttocks. Anal itching may be caused by hemorrhoids, an anal fissure, irritation of the anus from wipes or wiping too hard, or a yeast infection. In children, anal itching—especially at night—is most often a sign of pinworms, a very common and benign intestinal parasite that can be treated with a simple medication after consulting a pediatrician. In all these cases, see a doctor—not a cosmetic product. See also our guide on intimate skin irritations.

The Soothing Routine

The goal is twofold: to relieve the itching and restore the skin barrier. Allow two to three weeks for the skin to regenerate.

• Do not scratch or pick at the skin. Keep your nails short, and if the itching is unbearable at night, wear a thin cotton garment rather than having bare skin exposed.
• A short, lukewarm shower using a mild soap that cleans without irritating the skin, or a fragrance-free cleansing cream. Once a day, plus once after exercising.
• Pat dry—never rub—and put on dry clothes to let your skin breathe.
• Moisturize every day: this is the most effective way to relieve itching. A light, non-comedogenic cream or serum maintains the balance of the hydrolipidic film and helps protect the skin barrier.
• A gentle exfoliation once a week, when you don't have a breakout: use fine sugar or a low concentration of salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells. Never use a high concentration, and never apply it to broken skin.
• Soothing products for redness: a natural, gentle aloe vera gel soothes irritation and provides light hydration. Choose fragrance-free formulas and follow the directions for use. A light plant-based oil can help with very dry skin.
• Identify the culprit if you suspect contact dermatitis: switch to a fragrance-free laundry detergent, stop using fabric softener, stop using wipes, and see how things go after two weeks.

Medical treatments are prescribed by a doctor: antiseptics, topical antifungals, topical corticosteroids, benzoyl peroxide, topical or oral antibiotics, and laser hair removal for recurrent folliculitis. These are prescribed following a clinical examination as part of an appropriate treatment plan. Over-the-counter products are no substitute for a diagnosis, and applying an antifungal medication to a bacterial lesion will only worsen the infection. No antibacterial agent should be used without a proper diagnosis.

When to See a Doctor or Dermatologist

Seek medical advice if the itching lasts more than two to three weeks despite following a proper skincare routine, if it keeps you from sleeping, if the lesions are spreading or oozing, if there is pus, a persistent white spot, a fever, or an abscess, if you’re experiencing repeated flare-ups, if painful nodules appear in skin folds (this is a symptom of Verneuil’s disease), or if you are pregnant, diabetic, immunocompromised, or taking medication that weakens your immune system. These patients are at higher risk for complications, including a possible abscess resulting from an untreated lesion. A dermatology consultation can determine whether the cause is bacterial or fungal, which no at-home test can do.

In infants, redness on the buttocks accompanied by bumps is most often due to diaper rash caused by moisture in the diaper, not acne: change diapers frequently, pat the area completely dry, apply a protective cream, and consult a pediatrician if the condition persists. In older children who scratch their buttocks at night, check for pinworms first.

Preventing Itchy Pimples

• Choose cotton and breathable fabrics, and avoid wearing tight clothing all day long.
• Change your clothes immediately after exercising or swimming: sweat and skin maceration are the two most common triggers.
• Limit the amount of time spent sitting on a hot surface, which causes constant friction and heat.
• Control sweating in areas prone to maceration.
• Reduce friction by applying a protective treatment to areas prone to friction.
• Maintaining a gentle daily skincare routine and staying properly hydrated: that's what keeps your skin healthy and soft over the long term, whether on your buttocks or your back.

As part of your skincare routine, a body treatment for blemishes like Fesse Time—our best-selling lactic acid product for ages 3 and up—smooths the skin texture on your buttocks, back, and arms. Also available in stores, with free shipping on orders of €50 or more. The complete routine is detailed in the guide to getting rid of pimples on your buttocks.

FAQ

This article is published for informational purposes only; it is not a substitute for medical advice.