BUTT-NE

Acne anywhere on the body can erode our confidence and rob us of some of our sexy. So let’s be bold and take the lid off of the quite common, but rarely talked about BUTTOCK ACNE, or butt-ne. Acne typically affects the face, neck, back and chest, but it also appears on the buttocks, and it is not solely caused by ingrown hairs - actually most often it is not. Butt-ne or pimples on the butt are not uncommon and should be handled correctly and gently like all acne to avoid scarring and to reclaim lost confidence.

Interestingly the way we get, and means to prevent and improve butt-ne is very similar to some of the recommended steps women take to lower the risk of yeast infections and BV. Bad bacteria are usually the cause. There is no magic bullet to curing butt-ne, but there are of course treatments ranging from proper Intimate Fitness™ to oral steroids and antibiotics and topical acne medication.

According to some dermatologists, pimples on the butt are not technically acne, but actually folliculitis – the inflammation of a hair follicle. This inflammation can be an ingrown hair or bacterial infection, friction from too tight or synthetic clothing or a combination. Other possible culprits of butt-ne are: shaving or hair removal, irritating detergents, improper hygiene (over enthusiastic or neglectful), drugs and hormone shifts. Stress, poor diet, illness and dirty environment can contribute too. No matter what the cause, treating and resolving butt-ne should be part of one’s Intimate Fitness™ routine.

The first line of defense is to of course see a doctor for assessment and treatment advice. They will probably recommend an effective gentle wash and a topical acne treatment.

There are things we can do to prevent, improve or feel better about commonplace butt-ne.

1.Gently washing the area (2ce per day is the way to go according to the The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology) with a mild cleanser like AfterIt (pH 5) or something with Benzoyl Peroxide which will help to dry it out.

2.Avoid harsh exfoliates like loofas or scrubs which are too aggressive and inappropriate hygiene for this situation and it will only make things worse.

3.Don’t pop, touch or scratch pimples - they can scar and hands will transmit more bacteria to the area.

4.Don’t linger in sweaty clothes - they cause back, chest and butt pimples. Use something like AfterGlow pre-moistened wipes which are antibacterial if you can’t shower right away.

5.Bathe after workouts/perspiring to remove bacteria. Use a wash as per #1 and steer clear of perfumes, dyes and propylene glycol.

6.Sport sexy cotton panties, briefs or boxers; synthetic is a no no.

7.Give your buttocks a little sun kiss (don’t forget the light weight SPF). It will help dry out those zits.

8.Apply targeted acne medication consistently - it proves effective.

9.If your “bumps” are from shaving or waxing and you are quite sure it is ingrowns, try AfterShave. The exfoliate is gentle and really great at getting rid of hair removal bumps.

If this afflicts you, know that you are not alone, and please don’t hate, be angry, harsh or aggressive with it. Be patient (8 weeks at least) and consider a gentle, compassionate approach. Self-love, smart intimate fitness™, a good treatment plan and you can have great results. Treat your fabulous cheeks as gently as you would a baby’s bottom.