From the Guidelines
The best treatment for acne on the buttocks typically involves a combination of good hygiene, topical treatments, and lifestyle modifications, with benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and topical antibiotics being strongly recommended 1.
Key Recommendations
- Start by using a gentle cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide (2.5-5%) or salicylic acid (2%) when showering, allowing it to sit on the skin for a few minutes before rinsing.
- Apply a topical retinoid like adapalene 0.1% gel once daily in the evening, or use benzoyl peroxide 2.5-5% cream for spot treatment.
- For more severe cases, consider using clindamycin 1% lotion twice daily.
- Wear loose-fitting, breathable cotton underwear and clothing to reduce friction and sweat accumulation.
- Change out of sweaty clothes promptly after exercise.
- Exfoliate the area gently 1-2 times weekly using a soft cloth or chemical exfoliant containing glycolic or lactic acid.
Additional Considerations
- If these measures don't improve the condition within 4-6 weeks or if the acne is severe with deep, painful nodules, consult a dermatologist who may prescribe oral antibiotics like doxycycline (100mg twice daily) or isotretinoin for more resistant cases 1.
- Limiting systemic antibiotic use to the shortest possible duration and combining with topical therapies is recommended to reduce the development of antibiotic resistance and other complications 1.
- Intralesional corticosteroid injections can be used as an adjuvant therapy for larger acne papules or nodules 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Active ingredient Benzoyl peroxide 5% Benzoyl peroxide 10% Purpose Acne treatment Use for the treatment of acne
The best treatment for acne on the buttocks is Benzoyl Peroxide.
- Key benefits:
From the Research
Treatment Options for Acne on the Buttocks
The treatment for acne on the buttocks is similar to that for acne on other parts of the body. According to 3, first-line treatments include topical therapies such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and/or combinations of topical agents.
Topical Therapies
- Topical retinoids, such as tretinoin, have been shown to reduce acne lesion counts by 63% compared to baseline 3.
- Benzoyl peroxide is also effective in reducing acne lesions, and can be used in combination with other topical agents 4.
- Azelaic acid is another topical agent that can be used to treat acne, although its effectiveness may vary depending on the individual 3.
Systemic Therapies
- For more severe cases of acne, systemic agents such as oral antibiotics (e.g. doxycycline, minocycline) or hormonal therapies (e.g. combination oral contraception, spironolactone) may be necessary 3, 5.
- Isotretinoin is a powerful systemic agent that can be used to treat severe, recalcitrant acne, but it can have significant side effects and requires careful monitoring 3, 5.
Combination Therapies
- Combination therapies, such as topical clindamycin 1% benzoyl peroxide 5% gel, can be effective in treating acne, especially when used in combination with other therapies 4.
- A fixed-dose combination adapalene 0.3%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel has been shown to be effective in treating moderate to severe inflammatory acne 6.
Important Considerations
- It's essential to note that acne on the buttocks can be caused by a variety of factors, including friction, sweat, and bacteria, and treatment should be tailored to the individual's specific needs 7.
- Patients should be counseled on how to avoid skin irritation when starting topical treatments and promoted to adhere to treatment regimens, as they can take 6-8 weeks to work 5.