- Dermatology Unit, Conditions
Pimples on the buttocks
What is
What are "pimples on the buttocks"?
When the feel of our buttocks is not perfectly smooth and soft, our patients often describe it as “pimples”. However, not all “pimples” occur for the same reason. Therefore, neither the treatment nor the results will be the same.
The two conditions that most frequently cause the appearance of our buttocks to be undesirable, both visually and to the touch, are: Folliculitis, Keratosis pilaris and pigmentation irregularities.
Information
What is folliculitis
It is the inflammation of the hair in the area.
It often translates a bacterial infection. It manifests as erythematous papules (“red or headless pimples”) and pustules (“pus pimples”).
When the inflammation is very intense and affects the skin in depth, boils or even subcutaneous nodules may appear.
Folliculitis caused by a germ called Pseudomonas is frequently observed in users of swimming pools or hot tubs contaminated by little or no chlorination.
It is usually an acute, self-limited condition, which resolves with appropriate antibiotic treatment, administered topically or orally depending on the extent and severity of the infection.
Some people have a tendency to have recurrent outbreaks, such as patients with atopic dermatitis. To keep the bacterial flora on their skin at bay, an antiseptic preparation is usually recommended on a regular basis for regular hygiene, and sometimes concomitant topical antibiotic treatment.
What is keratosis pilaris
In some patients small keratin plugs are produced at the follicle opening, which prevents the correct externalization of hair growth. The horny plugs manifest themselves as erythematous keratotic papules (reddish, scratchy pimples) with a flat roof and occasional hairs entangled within the pore. The areas where this disorder is most frequently seen are the arms and legs, specifically the outer and posterior aspect of the legs.
Other less common areas are the face and buttocks. The skin takes on a scratchy feel and visually there are marked follicular holes (“goose bumps”). It rarely causes itching or other discomfort.
It is more frequently observed in atopic, malnourished and pregnant patients.
Treatment is aimed at eliminating the horny plugs in the follicle and reducing the resulting inflammation. The usual treatment is the application of moisturizing creams or milks with keratolytic power (urea, salicylic acid, glycolic acid).
Gentle massage with a polyester sponge may help; on the other hand, too vigorous friction may cause irritation.
In some cases, inflammation of the perifollicular skin is observed, which may improve with topical corticosteroids. If there are signs of superinfection, it will be necessary to add topical antibiotics.
Pigmentation irregularities
Another frequent reason for aesthetic consultation that affects the buttocks are the alterations in the color of the area. The most common is the darkening or appearance of spots that may be due to different reasons:
Frictional or decubitus hyperpigmentation
Patients who are very thin and who spend many hours sitting may develop darkening of the lower buttocks.
It is a process secondary to friction and repeated pressure between the pelvic bones and the seat on a skin that does not have sufficient adipose panniculus to exert the necessary protective and insulating effect.
Therefore, it is important to correct the factors that cause it: extreme thinness and prolonged sitting (the harder the seat and the more hours sitting, the worse) and at the same time apply depigmenting products.
Creams usually have a very limited effect, so peels are recommended because of their greater penetration and potency. The association of hydroquinone with retinoid and topical corticosteroid is usually more effective than when the depigmenting agent is used in monotherapy.
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation
Multiple processes, including some already mentioned, such as folliculitis and keratosis pilaris, can leave a transitory pigmentation of the previously affected skin when they heal.
Spontaneous improvement takes months, so depigmenting creams and especially peelings can accelerate the process of disappearance.
Fractionated laser could also play a role in this context.
Team
Expert equipment for pimples on the buttocks
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