butt pimples

I have had severe butt pimples for years. As the years go by now there on the backs of my legs and the front....Im not over weight and Im very clean. What could be this problem? Im very embarrassed to wear shorts, bathing suit and show my husband my body when we are intimate.

Chronic folliculitis

Your 'butt pimples' are a form of chronic folliculitis. This is an infection of the hair follicles and is very common. They often occur in areas of maximum sweat and warmth hence the reason why they are so common in the butt area and inner thighs.

It is caused usually by a bacterium called staphylococcus aureus although it can be caused by fungal infections too. Risk factors include diabetes, being overweigh, high carbohydrate diet, smoking and alcohol. Its nothing to do with cleanliness!

I would advise you not to shave in that area or use any wax strips for several months. Change your diet by cutting out carbohydrates, dairy products and fats. Try bathing in lavender oil, just add a few drops to each bath you have. If this doesnt work then your doctor can try you on rotating courses of antibiotics, although I would try to avoid them if possible as resistance can occur. UV light exposure can sometimes help too, but caution in over excessive uses of this due to potential skin cancer risk.

Try taking in vitamins, particularly Vitamin A, C and D which may help too.

You might like to get yourself checked for diabetes as this is quite a common presentation for this too! Good luck and let us know how you get on!

My name is Dr Peter Thatcher MBBS, MRCPI and I am a consultant physician and gastroenterologist in the UK. I have an interest in internet based medicine and administer this site in my spare time. I hope you find this site useful and informative. If you have any suggestions, please Contact Me or if you would like to comment on my site, please do so by Clicking Here. If you like the site and would like to make a donation to support what I am doing please do so by Clicking Here. Thank you for visiting and please drop by again!