What are the causes of bumps under the buttocks?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 19 years old, and I am extremely anxious. I have had bumps under my buttocks and have had them since my childhood or puberty. Kindly let me know whether it is dangerous. Kindly explain.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

The small bumps you are pointing to look like keratosis pilaris with keratin plugs and some ingrown hairs; they are very common, especially in the buttock area, where hair is thick and curly and the skin rubs together. As it has been the same for years and is neither painful nor growing in size and not red or infected, it is chronic and nothing to be worried about. You can reduce them by taking warm showers and gently exfoliating the area about three times a week using either a soft cloth or a chemical exfoliant such as a 2 % Salicylic acid wash or a 5 to 8 % Glycolic acid lotion in affected area. Avoid hard scrubbing, as that can make the bumps worse.

Keeping the area moisturized daily and using non-greasy lotions to avoid keratin plugging. If you notice ingrown hair, apply Adapalene 0.1% gel at night two to three times a week can keep the follicles clear.

For some general tips, try to reduce friction by wearing cotton underwear and keeping the area dry, as sweat and tight clothing can worsen the bumps. Only if the area becomes red, swollen, painful, develops pus, or forms a rapidly growing lump would you need to be concerned. If there is no discharge, that means there is no sign of anything serious. I hope this helped with your query, and do follow up after using the advised treatment for 14 days.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.