How can I get rid of bum spots?
Maskne might have secured a place in the public’s vernacular over the past couple of years, but as swimwear season approaches, there’s a new skin concern on the horizon: ‘buttne’.
As the name suggests, ‘buttne’ refers to acne-like blemishes on the buttocks, but these marks aren’t actually acne at all. It’s usually folliculitis – an inflamed hair follicle – and typically presents as tender, red bumps that often have a white head.
This can be caused by a few different things: infection, blockage of the follicle or tight clothing. Infections can lead to painful boils; in this instance, you should see a medical professional for treatment.
If your spots aren’t so severe, you’re likely dealing with clogged follicles and irritation, which can be easily solved.
Regular exfoliation is key. Aim for twice a week – your body’s skin is less sensitive than your face, but be cautious and don’t overdo it. Ease off if there’s any discomfort or redness. Always make time for a post-workout shower, too. If you can’t, changing out of damp gear into fresh clothes will help to reduce the chances of irritation. Avoid wearing tight clothes on your lower body if you can; the chronic rubbing puts pressure on your skin, which blocks your follicles and leads to ingrown hairs.
Take care after shaving or waxing as well. If you do shave your bum, try something like Gillette’s Venus Pubic Hair and Skin range, which includes a great razor and skincare products to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. If the problem persists, consider laser hair removal instead. Another new emerging treatment is LED therapy. It’s quite uncommon but promising. The blue and red light acts as both an antimicrobial and antiinflammatory agent. The Light Salon’s Boost LED Body Patch (£375, thelightsalon.com) can help target specific areas of skin. Disappointingly, the skin on your body is quite often ignored – until you spot an issue (no pun intended) – but a few simple steps can help keep your skin glowing all year round, bum and all.