Dear Alice,
For the last several years, I've had problems with red bumps (some cyst-like) on my bum. As you can imagine, it has made changing/showering at the gym, wearing higher cut swimsuits, massages, sex, etc., humiliating!
I have tried everything: Desitin, various powders, anti-perspirants (as I think sweat is the main cause), lotion, rubbing alcohol, Neutrogena body wash, Clearasil, and Retin A (which my doctor prescribed), to name just a few. In addition, I shower twice a day and always wear cotton panties. I've slept sans underwear, worn loose clothing, you name it — all in the name of getting "some air."
I've seen my regular doctor and a dermatologist about the problem and it still persists! What can I do?
Desperately embarr-ASS-ed
Dear Desperately embarr-ASS-ed,
Thanks for the pun, and sorry you're feeling so frustrated.
Your description sounds a lot like either folliculitis or boils. Both of these are tiny little pockets of infection, sort of similar to pimples. The difference between them is that folliculitis forms around the place where a hair sprouts (the hair follicle), while a boil is just freestanding. A cluster of boils is sometimes referred to as a "carbuncle." Bumps from boils or folliculitis can be filled with fluid or pus, or they can appear as red bumps that crop up around hair. These infections are usually caused by bacteria (often the staph type), although other microorganisms, such as yeast, are sometimes responsible.
When you notice these bumps, try placing a hot compress on them for 15 - 20 minutes at a time, three or four times a day, or sit in a nice hot bath. This can help them come to a head and drain, although it may take about a week for them to do so. Once the area is draining, put an antibiotic ointment over it and bandage the spot; reapply the ointment and rebandage it three or four times each day until it appears totally healed.
It's terribly tempting, but DON'T SQUEEZE them! You could drive the infection deeper, resulting in an even greater infection.
Keep the area clean by washing with an antibacterial soap. Dry the spot thoroughly (you might even consider using a blow dryer after washing). Wipe the region down with alcohol or an antiseptic solution, such as Betadine, to try to prevent the infection from spreading. Changing your clothes, sheets, towels, and washcloths daily and washing them in extremely hot water can also help prevent the infection from spreading.
If these measures don't improve your bumps, if you are getting more and more, if the "cysts" are located between your buttocks, if they are increasingly red and painful, or if you develop a fever or other symptoms, you may need to see your health care provider to have the bumps drained and to be placed on oral antibiotics.
Unfortunately, some people are prone to these kinds of "eruptions," and you may find them rearing their ugly heads on an occasional basis. Whenever they crop up, revert back to your plan of attack.
- Alice
Related Q&As
- Bumps on inner thighs? Warts? Molluscum?
- Boils
- What is a sebaceous cyst?
- Virgin worried about lump, sores, and boils on vagina
- What is a staph infection?
Go Ask Alice! is not an emergency or instant response service. If you are in an urgent situation, please click here to view a list of 24 hour support services and hotlines.
Red bumps on my butt keep rearing their ugly heads
