Rashes can appear anywhere on the body, including the butt. Rashes can be painful or itchy and lead to blisters and raw skin in some cases. Treatment will depend on the cause of a person’s butt rash.

Many things from a heat rash to allergies and sexually transmitted infections can cause rashes on the buttocks.

Some rashes may respond well to home remedies while others may need medical attention.

This article lists some potential causes of rashes in adults. It also looks at some over-the-counter (OTC) treatment options and natural remedies, followed by when a person should contact a doctor.

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Adults may experience butt rashes caused by any of the following:

  • Heat rash: Also called prickly heat, this rash appears when the sweat glands become blocked and the sweat is unable to get out. A person will develop small, itchy bumps during hot weather. These bumps can burst, causing a prickly sensation.
  • Tinea cruris: A person may also refer to tinea cruris as jock itch. It is a fungal infection that causes an itchy rash to develop down the inner thigh, lower abdomen, and pubic area. It can also affect the perineum and buttocks.
  • Candida: Candida is a fungus that lives on the skin and causes yeast infections. Yeast infections may cause intense itching and a spreading rash.
  • Contact dermatitis: This itchy, burning, or stinging rash is inflammation of the skin that develops as a result of direct contact with an irritant or allergen.
  • Incontinence: Rashes thrive and develop in warm moist areas. Often, adults who deal with incontinence can develop incontinence-related irritation and raw skin. This is a type of irritant contact dermatitis.
  • Atopic dermatitis: Also known as eczema, this causes dry skin that tends to be itchier at night.
  • Psoriasis: This is a condition that causes skin cells to build up and form itchy dry patches or scales.
  • Intertrigo: This is an inflammatory condition most commonly found in skin folds. It tends to be accompanied by or worsened by an infection.
  • Acne: Acne that forms on the buttocks is often different from the acne found on the rest of the body. An infection in the hair follicles from shaving or general friction (folliculitis) causes acne on the butt.
  • Shingles: This viral infection is related to chickenpox and causes a severe itchy rash on one side of the body. Shingles normally affects older adults who have had chickenpox. It usually develops on the face or body, but it can also develop on the buttocks.
  • Genital herpes: This common sexually transmitted virus causes rash-like symptoms around the genitals and anus.

General symptoms of a rash on the buttocks rash include the following:

  • inflamed, irritated skin on the butt cheeks or around the anus
  • acne-like lesions on the butt cheeks
  • small, inflamed bumps or dots on the skin
  • itching that is not relieved by scratching
  • sore, painful areas of skin around the buttocks
  • painful or itchy skin around the anus
  • scaly patches of skin on the butt cheeks
  • crusty or leaky blisters, bumps, or pustules

A doctor may suggest one of the following medical treatments:

  • steroid creams to relieve swelling and itching
  • oral steroids to reduce swelling and inflammation of severe rashes
  • oral antibiotics for rashes caused by bacterial infections
  • prescription-strength antibiotic creams for intertrigo and infections resulting from incontinence
  • prescription-strength antifungal medications for yeast infections, jock itch, and other rashes caused by fungal infections
  • retinoid creams for reducing inflammation and treating rashes from psoriasis
  • antiviral medications to reduce the duration and severity of butt rashes from shingles or herpes
  • drugs, such as immunomodulators and others that alter the immune system, may treat rashes due to allergens or severe psoriasis
  • prescription vitamin D and methotrexate may be used for psoriasis

To relieve an itchy rash, a person can try the following:

  • apply a cold, wet compress to the skin for approximately 10 minutes
  • moisturize the skin using products that do not contain additives, perfumes, or fragrances
  • apply OTC topical anesthetics
  • apply cooling agents, such as calamine lotion

Other OTC options include:

  • antihistamines to relieve allergic reactions
  • hydrocortisone creams to relieve itching
  • antifungal creams and sprays to relieve fungal rashes
  • anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain and swelling

Natural rash remedies include the following:

  • Coconut oil: Applying coconut oil to areas of atopic dermatitis reduces symptoms and irritation, studies show.
  • Oatmeal: Applying an oatmeal paste or soaking in an oatmeal bath may help relieve the itching.
  • Honey: Manuka honey has antimicrobial properties that may promote skin healing and tissue repair for atopic dermatitis.
  • Chamomile tea compresses: Using compresses soaked in chamomile tea on a rash may help ease the discomfort.
  • Aloe vera: Aloe vera can treat a wide range of skin conditions due to its cooling, soothing, and moisturizing properties.

People should seek a doctor’s care for their rash if it does not respond to at-home or OTC treatments.

Additionally, someone with a rash on their buttocks needs to consult a doctor if their rash meets any of the following criteria:

  • spreads over a large area of the body
  • it is accompanied by fever
  • the rash starts or spreads suddenly and quickly
  • there are blisters on the genital or anal areas
  • the rash oozes yellow or green fluid
  • there are streaks coming from the rash
  • pain accompanies the rash

Some rashes on the buttocks may be preventable; however, others may not. People can prevent the risk of developing a rash on the buttocks by following these tips:

  • practice good hygiene, including having regular showers and wiping well after using the bathroom
  • change underwear regularly
  • use gentle, fragrance-free detergents and body washes
  • avoid itchy fabrics, including wool and some synthetics
  • shower and change clothing after exercising or sweating heavily
  • wear loose clothing to prevent rashes from friction
  • consider using antiperspirants to reduce moisture
  • keep the buttocks and genital area clean and dry

There are many types of rash that can develop on the buttocks. Examples include heat rash, acne, dermatitis, and genital herpes. A rash can cause itching or irritation, inflamed bumps or dots on the skin, scaly patches, or blisters.

A person can treat a rash on the buttocks using OTC ointments or remedies. However, some rashes require medical treatment.

If a rash does not resolve after using home remedies, a person should contact a doctor to diagnose the underlying cause.