What Causes a Rash on the Butt?

A rash on the buttocks can arise from multiple sources. It might be triggered by an allergic reaction, a virus, a fungal or bacterial infection, or another medical issue.

A rash is any patch of irritated or inflamed skin. They commonly itch and hurt and can present differently depending on skin tone. While many rashes are described as red, on darker skin they can appear purple, gray, or white.

Rashes may also produce:

• bumps
• blisters
• fluid drainage
• scaly or crusted areas

Skin rashes typically signal an underlying problem, such as viral or fungal infections, or allergic reactions.

Most buttock rashes resolve without intervention, but some persist and need medical treatment. Read on to learn about the various rashes that can affect the buttocks.

Causes of buttock rashes

Rashes on the buttocks can result from irritation, infections, viruses, allergies, or other health conditions. Below are common causes of a rash in the buttock area:

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a frequent type of rash that develops when the skin touches a substance that irritates or triggers an allergic response. Some contact dermatitis reactions appear right away, while others take time to develop.

There are two varieties: allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Typical symptoms for both include:

• swelling
• intense itching
• dry, scaly, or cracked skin
• bumps and blisters
• oozing, crusted areas
• pain, burning, or tenderness

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Atopic dermatitis, commonly called eczema, is a chronic condition that causes dry, itchy skin.

Atopic dermatitis is the most frequent form of eczema and is often simply referred to as eczema. It’s common in infants and children but can begin at any stage of life.

Symptoms may include:

• dry, itchy patches
• skin that oozes clear fluid when scratched
• crusty, scaly skin
• areas that swell and itch more after scratching
• on lighter skin tones, redness; on darker skin tones, patches may be red, pink, magenta, or darker than the surrounding skin

Heat rash

Heat rash is a common irritation that causes prickling, stinging, and small bumps. You may feel prickly or itchy and notice tiny pimples. It’s most common in hot, humid weather but can occur whenever you sweat heavily.

On lighter skin, heat rash may look red; on darker skin, it might appear as gray or white dots.

When sweat becomes trapped beneath the skin, it can block pores and form small pimples. Heat rash often appears where skin rubs against skin, such as along the butt crack or inner thighs.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a viral infection that can cause rash-like lesions on the buttocks, anus, or thighs. Herpes spreads through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, or anal contact.

Rash symptoms start where the virus entered the body but can spread with scratching. Signs may include:

• pain or itching in the genital or anal region
• small discolored bumps of varying sizes
• small fluid-filled blisters
• ulcers from burst blisters that may ooze or bleed
• scabs forming as ulcers heal

Keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris results from a buildup of keratin, a protective skin protein.

In keratosis pilaris, keratin creates plugs that block hair follicles, producing rough, sandpaper-like patches. Tiny red bumps can develop on the buttocks, usually without pain.

Shingles

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant for years and reactivate later in life, typically producing a painful, one-sided rash.

A shingles rash can include:

• numbness, burning, pain, or tingling
• tenderness to touch
• discoloration (red on lighter skin; similar to or darker than surrounding skin on darker tones)
• blisters that rupture and leave crusted areas
• itchiness

Fatigue, general malaise, and fever may also occur.

Intertrigo

Intertrigo is a rash that develops in skin folds. Friction where skin rubs against skin creates a warm, moist setting ideal for fungal and bacterial growth.

The area between the buttocks (butt crack) is a common site for intertrigo, which can become raw, itchy, and painful. It may be red or reddish-brown; in severe cases the skin can crack, bleed, and emit a foul odor.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder. In psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly targets skin cells, causing them to multiply quickly and thicken.

People with psoriasis often have flares interspersed with remission periods when symptoms lessen.

Appearance varies by skin tone: on fair skin it appears pink or red with silvery-white scales; on medium tones it may look salmon-colored with silvery scales; on darker skin it can appear violet or dark brown with grayish scales and may be harder to spot.

Ringworm (jock itch)

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect different body areas.

It affects people of all ages. Named for the circular rash it produces, it’s called jock itch when on the groin or athlete’s foot when on the feet.

Symptoms include:

• on lighter skin, red, flaky, or scaly patches; on darker skin, gray or brown discoloration
• a ring-shaped circular rash
• scaly or cracked skin
• possible hair loss

Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus most often affects the genital and anal regions but can occur elsewhere.

It’s most common in postmenopausal people but can affect any age or sex.

Symptoms include:

• smooth, shiny white patches
• bruising, scaling, or fissuring
• thin, wrinkled skin that tears easily
• bleeding and blistering
• itching and pain
• pain with urination, intercourse, or bowel movements

Folliculitis

Pimples on the butt are often mistaken for typical acne but actually arise from inflamed hair follicles rather than clogged facial pores. They form in obstructed hair follicles.

Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become infected after irritation, often from friction or shaving. Small, painful bumps on the butt or groin that may contain pus can indicate folliculitis.

Candida (yeast) skin infection

Candida is a fungus that commonly infects warm, moist skin areas like the buttocks and groin. It’s the leading cause of diaper rash in both infants and adults.

Those with diabetes, obesity, or recent antibiotic use are more susceptible. Yeast skin infections can affect people of any age or sex.

Symptoms include:

• intense itching
• a spreading reddish rash
• small red bumps resembling pimples

Moisture

Individuals with bladder or bowel control issues may develop buttock rashes. This is especially common in people who wear diapers, are immobile, or remain in wheelchairs for extended periods.

Excess moisture in the buttock fold and groin fosters bacterial and fungal overgrowth. Incontinence-associated dermatitis signs include:

• discoloration and irritation
• peeling
• a bumpy rash
• raw, sore skin

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Home remedies

Several natural and herbal approaches can offer quick relief and, in some cases, help treat a buttock rash.

Common home remedies

Home-based treatments for rashes can include:

• tea tree oil
• German chamomile tea
• fragrance-free moisturizers
• coconut oil
• colloidal oatmeal
• aloe vera
• witch hazel
• honey

How is eczema on the buttocks treated?

Treatment for a buttock rash depends on the cause. Some conditions respond to over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, while others require prescription medications from a clinician.

Over-the-counter options

OTC treatments may include:

• hydrocortisone cream
• antifungal creams and ointments
• antibiotic creams and ointments
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• antihistamines

Prescription treatments

Prescription options for rash care include:

• Steroid creams or ointments: to reduce itching and inflammation for many rashes
• Corticosteroid ointments or creams: lichen sclerosus may require prolonged use to prevent recurrence
• Oral steroids: for severe inflammatory reactions
• Oral antibiotics: to treat bacterial infections
• Immunomodulators: to prevent immune overreaction in severe allergic contact dermatitis
• Topical antibiotic creams: for bacterial issues such as intertrigo, folliculitis, and incontinence-associated dermatitis
• Topical antifungals: for fungal infections like intertrigo, yeast infections, and ringworm
• Oral antivirals: can shorten and lessen shingles outbreaks
• Retinoid creams: can reduce inflammation and may help with psoriasis and lichen sclerosus
• Systemic immune-modifying drugs: for severe psoriasis to diminish symptoms

Prevention of buttock rashes

Prevention strategies vary by the type of rash, and some rashes are harder to prevent than others.

Tips to reduce the risk of developing a buttock rash include:

• Use fragrance-free laundry detergents.
• Choose a mild, soap-free, fragrance-free cleanser.
• Avoid wool and other scratchy fabrics.
• Wear loose clothing to minimize friction.
• Apply a gentle moisturizer regularly.
• Use a moisture barrier ointment like petroleum jelly to reduce friction.
• Consider antiperspirants to limit excess moisture, but be aware deodorants can sometimes cause allergic reactions.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and known irritants.
• Shower and change into clean clothes after exercise.
• Don’t reuse sweaty garments left in gym bags.

Frequently asked questions

Is eczema common on the buttocks?

Eczema that affects the buttocks is referred to as perianal dermatitis. It’s among the conditions that can involve the rectal area.

What leads to rashes on the buttocks?

A buttock rash can result from exposure to an irritant, allergen, or virus. Examples include heat rash, contact dermatitis, and genital herpes. Rashes may also indicate underlying conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or shingles.

How is eczema on the buttocks managed?

Treating eczema of the buttocks often combines OTC and prescription therapies, which may be topical, oral, or injectable. Treatments can include antifungals, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and immunomodulators. A healthcare provider can design the most appropriate plan.

What causes a dry, rough patch on the buttocks?

A dry, rough area on the buttocks could signal eczema, contact dermatitis, or psoriasis.

Takeaway

Numerous conditions can cause a buttock rash, but many natural and OTC measures exist to provide relief. If a rash persists or worsens, consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment.