According to dermatologist Tiina Meder, also founder of Meder Beauty Science, these bumps are brought on when blood and lymphatic circulation is disrupted by constant contact with surfaces and sitting for an extended amount of time.
Lifestyle causes
Accumulation of sweat and staying in clothes one has sweated in creates a reaction with bacteria means that the mixture is going to get into the pores causing irritation and blockage.
Wearing tight clothes of the non-breathable fabrics like polyester also traps sweat and bacteria leading to skin irritation.
And lastly, having thick or coarse body hair makes one more prone to these pimples. Body lotions and creams can also contribute to pores blockage and inflammation.
Are bum spots similar to other spots?
Bum spots are a little different from acne elsewhere on the body. Acne is caused by excess sebum being trapped in the skin pores, and its causes range from hormonal to genetics. For bum acne, the cause is usually folliculitis, where dead skin cells and bacteria become trapped in the hair follicles.
How to deal with bum spots
The first reaction to bum spots is usually to get rid of them as soon as possible, but do not rush to do this.
Start with doing some lifestyle adjustments like standing up and moving frequently whenever you get the chance to improve blood circulation.
Forego tight wear like leggings and synthetic fabrics like jeans and jeggings. Keep gym wear to a minimum, if you can't forego it, but also shower immediately after working out.
What to do when you get bum spots
1. Do not squeeze
Squeezing will lead to inflammation and exacerbate the condition, making it harder to cure in the long run.
2. Use a chemical exfoliator
Abandon body brushes, scrubs and exfoliators for chemical exfoliators including glycolic or salicylic acid. Scrubs and brushes can easily aggravate the rash leading to microtrauma that might bring about a secondary infection. They can also destroy the protective barrier of the skin and make it susceptible to infection from environmental toxins.
Chemical exfoliator also usually contains Aloe Vera, which is a good soothing agent for irritated skin. Glycolic acid is more potent in penetrating the skin more deeply to unclog the pores.
3. The towel trick
Try this technique, just before showering: sit on a hot damp towel to open up the pores. This will prepare that body for deep cleansing. Wash thoroughly to remove excess conditioner and shampoo which might make the rash worse.
How to prevent spots from coming back
1. Let your backside breathe
A sedentary lifestyle means that your bottom will be pressed to a chair for hours a day meaning that they are suffocating most of the time.
If you can't set an alarm to remind you to walk around, wear more breathable clothes and fabric. Go for loose fitting clothes during workouts.
2. Rinse immediately after exercise
Get out of gym clothes as soon as you are done exercising. Take a shower and wash your gym wear after each use.
3. Use lightweight ingredients for your skincare
Rich products easily clog pores, so avoid thick lotions. Avoid mineral oil, coconut oil, lanolin and butter-looking body lotions.
4. Hair removal
Because bum acne is mostly caused by clogging of hair follicles, the more hair you have, the more susceptible you are to get the rash. However, be careful because shaving might make them worse by making it easier for bacteria to enter.