Hyperpigmentation is the abnormal darkening of the skin.Skin discolorationtends to involve the face and limbs but can occur anywhere on the body, including the buttocks.
Althoughhyperpigmentationis usually nothing to worry about, it can in rare cases be a sign of a more serious condition, like diabetes or skin cancer. If the discoloration happens suddenly for no apparent reason, see your healthcare provider or ask for a referral to a skin specialist known as adermatologist.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
When melanocytes produce too much melanin, that area of the skin will become darker than the surrounding skin. This is known ashyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation can manifest in many different ways:
Based on these characteristics, a dermatologist can start to investigate the suspected causes.
Causes
In most cases, hyperpigmentation of the buttocks is not a cause for alarm. Some of the changes may be due to skin damage and natural aging which are harder to treat. Others may be the result of infections, environment, or acne that tend to be more treatable.
Friction Hypermelanosis
Friction hypermelanosisis the darkening of the skin due to friction. It is a condition commonly seen in occupations that involves excessive sitting for hours on end. This is often seen with long-distance truck drivers whose vehicles also create persistent vibrations.
The discoloration is mostly seen on the sitting bones on the buttocks. The friction combined with sweating and can lead to raw, inflamed skin between the buttocks.
Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricansis a condition in which dark, thickened, velvety skin develops in skin folds of the body. This includes under the breasts, in the armpits or groin, or in the folds of the neck, belly, and buttocks. People with obesity are most commonly affected but it is also seen in those withpolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)or uncontrolleddiabetes.
Solar Lentigo
Solar lentigo(also known as sunspots, age spots, or liver spots) are small, darkened patches found on the face, hands, and other sun-exposed areas of skin. When exposed to the sun, melanocytes will produce extra melanin to shield the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. With overexposure, the overproduction of melanin can lead to permanently darkened skin spots.
Solar lentigo is less common on the buttocks but may be seen in people who frequently sunbathe nude or have done so in the past.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentationis a condition associated withacnethat causes darkened patches or spots where an outbreak has healed. In severe cases, the darkened patches can lead to permanent scarring. People with darker skin tones are more commonly affected.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can affect any part of the body where acne has occurred, including the buttocks. People who wear tight-fitting pants, shave or wax their buttocks, or fail to shower after exercise are most likely to getbutt acne.
Folliculitis
Folliculitisis theinflammationof hair follicles which causes inflamed pimple-like bumps. Folliculitis can affect any part of the body but is most common in areas where you sweat heavily and experience excessive friction. These factors provide a bacteria calledStaphylococcus aureuswith the ideal opportunity to enter pores and establish a mild infection.
A specific type of folliculitis calledhot tub folliculitiscan happen if you spend time in hot tubs or pools populated with a bacteria known asPseudomonas aeruginosa.
Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilarisis a common and harmless skin condition that causes an area of reddish or skin-colored bumps. It develops when the protein that forms a protective layer on the skin (calledkeratin) builds up around pores.
Keratosis pilaris commonly affects the buttocks, backs of the upper arms, and fronts of the thighs. There is no specific cause for keratosis pilaris, although it is common in families. Keratosis pilaris tends to be at its worst during the adolescent and teen years before gradually fading over time.
Fungal Intertrigo
Fungal intertrigois an inflammatory fungal infection that occurs between skin folds as a result of friction, moisture, and lack of airflow. This can lead to the overgrowth of a type of fungus calledCandida albicanswhich also causes yeast infections.
Fungal intertrigo affects the same skin folds as acanthosis nigricans, causing an itchy or burning rash that is moist and glistening with a scaly border. Obesity and diabetes further add to the risk.
The friction within these folds, including between the buttocks, can also lead to rawness due not only to skin-to-skin rubbing but also to the trapping of moisture and heat in the folds.
Adult Diaper Dermatitis
Diaper dermatitis can cause generalized redness and rawness between the buttocks, along with tiny bumps, blisters, pimples, or sores on the skin.
When to See a Healthcare ProviderAny sudden skin changes on your buttocks or elsewhere on your body warrant investigation. In rare cases, the change may be awarning sign of skin cancer.Seek your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:A mole that changes in color, size, texture, or shapeA new spot on the skin that wasn’t there beforeA skin lesion with an irregular border and multiple colorsA non-healing sore that bleeds or develops a crustA sudden cauliflower- or wart-like growth
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Any sudden skin changes on your buttocks or elsewhere on your body warrant investigation. In rare cases, the change may be awarning sign of skin cancer.Seek your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:A mole that changes in color, size, texture, or shapeA new spot on the skin that wasn’t there beforeA skin lesion with an irregular border and multiple colorsA non-healing sore that bleeds or develops a crustA sudden cauliflower- or wart-like growth
Any sudden skin changes on your buttocks or elsewhere on your body warrant investigation. In rare cases, the change may be awarning sign of skin cancer.
Seek your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
Treatments for Hyperpigmentation
Gentle Skin Care
Gentle skin care aids with healing from conditions like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, folliculitis, intertrigo, and diaper dermatitis. It can also reduce inflammation that can make keratosis pilaris and friction hypermelanosis worse.
Gentle skin care practices include the following:
Skin Lightening Products
Over-the-counterskin-lightening productscontain one or more of the following ingredients:
It’s important to consult your healthcare provider before using any skin lightener, especially on delicate skin. Discontinue use if there is any burning, pain, or rash.
You can also ask your healthcare provider about a prescription skin lightener.Hydroquinone, the active ingredient in most prescription skin-lightening creams, reduces melanin production. It is used for a short time as the long-term use can affect fertility and cause clouding of the eyes.
There is also some evidence of a link between hydroquinone and skin cancer, prompting some countries to ban the product.
How Long Do Skin Lighteners Take?Spots that are a few shades darker than the natural skin color generally fade in six to 12 months. Discoloration within deeper layers of the skin may take years to fade.
How Long Do Skin Lighteners Take?
Spots that are a few shades darker than the natural skin color generally fade in six to 12 months. Discoloration within deeper layers of the skin may take years to fade.
Cosmetic Procedures
Home Remedies
More research is needed, but studies suggest that some natural treatments show promise in the treatment of hyperpigmentation, including:
Summary
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hyperpigmentation.Wollina U, Tchernev G, Lotti T.Frictional dermatosis in a courier driver.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2017 Jul 20;5(4):541–542. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2017.108American Academy of Dermatology.Acanthosis nigricans: signs and symptoms.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Lentigines.Chaowattanapanit S, Silpa-Archa N, Kohli I, Lim HW, Hamzavi I.Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation - a comprehensive overview: treatment options and prevention.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;77(4):607-621. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.01.036Sun KI, Chang JM.Special types of folliculitis which should be differentiated from acne.Dermatoendocrinol. 2017 Sep 27;9(1):e1356519. doi:10.1080/19381980.2017.1356519Guida M, Di Onofrio V, Gallè F, et al.Pseudomonas aeruginosa in swimming pool water: evidences and perspectives for a new control strategy.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2016;13(9):919. doi:10.3390/ijerph13090919Schmitt JV, Lima BZ, Souza MC, Miot HA.Keratosis pilaris and prevalence of acne vulgaris: a cross-sectional study.An Bras Dermatol.2014;89(1):91-5. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142399Metin A, Dilek N, Bilgili SG.Recurrent candidal intertrigo: challenges and solutions.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:175-185. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S127841Johns Hopkins Medicine.Diaper dermatitis.MD Anderson Cancer Center.Skin cancer symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.Owolabi JO, Fabiyi OS, Adelakin LA, Ekwerike MC.Effects of skin lightening cream agents – hydroquinone and kojic acid, on the skin of adult female experimental rats.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol2020;13:283–289. doi:10.2147/CCID.S233185American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to fade dark spots in skin of color.Beigvand HH, Razzaghi M, Rostami-Nejad M, et al.Assessment of laser effects on skin rejuvenation.J Lasers Med Sci. 2020 Mar 15;11(2):212–219. doi:10.34172/jlms.2020.35American Academy of Dermatology Association.Chemical peels: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Microdermabrasion overview.American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.Cryosurgery.Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? A systematic review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):28-37.
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hyperpigmentation.Wollina U, Tchernev G, Lotti T.Frictional dermatosis in a courier driver.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2017 Jul 20;5(4):541–542. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2017.108American Academy of Dermatology.Acanthosis nigricans: signs and symptoms.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Lentigines.Chaowattanapanit S, Silpa-Archa N, Kohli I, Lim HW, Hamzavi I.Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation - a comprehensive overview: treatment options and prevention.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;77(4):607-621. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.01.036Sun KI, Chang JM.Special types of folliculitis which should be differentiated from acne.Dermatoendocrinol. 2017 Sep 27;9(1):e1356519. doi:10.1080/19381980.2017.1356519Guida M, Di Onofrio V, Gallè F, et al.Pseudomonas aeruginosa in swimming pool water: evidences and perspectives for a new control strategy.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2016;13(9):919. doi:10.3390/ijerph13090919Schmitt JV, Lima BZ, Souza MC, Miot HA.Keratosis pilaris and prevalence of acne vulgaris: a cross-sectional study.An Bras Dermatol.2014;89(1):91-5. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142399Metin A, Dilek N, Bilgili SG.Recurrent candidal intertrigo: challenges and solutions.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:175-185. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S127841Johns Hopkins Medicine.Diaper dermatitis.MD Anderson Cancer Center.Skin cancer symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.Owolabi JO, Fabiyi OS, Adelakin LA, Ekwerike MC.Effects of skin lightening cream agents – hydroquinone and kojic acid, on the skin of adult female experimental rats.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol2020;13:283–289. doi:10.2147/CCID.S233185American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to fade dark spots in skin of color.Beigvand HH, Razzaghi M, Rostami-Nejad M, et al.Assessment of laser effects on skin rejuvenation.J Lasers Med Sci. 2020 Mar 15;11(2):212–219. doi:10.34172/jlms.2020.35American Academy of Dermatology Association.Chemical peels: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Microdermabrasion overview.American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.Cryosurgery.Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? A systematic review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):28-37.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hyperpigmentation.Wollina U, Tchernev G, Lotti T.Frictional dermatosis in a courier driver.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2017 Jul 20;5(4):541–542. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2017.108American Academy of Dermatology.Acanthosis nigricans: signs and symptoms.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Lentigines.Chaowattanapanit S, Silpa-Archa N, Kohli I, Lim HW, Hamzavi I.Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation - a comprehensive overview: treatment options and prevention.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;77(4):607-621. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.01.036Sun KI, Chang JM.Special types of folliculitis which should be differentiated from acne.Dermatoendocrinol. 2017 Sep 27;9(1):e1356519. doi:10.1080/19381980.2017.1356519Guida M, Di Onofrio V, Gallè F, et al.Pseudomonas aeruginosa in swimming pool water: evidences and perspectives for a new control strategy.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2016;13(9):919. doi:10.3390/ijerph13090919Schmitt JV, Lima BZ, Souza MC, Miot HA.Keratosis pilaris and prevalence of acne vulgaris: a cross-sectional study.An Bras Dermatol.2014;89(1):91-5. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142399Metin A, Dilek N, Bilgili SG.Recurrent candidal intertrigo: challenges and solutions.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:175-185. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S127841Johns Hopkins Medicine.Diaper dermatitis.MD Anderson Cancer Center.Skin cancer symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.Owolabi JO, Fabiyi OS, Adelakin LA, Ekwerike MC.Effects of skin lightening cream agents – hydroquinone and kojic acid, on the skin of adult female experimental rats.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol2020;13:283–289. doi:10.2147/CCID.S233185American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to fade dark spots in skin of color.Beigvand HH, Razzaghi M, Rostami-Nejad M, et al.Assessment of laser effects on skin rejuvenation.J Lasers Med Sci. 2020 Mar 15;11(2):212–219. doi:10.34172/jlms.2020.35American Academy of Dermatology Association.Chemical peels: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Microdermabrasion overview.American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.Cryosurgery.Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? A systematic review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):28-37.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hyperpigmentation.
Wollina U, Tchernev G, Lotti T.Frictional dermatosis in a courier driver.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2017 Jul 20;5(4):541–542. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2017.108
American Academy of Dermatology.Acanthosis nigricans: signs and symptoms.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Lentigines.
Chaowattanapanit S, Silpa-Archa N, Kohli I, Lim HW, Hamzavi I.Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation - a comprehensive overview: treatment options and prevention.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;77(4):607-621. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.01.036
Sun KI, Chang JM.Special types of folliculitis which should be differentiated from acne.Dermatoendocrinol. 2017 Sep 27;9(1):e1356519. doi:10.1080/19381980.2017.1356519
Guida M, Di Onofrio V, Gallè F, et al.Pseudomonas aeruginosa in swimming pool water: evidences and perspectives for a new control strategy.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2016;13(9):919. doi:10.3390/ijerph13090919
Schmitt JV, Lima BZ, Souza MC, Miot HA.Keratosis pilaris and prevalence of acne vulgaris: a cross-sectional study.An Bras Dermatol.2014;89(1):91-5. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142399
Metin A, Dilek N, Bilgili SG.Recurrent candidal intertrigo: challenges and solutions.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:175-185. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S127841
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Diaper dermatitis.
MD Anderson Cancer Center.Skin cancer symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.
Owolabi JO, Fabiyi OS, Adelakin LA, Ekwerike MC.Effects of skin lightening cream agents – hydroquinone and kojic acid, on the skin of adult female experimental rats.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol2020;13:283–289. doi:10.2147/CCID.S233185
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to fade dark spots in skin of color.
Beigvand HH, Razzaghi M, Rostami-Nejad M, et al.Assessment of laser effects on skin rejuvenation.J Lasers Med Sci. 2020 Mar 15;11(2):212–219. doi:10.34172/jlms.2020.35
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Chemical peels: overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Microdermabrasion overview.
American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.Cryosurgery.
Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? A systematic review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):28-37.
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