What Causes Skin Discoloration Between the Buttocks? (2024)

Hyperpigmentation is the abnormal darkening of the skin. Skin discoloration tends to involve the face and limbs but can occur anywhere on the body, including the buttocks.

Although hyperpigmentation is 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 a dermatologist.

What Is Hyperpigmentation?

Skin tone is determined by a brownish pigment called melanin that is produced by skin cells known as melanocytes. Based on a person's genetics, melanocytes will produce more melanin in people with darker skin tones and less melanin in those with lighter skin tones.

When melanocytes produce too much melanin, that area of the skin will become darker than the surrounding skin. This is known as hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation can manifest in many different ways:

• The change in skin color can happen quickly or slowly.
• The discoloration may affect large areas of skin or develop in patches or spots.
• The discoloration may be generalized and diffuse or localized with clearly defined borders.
• The discoloration may be accompanied by changes in skin texture.
• The discoloration may be irregular or smooth.
• The area of discoloration may be raised or flat.

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 hypermelanosis is 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.

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 with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or uncontrolled diabetes.

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 hyperpigmentation is a condition associated with acne that 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 get butt acne.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is the inflammation of 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 called Staphylococcus aureuswith the ideal opportunity to enter pores and establish a mild infection.

A specific type of folliculitis called hot tub folliculitis can happen if you spend time in hot tubs or pools populated with a bacteria known asPseudomonas aeruginosa.

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is 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 (called keratin) 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 intertrigo is 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 called Candida albicans which 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

Adult Diaper Dermatitis

Diaper dermatitis, also known as diaper rash, is a common skin condition caused by prolonged skin exposure to stool or urine. Although it is commonly associated with babies, adults with poor bladder or bowel control are also affected. This is especially true of elderly people with incontinence who need assistance with toileting and bathing.

Diaper dermatitis can cause generalized skin redness on and between the buttocks, along with tiny bumps, blisters, pimples, or sores on the skin.

Treatments for Hyperpigmentation

Treatment for hyperpigmentation is rarely necessary. Dark spots caused by conditions like folliculitis or fungal intertrigo may fade away on their own once the underlying condition is treated. Cosmetic treatments are also available for people with hyperpigmentation who want to even out skin tones.

Gentle Skin Care

Gentle skin care aids with healing from condtions 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:

• Wearing loose-fitting clothing, including breathable underwear
• Changing and washing clothes after use, including exercise clothes and swimsuits
• Practice good hygiene, showering or bathing regularly with gentle soaps
• Moisturizing the skin after bathing with a light, fragrance-free emollient lotion
• Applying sunscreen to areas exposed to the sun
• Having extra incontinence pads or underwear to change into if needed
• Having gentle baby wipes on hand to clean yourself if you accidentally soil yourself
  

Skin Lightening Products

Over-the-counter skin-lightening products contain one or more of the following ingredients:

• Azelaic acid
  
• Glycolic acid
  
• Kojic acid
  
• Retinoids (like retinol, tretinoin, adapalene gel, or tazarotene)
  
• Vitamin C

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.

Cosmetic Procedures

There are several procedures performed by dermatologists that can help treat skin hyperpigmentation:

• Laser treatment: This is the removal of the upper layer of skin using focused light energy.
• Chemical peel: This is the removal of the upper layer of skin using chemicals like salicylic acid or glycolic acid.
• Microdermabrasion: This is the removal of the top layer of skin using a machine that physically abrades the skin or sprays fine crystals through a handheld wand.
• Cryosurgery: This is the freezing and fading of dark spots with liquid nitrogen.
  

Home Remedies

More research is needed, but studies suggest that some natural treatments show promise in the treatment of hyperpigmentation, including:

• Green tea
• Mulberry
• Licorice extract
• Vitamin C
• Soy extract
  

Summary

Hyperpigmentation in the buttocks area is common and usually harmless. While treatments are available, they can be timely, costly, and have side effects. If you are bothered by the look of hyperpigmentation, speak with your healthcare provider or dermatologist about the benefits and risks of skin-lightening products or procedures.