Hyperpigmentation on the Buttocks: What It Is and How to Get Rid of It
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
Hyperpigmentation is the abnormal darkening of the skin, often in patches. It mostly involves the face and limbs but can occur anywhere on the body, including between the buttocks. In most cases, the discoloration is nothing to worry about. In rare instances, changes in skin color and/or the appearance of dark spots may be a sign of skin cancer.
Learn more about the causes of hyperpigmentation of the buttocks, possible treatments, and when it's time to see a healthcare provider.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Skin tone is determined by a brown pigment called melanin that is produced by skin cells known as melanocytes. People with darker skin tones have more melanin, and those with pale skin tones have less.
When melanocytes produce too much melanin, that area of the skin will become darker than the surrounding skin. This is known as hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation of the buttocks is usually nothing to be concerned about. Unless there is an underlying health condition or the discoloration causes distress, treatment is not needed.
Related: Skin Discoloration Causes and Treatments
Common causes of hyperpigmentation include:
Solar Lentigo
Solar lentigo (also known as sun spots, age spots, or liver spots) are small, darkened patches found on the face, hands, and other sun-exposed areas of skin. Solar lentigo is caused by sun damage which increases the production of melanin.
Melasma
Melasma, also called chloasma, is associated with changes in female hormones, which can occur with pregnancy or hormonal contraceptives. It usually affects the face and is more common in people with darker skin tones.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the development of dark spots or patches after an inflammatory skin condition like acne.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere on the body but is common on the face. People with darker skin tones are more vulnerable to these changes.
Other Potentially Serious Causes
Less commonly, hyperpigmentation is due to more serious conditions such as:
Addison's disease (also known as adrenal insufficiency)
Autoimmune skin conditions such as psoriasis
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Hyperpigmentation that occurs with other skin symptoms should be checked out. In rare instances, the following may be warning signs of skin cancer:
A mole that changes in color, size, texture, or shape
A new spot on the skin
A small lesion with an irregular border and multiple colors
A painful lesion that itches or burns
A non-healing sore that bleeds or develops a crust
A wart-like growth
What Causes Skin Discoloration Between Buttocks?
Hyperpigmentation of the buttocks is common. The skin is not a uniform tone all over the body. It is not unusual for some areas of skin—such as the between the cheeks of the buttock—to be darker than others.
A common cause of hyperpigmentation in the buttocks area is irritation or inflammation. This is commonly caused by things like:
Folliculitis: Infection of the hair follicles, also known as "butt pimples"
Friction: Such as rubbing from clothing or skin on skin (especially in people with obesity)
Irritants: Including exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids and skincare products that cause allergy
To help reduce irritation:
Wear loose-fitting clothing.
Change and wash clothing after use, particularly swimsuits.
Use gentle products that don't irritate the skin.
Apply sunscreen to areas exposed to the sun.
Treatments for Hyperpigmentation
Treatment for hyperpigmentation is rarely necessary. Dark spots caused by conditions like folliculitis or psoriasis may fade away on their own once the underlying condition is treated.
Cosmetic treatments are available for people with hyperpigmentation who want to even out skin tones.
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.
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
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: The upper layer of skin is removed using chemicals like salicylic acid or glycolic acid.
Microdermabrasion: The top layer of skin is removed 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
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.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
