How to get ahead of acne on your bottom

Q: I have acne on my bottom. What is the best way to treat it?

A: In many ways, acne on your cheeks is the same as acne on your, um, "cheeks." It's basically a plugged-up hair follicle that gets inflamed.

You can start by washing with an acne wash in the shower. Benzoyl peroxide works well, and there are now prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide products available over the counter.

Benzoyl peroxide washes can be irritating, so don't overdo it. Start off with strengths of about 5 percent, but if you tolerate the 5 percent strength well, try 10 percent. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels and clothes, so be sure to rinse well. It might be a good idea to wear white undergarments and use white towels.

For people who don't have sensitive skin, antibacterial soaps also may help. They can be very harsh and may be too drying, especially in the winter, so again, don't overdo it.

Don't scrub your bottom. Scrubbing with a buff-puff or a washcloth can actually make your acne worse by rupturing the fragile acne bumps under the skin.

It's also not a good idea to use lotions or creams that clog pores. Cotton undergarments are best - they keep moisture, sweat, and dirt away from your pores.

Acne is a real medical condition that can be uncomfortable and painful. It may need more attention or possibly prescription- strength medications that keep pores from clogging. Acne that is not responsive to topical treatments may need oral medications, or can even be a sign of hormonal imbalances. It can be associated with other medical conditions, some of them serious.

See a dermatologist to get on the best acne treatment plan, especially if it's not getting better. - Dr. Mark Abdelmalek