Scabs/Rough Patches on knees

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

Author

Posts
gummisteph
Participant

May 12, 2009 at 4:06 am

Post count: 41

#1428

I have only been to probably 12 or so classes, but I’m hooked. Within the past couple of days, however, I noticed that I’m getting these really ugly scabs/rough patches on both of my knees! I assume its from the poses on the knees (turtle, rabbit, camel). Is this just a sacrifice I’m going to have to make for the great body I get from bikram? Does this mean I’m doing something wrong, or should I invest in a more heavily padded mat? My mat right now is very thin, because I haven’t been able to afford a better one yet.

Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
Forum Owner

May 12, 2009 at 6:43 am

Post count: 3048

#4795

Hi gummisteph

I would love to know how many thousands of hot yogis have this problem. I used to have little rough patches on my knees, and sometimes under my chin and even on the tops of my feet!

I haven’t had them for ages though. It could be your towel or practicing on a hard floor (rough carpet) with a thin mat. I haven’t yet completed the renovations in our new home studio so I still have carpet and underlay in there. I am sure that makes a difference (for padding I mean – as I would not recommend underlay and carpet for a studio if you can avoid it). You could simply be creating friction in areas of your body that are not used to having that sort of ‘attention’. This is why I think it disappears over time.

Buying a thicker mat may help you but I can’t guarantee that. You do have to be careful with mats that are too thick because they can be destabilizing. Maximum 6mm for a yoga mat and you should be able to find a really inexpensive one at a department store.

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

artwednesday
Participant

May 12, 2009 at 11:21 pm

Post count: 42

#4796

I have seen inexpensive Yoga mats at places such as Ross, TJMAX and Marshalls.

Don’t sweat the irritated areas, think of it like you’re being forged in the fire. You just have to develop callusses and you’ll be fine! Just like grandamas sewing fingers =)Haaa!

bonmar
Participant

May 13, 2009 at 2:05 am

Post count: 220

#4797

I’ve had rough skin under my chin and on the tops of my feet for eight years. ha! Small price to pay for all the fabulous stuff I get from hot yoga.

yogalifer
Participant

May 16, 2009 at 9:56 pm

Post count: 106

#4823

I was recently getting a microdermabrasion treatment and the aesthetician was confused about the dry, rough, dark patch under my chin. I explained that it was from yoga and she was still confused. I’ve had this spot under my chin for about six months now. It doesn’t bother me a bit. It is well worth it to get the benefits of hot yoga. 🙂

hotinthevalley
Participant

July 26, 2009 at 12:16 am

Post count: 6

#5248

This is a funny topic, especially given the fact that I have the same issue! I guess I hadn’t really made the connection. I live in the mountains where things are very dry to begin with. My boyfriend had begun to refer to them as stigmata as well! I agree with the post that it is a small price to pay for all of the benefits I have gained. I’ll wear them as my Badge of Honor now 🙂

Addicted
Participant

July 26, 2009 at 9:53 pm

Post count: 11

#5252

My instructors also told me that it means I am doing the poses right. I commented on my other thread that I have been applying aquaphor at least 5x a day to the affected areas and before and during class. The patches are now disappearing! I’ll wear my body as a badge of honor, not ugly old gangrene-looking patches lol!!!
Author

Posts