Hot yoga, also known as Bikram yoga, is practiced in studios across the country that are as hot as 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The practice is meant to loosen your muscles for a deeper and more intensive stretch. Not for beginners, hot yoga also has a variety of side effects, mostly relating to the heat of the studio as it pertains to sweating and dehydration. But you may also notice that your skin feels itchy and irritated after a hot yoga session. By understanding the cause, you can avoid the sensation in the future so as not to disrupt your practice or progress.
Sweating It Out
In the hot and moist environment of most hot yoga studios, you're bound to sweat profusely for the entire 60 to 90 minute yoga session. Your sweat is made up of both water and salt. When the sweat dries on your skin after class, the salt is left there to irritate sensitive skin. This can make you feel itchy and comfortable, particularly if you don't shower directly after class. Unfortunately, sweating is one of the main goals for a hot yoga class, so you'll need to address your skin rather than the actual sweating.
Yoga Mat Irritation
Yoga mats are commonly made from synthetic materials, including PVC or latex. If you have a skin sensitivity to certain synthetic products, you may find that the areas of your body that come in contact with the mat become red, itchy and prone to rash by the end of class. Similarly, a dirty mat or sharing mats with several people can allow bacteria to penetrate the skin, leading to redness and irritation. A clean, natural mat will help to keep your skin clean and irritation free.
Itch Treatment
If you notice that your skin is itchy and irritated after hot yoga, take a shower. This helps to remove any salt residue left from sweat that can make you feel itchy. After your shower, add a moisturizer to help hydrate dehydrated skin. If the itchiness is bothering you, slather on a hydrocortisone-based cream to help soothe the need to itch. Itchy skin can also be the result of dehydration after losing so much sweat in class, so keep a water bottle handy in the studio and drink often -- at least 7 to 10 oz. for every 10 to 20 minutes in the studio.
Itch Prevention
If your itchy skin is a reaction with a synthetic yoga mat, switch to one made from natural ingredients. You can find bamboo or woven unbleached cotton mats at yoga supply and athletic supply stores. Keeping your mat clean and germ free can also help avoid reactions. Always use your own mat and wash with a solution of 2 cups of water and four drops of any dish soap. Spray the mixture over the mat and mop up with a damp sponge or cloth. Allow to air dry before you use the mat again.
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