Hot yoga is done in a steamy room, typically at temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A prolonged session is likely to make you sweat and might leave your skin itching afterward. It most cases home treatment is appropriate, but some simple tweaks to your hot yoga routine may help reduce or prevent itchy skin when you're done. If itching gets worse or doesn't respond to treatment, contact your doctor.
Causes
In many cases, sweating during hot yoga causes itchy skin after a session when your body dries. Sweat contains salt, which may irritate your skin if it sits there for too long after yoga. Failing to wash your mat after hot yoga may result in a buildup of germs and bacteria that cause irritation and itchy skin. Sweating profusely during hot yoga depletes your body’s store of fluids. Forgetting to drink water before, during and after a session may leave you dehydrated, which can produce itchy skin as well.
Treatment
Treat itchy skin after yoga with over-the-counter products, which will be sufficient in most cases. Apply hydrocortisone cream to the affected areas to seal in moisture and relieve itching. For more severe cases, take an antihistamine to help counteract your body's reaction to skin irritants. If itching persists, apply cool, wet cloths to the area and avoid highly textured clothing. If you contract an itchy skin rash due to bacteria growth on your yoga mat, contact your doctor about stronger prescription medications or antibiotics to kill the germs and allow your skin to heal.
Prevention
The best way to prevent your skin from itching after hot yoga is to rinse your body after a session. This eliminates any salt left on your body before it begins to irritate your skin. After hot yoga, take a cool shower or wipe your body with a cool, wet washcloth. Apply lotion to damp skin to lock in the moisture and keep itching to a minimum. Drink plenty of water before you start hot yoga, sip frequently throughout your session and rehydrate with another glass of water after you are finished. After each hot yoga session, wipe your mat with a disinfectant to kill germs. Allow it to air dry before rolling it up.
Tips
When showering, avoid rubbing your skin roughly or vigorously, which could exacerbate itching. Reapply lotion any time the itch reappears, which helps restore skin's moisture and keeps discomfort at bay. Try not to scratch itchy skin, which could cause scratches or tears. This allows bacteria to enter, particularly if you do hot yoga on a dirty mat, and may lead to more serious skin problems. If itching doesn't go away with treatment, contact your doctor to rule out something more serious.
