Health knowledge made personal
Join this community!
› Share page:

Can yoga mats containing PVC or that are not latex-free cause a rash?

Posted by Lynne R

I have been doing yoga for a few months now and am enjoying it immensely.  However, I've developed a hives-like rash on both elbows - no where else on my body.  The rash doesn't itch or ooze and it's not crusty.  Just little red bumps that look like hives. The only thing I can attribute it to is the contact with my yoga mat.  I wipe it down with antibacterial wipes as I've heard yoga mats harbor bacteria, so it's clean. Some poses involve elbows being in pressure contact with the mat.  I'm thinking about purchasing an eco-friendly PVC yoga mat to see if that helps.  In the meantime, I'm decreasing exposure by laying a towel across the center of my mat where my elbows might touch.  I've never had any history of eczema or psoriasis on my elbows.  This rash is new since I've started yoga.  Anybody else experience this or have any suggestions?
Post an answer
Write a comment: