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Prayer marks.

Abdullah A Abanmi1, Abdulrahman Y Al Zouman, Husa Al Hussaini

  • 1Dermatology Department, Research Center, Riyadh Al Kharj Armed Forces Hospital, PO Box 7897, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia. abanamidr@yahoo.com

International Journal of Dermatology
|July 18, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Prayer marks (PMs) are common skin changes from repeated pressure during prayer. These asymptomatic, chronic changes like thickening and hyperpigmentation occur on bony areas, particularly in males and older individuals.

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Religious Studies
  • Human Physiology

Background:

  • Prayer marks (PMs) are chronic, asymptomatic skin changes resulting from prolonged pressure on bony prominences during prayer.
  • These changes include skin thickening, lichenification, and hyperpigmentation, developing over extended periods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence and characteristics of prayer marks in a Muslim population.
  • To identify specific body sites affected by prayer marks and associated dermatologic changes.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study examined 349 Muslims and 24 non-Muslims for prayer marks.
  • Data collected on the appearance of PMs at various body sites, demographic factors, and dermatologic changes.
  • Histologic examination of skin biopsies from affected areas.

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Main Results:

  • Prayer marks were observed on the forehead, knees, ankles, and dorsa of the feet in 349 Muslims.
  • Higher incidence in males and older individuals (over 50), suggesting prolonged pressure as a cause.
  • Histology revealed compact orthokeratosis, hypergranulosis, dermal papillary fibrosis, and vascularization; no secondary complications were noted.

Conclusions:

  • Prayer marks are common dermatologic findings in Muslims who engage in prolonged prayer.
  • The study confirms the link between repeated pressure during prayer and the development of these chronic skin changes.