Prayer nodules

Prayer marks

“…We also observed that PMs occurred frequently and prominently on the dorsum of the left foot, not the right foot, with moderate to extensive lichenification and hyperpigmentation (Table 2). This may be the result of the characteristic posture assumed when Muslims pray, with their legs tucked under the buttocks and the left foot touching the floor under body pressure 2 . The lower frequency of PMs in females on both the forehead and left foot compared to males may be attributed to the following considerations: females spend less time praying, they have more subcutaneous fat for protection and fewer bony prominences, and are less exposed to the sun.…”

“…PMs are pseudo‐nodulocystic‐like in nature with smooth lichenified surfaces, soft to the touch, mobile, and not attached to underlying tissue 2 . Some nodules, however, may become firm and callous‐like and serve as a sort of protective mechanism against further wear and tear 4 .…”

“…Prayer marks (PMs) are asymptomatic, chronic skin changes that consist mainly of thickening, lichenification, and hyperpigmentation. They develop over a long period of time as a consequence of repeated, extended pressure and friction on bony prominences when Muslims pray 1–3 . Praying is mandatory for Muslims throughout life from the age of 10 years from whence they are required to pray at five different times every day.…”

An interesting behavioural injury: Mecca Foot

“…The opportunity was taken to give advice regards foot care that could be of benefit to the whole family but active treatment of the condition as described by English et al . was declined [4].…”

Prayer nodules

“…Application of 40% urea white soft paraffin under occlusion followed by curettage may be effective. 4 Protective clothing (e.g., caps, socks) and use of soft prayer rugs may reduce risk for these lesions. Prayer nodules are benign and do not require investigation, but they can often provide clinicians with helpful information about a patient's cultural background.…”