HRM Irritation?

endorphin_junkie

endorphin_junkie

Cathlete
I started running about a month or so ago and purchased a HRM last week. Yesterday was my longest run yet (10K), I loved being able to adjust my pace to my heart rate and had a surprisingly good run. I was thrilled that my hip flexors and ankles felt good afterwards but my skin is irritated and raw (feels like a sunburn) right where the HRM contacts me below the sternum. I wondered if anyone else has experienced this or if anyone puts cream, jelly or powder on their skin where it is contacted. I sweat profusely so maybe that's part of it, perhaps the skin just needs to toughen up a bit, I dunno.....any thoughts or similar experiences? TIA :)

Take Care
Laurie:)
 
Hi Laurie...:)...I get this sometimes on my long runs. Bodyglide will help and I also have used Aquaphor on my skin right under the chest strap. I got something new at the race the other day too, it's called Sport Sheild and I think it does the same thing as the other 2 I mentioned, basically preventing the chafing...YEOW!!!
 
Laurie, I have had that problem too when running. I get a rash looking irritation that burns for a couple days. I never had that problem until I started running for longer periods of time. I sweat really hard too.

I am going to look into Carol's suggestions because they sound like they'll help.

I love the HRM though, so I'm certainly not willing to give that up.

Katie
 
Thanks so much Carole, I knew I could count on you:) I was just reading about BodyGlide to prevent nipple chafing in men,...just the thought makes me cringe.

Thanks Katie, it's good to know others have had the same experiences.

This running is more expensive than I thought what with proper shoes, HRM, water belt, hats...I'm sure that the BodyGlide will be a much less expensive purchase than the others:)

Thanks again Ladies :)

Take Care
Laurie:)
 
I use hydrocortizone cream to help it heal. It makes sense that it would happen since we have to wet the strap first. During winter months, I get more of a chap. However, I ran in intense heat and humidity yesterday so I do have the rash on one side as well. Had to go bra-less for the rest of the day! Youchy!!
 
Carole, Do you put the BodyGlide on the chest strap area before putting the strap on...I mean, do you use it as a preventative measure? It doesn't affect the reading?
 
Hey Sarah, I just made a call to my running trainer at 'Running Room' and asked him about BodyGlide and it's effects on the HRM reading. He assured me that it is a conductive medium and will not hamper readings in anyway. As chance would have it our group discussion tomorrow night is about heart rate training and heart rate monitors. My brain is like a sponge for this new stuff and I'm so glad that there are generous folks like you and Carole around to help us newbies try to absorb as much as we can!:)

Take Care
Laurie :)
 
If it isn't addressed and you think of it, inquire about the effect hot weather conditions have on the heart rate...if you think of it!!

Thanks so much for asking your trainer about that! Super sweet of you, I really appreciate it!

That is awesome that you have such a group and discussions! Take full advantage of it!

Have fun!
 
>Carole, Do you put the BodyGlide on the chest strap area
>before putting the strap on...I mean, do you use it as a
>preventative measure? It doesn't affect the reading?

Sarah...I actually use Aquaphor to prevent the chafing and it has a healing agent in it. Not it does not seem to effect the reading. I put it on the skin under where the strap hits. As far as running in the heat what I have found is if you are not really pushing it and your HR goes up....by all means slow down. I have not had any dehydration problems by doing this. I will say though, that sometimes at the end of a long run your HR might creep up a bit...:)
 
Be very careful with this.. I had the same thing happening, used hydrocortizone cream, etc and ended up with a strep infection and had to take mega doses of anti-biotics to get rid of it. I e-mailed Polar and asked about using those anti-bacterial wipes on the chest strap and if it would harm it, they answered right away and said to go ahead and use them. Now after working out, I wipe the strap down with one. Haven't had any issues since.
 
THANKS so much for the 'heads up'!!! Yikes, I am so sorry that happened to you!! I'm going to toss some antibacterial wipes in my workout back and pick up some Aquaphor right away!
 
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