Scalp Itch Caused by Cycling Helmet
Unlike other types of protective helmets, cycle helmets do not usually have the same amount of absorbent fabric or foam inside the lining. However the foam pads that contact the scalp are still the cause for many cyclists experiencing scalp itch, irritation and mild skin infection.
Road safety helmets worn by cyclists have areas where the inner lining is pressed tightly against the hair and scalp.
Each time the cycle safety helmet is worn it is likely to absorb more sweat than for example a motorcycle helmet since cycling is a sport where one exerts their self and motorcycling is not.
The areas of the lining of the cycling safety helmet that contact the scalp absorbs more and more 'grease' and oils secreted from the skin's pores, scalp and hair, skin residues, hair products and general dirt and grime.
Bacteria thrive in this environment - there is much for them to feed on. Especially because the inner lining of protective cycling helmets can be difficult to clean effectively; bacteria breed happily and in gradually increasing numbers. The bacteria feed off the enzymes in human sweat (again in the lining). This is what causes the odour build up too.
Cycle Helmet Scalp Itch & Irritation: Main Causes
Each time your cycling helmet is worn the millions of bacteria are pressed tightly against the surface of your scalp where it's warm and moist. This creates good conditions for itch and irritation to begin. Mild skin infection often occur and mostly go undiagnosed.
It's natural to want to scratch. When you do, your finger nails cause microscopic lesions in the delicate surface of your scalp - not sufficient to cause bleeding of course - but sufficient deep enough for those pesky bacteria to 'move in'.
The itch gets worse and pretty soon every time you wear your cycle safety helmet the experiencing of itchy scalp is never far away.
Road safety helmets worn by cyclists have areas where the inner lining is pressed tightly against the hair and scalp.
Each time the cycle safety helmet is worn it is likely to absorb more sweat than for example a motorcycle helmet since cycling is a sport where one exerts their self and motorcycling is not.
The areas of the lining of the cycling safety helmet that contact the scalp absorbs more and more 'grease' and oils secreted from the skin's pores, scalp and hair, skin residues, hair products and general dirt and grime.
Bacteria thrive in this environment - there is much for them to feed on. Especially because the inner lining of protective cycling helmets can be difficult to clean effectively; bacteria breed happily and in gradually increasing numbers. The bacteria feed off the enzymes in human sweat (again in the lining). This is what causes the odour build up too.
Cycle Helmet Scalp Itch & Irritation: Main Causes
Each time your cycling helmet is worn the millions of bacteria are pressed tightly against the surface of your scalp where it's warm and moist. This creates good conditions for itch and irritation to begin. Mild skin infection often occur and mostly go undiagnosed.
It's natural to want to scratch. When you do, your finger nails cause microscopic lesions in the delicate surface of your scalp - not sufficient to cause bleeding of course - but sufficient deep enough for those pesky bacteria to 'move in'.
The itch gets worse and pretty soon every time you wear your cycle safety helmet the experiencing of itchy scalp is never far away.