Itchy helmet

[Craikeybaby]

Sorry, couldn't resist that thread title.

I've had my helmet for 18 months, according to Strava that's 200+ rides/2500+km, but recently my forehead seems to have taken a dislike to it, the day after a ride my skin will be dry & itchy. Naturally my first step was to wash the removable lining, which I had previously done every few months anyway, but it hasn't improved matters. Is there anything else I can try, or is it time to buy a new helmet?

I'm guessing I know the answer, so tried a few helmets at a local bike shop, unfortunately the Bell Super didn't fit right, but the Giro Montaro and Specialized Ambush seemed to fit better. Are these good helmets? I have a slight concern with the Specialized in that they are a bike company, are their helmets designed by one of the big helmet companies and branded Specialized?

[nammynake]

If you've washed the liner I can't see how the material has suddenly become an irritant. More likely that as the weather has improved you're sweating more - could it be a sweat rash?

[Craikeybaby]

I used it all through last year though. The only thing I can think of is that I rode less in January.

I guess if it is a sweat irritant, which helmets handle sweat best, I'm sure some that I tried on had an antimicrobial lining, with silver fibres, but they weren't the ones that fitted.

[drivin_me_nuts]

Try barrier cream .

[TheInternet]

Cap/balaclava/sweat band?

[Kermit power]

If the helmet was fine until recently, why not just buy a replacement liner? It shouldn't cost more than a tenner, which is going to be far cheaper than getting a new helmet.

[Craikeybaby]

Kermit power said:

If the helmet was fine until recently, why not just buy a replacement liner? It shouldn't cost more than a tenner, which is going to be far cheaper than getting a new helmet.

Good idea, I've got in touch with Cannondale, as can't find them listed anwhere for my helmet.

I did try reversing the padding, but that didn't make any difference.

[AndrewEH1]

How did you wash it?

Did you rinse it enough to get rid of all the soap?

[Craikeybaby]

Washing machine with the rest of my kit, but in a delicates bag.

[Craikeybaby]

I've given in and bought a new helmet - a Giro Montaro.

[Craikeybaby]

I did a few longer rides over the weekend and I can report that the new helmet isn't itchy. Also, despite increased coverage my head felt cooler so a win all round.