Do you get a bike helmet forehead spot?

Source: cdc.gov

Source: cdc.gov

Okay…I have been wondering this for years. What the heck causes many bicycle riders to get an oblong-shaped reddish spot on their forehead from their bike helmet. It’s not like there is something on the inside of the helmet that is shaped in that manner, nor do I even wear my helmet tight enough where a spot should be caused by pressure. I have had this happen with several types of helmets too, so it is not necessarily a brand-centered phenomenon. Could it be as simple as I am not wearing my helmet correctly?

So, what the heck causes this spot to form nearly every time I ride my bike? It disappears within 5-10 minutes of taking off my helmet. I know this question is of Earth-shattering importance, but any thoughts, hypotheses, and educated guesses are welcome. Thanks!

This entry was posted in Active transportation, bicycling, bike sharing, Biking, consumerism, fitness, product design, sports, transportation and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

3 Responses to Do you get a bike helmet forehead spot?

  1. Tim Potter says:

    I’m guessing that’s caused by the part of your forhead being the point of contact with your helmet. In other words ‘pointy-headed syndrome’ 🙂

    Sent from Tim Potter’s iPhone

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  2. Rick Brown says:

    You were not supposed to figure out that I am really a Conehead from Remulak…I mean France. 🙂

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  3. Jon Spangler says:

    If it disappears in 5-10 minutes and happens every time you wear it, I’d guess it has to do with the composition of your skin and the underlying soft tissues. If it doesn’t hurt, I would not worry about it. If you want an explanation, my guess is that you should contact a dermatologist–just to satisfy your curiosity, not because something is wrong…

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