Klarinet Archive - Posting 000115.txt from 2002/07

From: SDSCHWAEG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Lip problems
Date: Thu, 4 Jul 2002 10:04:53 -0400

In a message dated Thu, 4 Jul 2002 8:37:15 AM Eastern Standard Time, LeliaLoban writes:

> Allan Thompson wrote,
> >As usual when I have to change embouchures
> >quite a bit, and especially in cold, dry weather,
> >my lips have become very chapped and painful.
> >I have tried the various lip-ices on the market,
> >but the problem persists. Does anyone know of a
> >'miracle cure' for this problem. .

One of my students developed a severely chapped lower lip this spring, that was greatly irritated by the reed itself. We were forced to switch her temporarily to a plastic reed because of its smoother surface. I was afraid she'd develop impetigo or some other infection, as the irritated area was beginning to spread down to her chin. Things are pretty well healed up now, so we'll be trying cane reeds again to see whether or not she has developed an actual allergy to the reeds. Not a "miracle cure", but a good synthetic reed might buy you some relief while the chapping heals.
Susan Schwaegler

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