 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kawallace91
Date: 2010-08-15 03:29
About a month ago, I had two gigs with my community band in one day. After that, I noticed the area just below my bottom lip was pretty irritated. Since then, it's kind of had good days and bad days, but it hasn't quite gone away. This was my last week of community band, but I return to school in about two weeks and will have ensemble auditions (I'll be a sophomore music ed major). Taking a few days off I'm sure would help it, but I can't really afford to do that with an audition coming up. I know this is probably caused by embouchure issues I have, which of course are exacerbated when I play for long periods of time, like in community band. Anyway, does anyone know any ways I might help this problem (besides not playing)? I've mostly been treating it with tons of Blistex, especially right after I practice. It's just very frustrating because I have so much to work on right now, so I'm willing to try just about anything!
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Author: in2data
Date: 2010-08-15 08:11
Definitely visit your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe an ointment that will reduce any inflammation. These ointments are not available over the counter.
Dave
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2010-08-15 14:30
Hi,
I have had the same problem and an EENT doctor pal, a tremendous clarinet player BTW, suggested Zilactin-L which is over the counter. The medication has Lidocaine. Price was around $10 as I recall and most drugstores will have it.
Works great on canker sores as well.
HRL
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Author: ErikFranklin
Date: 2010-08-15 19:48
Definitely keep it moisturized. The Lidocaine will help with burning and itching, as well.
Could it be the reed vamp rubbing against your lip? Try taking sand paper and very lightly sanding the vamp to smooth it out. The object is not to take off too much wood, because that would affect the strength, etc. of the reed. Just one or two light strokes would make it smooth to the touch (you can check with your finger), and that could possibly alleviate some of the irritation.
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Author: Dori
Date: 2010-08-15 21:10
I had this problem when I was in marching band. The moist reed rubs against the skin irritating it. Try putting your Blistex or lip balm of choice on the affected area BEFORE you play, to create a barrier against chapping. It may feel too sticky or slippery, but try to deal with it or at least do this before practice sessions.
To help heal the current irritation and make it feel better, try hydrocortizone cream. It's available over the counter in most drug stores or supermarkets. The brand name is Cortaid, but the store brands are the same thing only cheaper.
Hope this helps.
"Dr Mom"
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2010-08-16 02:52
"After that, I noticed the area just below my bottom lip was pretty irritated. "
Do you mean on the outside? or on the inside of the mouth??
Put some rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on it for disinfection.
Don't use Blistex for anything, BTW, that stuff usually makes things worse. Better to use an unflavored Chapstik for chapped lips.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2010-08-16 14:19
Let me clarify my comment. The irritated area for me is inside my mouth where my lower front teeth have irritated the inside of my lower lip. I have tried cigarette papers and some other cures but the Z med seems to be the
most effective.
However, I'm sure the Zilacin-L would provide the same relief for external irritations.
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