New problem - split lip

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bigbandbone
Posts: 602
Joined: Jan 17, 2019

by bigbandbone »

Every other day I play a low note study that is a combination of the Allen Ralph and Phil Teelee studies. It is really helping me.

I start on trigger F below the staff and play 20 long tones and then 20 quarter notes on each pitch chromatically down to pedal Eb.

I've been doing this for months.

Today I increased it to 2 sets of 20 long tones on every pitch. When I got down to pedal A I started tasting blood and sure enough I had split my upper lip right in the middle!

How can I prevent this from happening again?

Thanks for any help and insights.
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WilliamLang
Posts: 636
Joined: Nov 22, 2019

by WilliamLang »

20 long tones is way too many. try like 3-4, and play at a comfortable dynamic (not too loud) in the pedal register especially on long tones.
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paulyg
Posts: 689
Joined: May 17, 2018

by paulyg »

Lip balm? Especially with some sunscreen.
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bigbandbone
Posts: 602
Joined: Jan 17, 2019

by bigbandbone »

[quote="paulyg"]Lip balm? Especially with some sunscreen.[/quote]
I use A&D ointment everyday. But no sunscreen.
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Elow
Posts: 1924
Joined: Mar 02, 2020

by Elow »

I’m on a medication that dries me out a lot, like every day i wake up and my lips are the sahara desert even if i put chapstick on the night before. If i smile in the morning, my lip cracks in 8 spots, i usually just put a coat of chapstick on about every 45 mins or so. Very interested for others responses
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BGuttman
Posts: 7368
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by BGuttman »

Vitamin E comes in an oil filled capsule. You can pierce the capsule and squeeze the oil directly on lips. Promotes healing.
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harrisonreed
Posts: 6479
Joined: Aug 17, 2018

by harrisonreed »

Drink water. These other responses are about treating symptoms, but you need to fix the problem.

Water cures everything -- I knew a guy who could barely lift a trumpet and was only 4 feet tall and ugly. But then he drank water....
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lupusargentus
Posts: 38
Joined: Apr 07, 2021

by lupusargentus »

I'll second drinking water. One of the symptoms of dehydration is dry lips and mucous membranes. Hydrate from within is best fix. Dry winter air, allergies, and various medications can exacerbate the problem.