When your lips hurt, it’s hard to focus on performing. Here are some of the most common problems and remedies.
Your lips and mouth are muscles and an extension of your instrument, in some cases, so it’s important to take care of them.
Keep in mind that lip care is important for everyone, not just wind or brass musicians.
Cracked
I remember a friend telling me years ago that the cracked corners at the sides of her mouth indicated that she had a vitamin deficiency. She started taking a supplement and doubled up on her dark leafy greens, and the cracks healed.
Cracked corners might also mean that you are drooling in your sleep and have developed a skin irritation.
Either way, consult your doctor as this problem could indicate a more serious medical condition.
Chapped
If your lips are dry and chapped overall, then you are most likely dehydrated. Pour yourself a giant bottle of water and sip it throughout the day.
There are various opinions now about how much water we need to drink each day. In the past health experts recommended eight glasses; now they recommend 50% of your weight in ounces. Whatever the fluid-intake trend is at the current moment, try to follow it because water plays a role in every function of your body.
Be sure to drink more if you are rehearsing and even more if you are rehearsing outside in the heat.
Sunburned
You put sunscreen on your skin, but do you remember to protect your lips from the UV rays, too? Be sure to slather on lip balm with an SPF before you hang outside all day—even in the winter.
If your lips are painful and dry, they might be sunburned. Avoid licking your lips—this will only make them hurt and peel. Slather on the balm beyond your lip line while the burn is still healing. Drink some extra water, and you should be as good as new, sooner than later!
