Posted by Dr. Tischner on July 13, 2003 at 20:10:20:
In Reply to: Best lip balm/chapstick? posted by Lip Question on July 13, 2003 at 17:45:41:
When I've been away from playing for quite a few days, I know I have to rebuild a callous on the skin above and below my lips. I try to practice as much as I can - but I try be sensible in order to avoid forming those painful little blisters.
One needs to take care in using this medicine - as it is a steroid - but I apply cortizone cream to those surfaces (those above and below that make contact with the mouthpiece) between practice sessions. Cortizone is not just a balm. It actually heals the skin.
Once the skin has toughened up with good callouses, no more cortizone. Further, I use an electric razor (rather than a blade) on the embouchure area. It's a bit safer, as far as avoiding "scalping" off the callous layer is concerned.