I'm allergic to my flute!!!

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jcurrier
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Mar 09, 2006 7:01 pm
Location: New Hampshire

I'm allergic to my flute!!!

Post by jcurrier »

Hello! This is my first post. I just got a flute a week ago and it's giving me a rash on and under my lip!! I think it must be the nickel that I'm allergic to. I was hoping someone could give me some suggestions on what to do about that. For now I've put that white bandage tape over the mouth piece that touches my chin but I'm worried that this could affect the sound???? Plus it looks dumb and it bugs me.

Also wonder if I could purchase a silver mouthpiece anywhere... can you just change parts like that? OR is it possible to have mine "silver plated" or something????

Thanks for any suggestions!!!
Janice

MeLizzard
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Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2002 10:25 pm
Location: Mid-Ohio Valley

Post by MeLizzard »

Skin can react with many metals in instruments, jewelry, etc., causing itching or discoloration, among other reactions. One student gave up and ordered a flute (when upgrading to intermediate) with a gold-plated lip, to avoid having her chin turn black each time she played. A bandmate from high school covered hers with a contact paper-and clear nail polish combinaton. Silver-plate isn't likely to help, as sterling silver contains about 7% nickel. :D

Schof
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Location: Sudbury, Ontario
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Post by Schof »

Try playing a silver or silver plated flute and see if it makes a difference. It might, but try it out first in case it doesn't work.

jcurrier
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Mar 09, 2006 7:01 pm
Location: New Hampshire

Thanks

Post by jcurrier »

Thank you for your advice, I appreciate it!!! :)
Janice

Claiken
Posts: 251
Joined: Wed Apr 27, 2005 7:59 pm

Post by Claiken »

my teacher has a flute that has a silver headjoint, but the actual lip plate is copper. something like that could work for you, if silver doesnt.
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FruityFlutie
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Post by FruityFlutie »

I would say that you might want to go for a gold-plated headjoint. A lot of silver-plated still have some nickel in them.

Although I've never known nickel to create a rash like that. It just turns my neck green sometimes ( :P). But definitely go to a doctor and check it out. It could be a couple forms of dermatitis that I know of. Those can easily be fixed and can be considerably less expensive than having to replace your headjoint. ;)

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Iolaus
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Joined: Sun Apr 30, 2006 1:36 am
Location: Orange County, California

Post by Iolaus »

The girl next to me has a gold-plated lip for just that reason.

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