Hello all
A very strange thing has happened and I’m hoping someone can help me shed light on it. My Rod Cameron blackwood flute has started giving me an itchy, inflamed skin reaction under my lip, where the flute rests. I’ve controlled for all other possible causes and it’s definitely caused by the flute, especially after extended periods of playing. The outside of the flute is polished with Carnauba wax - the only thing that’s different about this flute compared with other blackwood flutes I’ve played (for many years - this only just happened to me). I’ve had the flute for several months, though, and it only just happened. Weird. the other possible explanation is that a few weeks ago the tuning slide came unglued and my repairman glued it back in. At first I thought that there may be some kind of residue of glue or silicon grease on the headjoint, but have thoroughly cleaned and re-waxed it and I’m still having the problem.
Anybody got experience of anything like this? Got any ideas?
(edit) OK guys, I should have done the searches before I posted this. I can see that there’s been some discussion of blackwood and the development of reactions like contact dermatitis. I’ll try improvising a barrier to see if this helps.
It still might be the finish treatment he’s applied. You might see if use of oil makes for less of a reaction. There is also the Superglue barrier treatment that John Skelton has applied to his Cocus Olwell. You can search C&F for details, or I may have a copy in a woodenflute list email.
From what most people have reported, oil usually makes the reaction worse (as after a fresh oiling of the flute). If you’ve been using the same carnauba wax (same brand), it should provide a barrier from the wood, if you keep it well applied, I would think.
I’ve used wax on my Eastern Red Cedar Native American flutes to help with my sensitivity to it, and it seems to work well. You could try a differnt wax and see if it helps too, before doing the super glue treatment.
Oooh, that’s terrible! I’m so sorry, but definitely quit playing it “unprotected” – if you’re like me and cocus wood that’ll only make the reaction worse.
Scotch Satin Magic Tape works well, too – it isn’t as clear as packing tape, but it peels off very easily and doesn’t leave any residue.
I did that until I got a lip inset. One word of caution: if you oil the exterior of the flute, be sure to either avoid the protective surface or clean it very well afterward, as the oil will probably vector some of the wood’s natural oils and resins to the protective area. Personal experience. The burn isn’t as bad, but you notice it.
My lowwer lip becomes irritated and such if I shave using a blade. I’ve switched to electric razor. No more irritation and bumps.
Uh, that might not help you.
I know someone who is allergic to the metal in the flute as well, and now she has a wooden head for it, you could alwyays try that if the rest of the suggestions dont work