TubeNet

I find that if I use ChapStick right _after_ I play, my lips stay pretty moist until the next time. I'd advise you to use a lip balm as necessary, and wipe it off _right before_ playing.

Burt's Beeswax Lip Balm seems to be less greasy than the usual stuff. No camphor.

"Beeswax,coconut oil,sunflower oil,tocopheryl acetate & tocopheryl,lanolin,peppermint oil,comfrey root extract,rosemary extract TIN: Coconut oil,beeswax,sweet almond oil,tocopheryl acetate & tocopheryl,lanolin,peppermint oil,comfrey root extract,rosemary extract"

2nd vote for Chopsaver !! Try some! It works great and does not have that "addictive quality" that some other medicated lip treatments do. I only use it when i feel I need to and it has worked every time.

I have a slightly different remedy. I don't personally do it for the simple fact I can hardly remember to shower every day let alone do this every day, but I have a friend who takes a couple drops of vitamin E oil to put on his lips after showering in the morning. He says he's never had any problem with dry lips. You can buy a bottle at your local pharmacy. Might be worth a shot, and cheaper than that other stuff.

I second Chuck's post, above. I switched to Burt's Beeswax a couple of years ago after seeing it reccommended on TubeNet. It works very well for me. I prefer to use it when I am not playing, but it poses no real problem even if I apply it right before I play. Chapped lips are a total no-no. If my lips are chapped, I have absolutely no flexibility.

GopherTuba08 wrote:is it better to just stop playing or a day or two to get well again?

If you can, likely yes. It's physical activity. If you wouldn't jog, I'd say don't play, either. At least not seriously.

I've worried about my horn having bad notes in it that might come out, but never germs...