Musicians at risk for skin conditions

Contact with instruments can cause a variety of skin problems for musicians, according to recent research. Although it is difficult to prevent a musician from developing an instrument-related allergy, awareness of musicians' increased risk may lead to early diagnosis and improved treatment. The researchers from the Oldchurch Hospital in London reviewed the medical literature for reports of instrument-related skin conditions in musicians. They discovered many reports of allergic reactions to materials in instruments as well as skin irritation that resulted from prolonged contact with an instrument. One of the most common sources of allergic skin reactions is rosin, used on stringed instruments and bows. A variety of rosins are available, so musicians should choose another material if they develop a skin reaction. Exposure to nickel in strings and in flutes, trumpets and other metal instruments may also trigger a skin reaction, the authors note. This problem may be avoided by switching to gold or plastic mouthpieces or by selecting a different type of string. Unfortunately for people who play the electric guitar or bass, the best strings usually contain nickel. Instruments made of exotic woods as well as cane reeds used in saxophones, clarinets and other instruments may also trigger allergic reactions in musicians. But, according to the researchers, by choosing another type of wood or switching to plastic reeds, musicians may be able to avoid these problems. Musicians may also develop skin irritations when they have to hold an instrument against the skin for an extended period of time. Besides allergic reactions and irritating skin conditions, musicians may also put themselves at risk of infections if they do not take proper precautions. As saliva can transmit several types of infections, it is a good idea not to share mouthpieces, the researchers advise.

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