Tooting Your Horn Can Raise Risk for Skin Condition

FRIDAY, March 16 (HealthDay News) — Musicians and their
instruments often make beautiful music together, but occasionally the
relationship can hit a sour note: Certain parts of musical instruments may
put their owners at risk for a skin condition called contact dermatitis,
an expert warns.

Contact dermatitis is a rash caused by an irritant or allergy, in which
skin becomes red, scaly and inflamed. Some components of musical
instruments — such as metals, exotic woods and stains — can cause the
condition, according to Dr. Anthony Fransway of Fort Myers, Fla.

The dermatologist was slated to discuss the topic Friday at the
American Academy of Dermatology’s annual meeting in San Diego.

Musicians who believe they have contact dermatitis should see a
dermatologist for proper evaluation and treatment. It’s best to refrain
from playing the instrument while the skin heals, Fransway noted.

Once the source of the problem is identified, the doctor can help the
musician determine what changes need to be made in order to return to
playing the instrument.

For example, for a musician with irritant contact dermatitis caused by
friction or pressure, wearing protective gloves might help. If a musician
has allergic contact dermatitis, it may be necessary to replace the part
of the instrument that’s causing the allergic reaction with another
material, Fransway noted in a news release from the academy.

If no changes are made, the dermatitis will recur more rapidly with
each exposure, the expert explained.

“Musicians spend so much time seeking perfection in their chosen media
that the musical instrument becomes an extension of their physical
bodies,” Fransway said in the news release.

“Occasionally, like the rest of one’s anatomy, those body parts have
issues that can result in medical conditions — such as contact
dermatitis — that require proper treatment,” he added. “A dermatologist
can identify the appropriate measures to rectify the problem and restore
harmony.”

More information

The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more about contact dermatitis.

Views: 0

You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

Leave a Reply

Powered by WordPress | Designed by: Premium WordPress Themes | Thanks to Themes Gallery, Bromoney and Wordpress Themes