Chapped Lips, anyone ?

[Blargh]

Dear crowd

Yesterday yours truly got to use his spanking new drysuit in the conditions it was designed for. The exact conditions were unknown

The OW students in our group were told that the water temp was 10 deg C, one of the Divemasters said to us "drysuit divers" it was 8 and my buddy's kit reckoned it was more like 6.

Anyway, post-dive I discovered that the delicate bits that weren't covered up - lips and mouth area in general - were suffering the same unpleasant syndrome I used to get as a kid after playing in minus temperatures for hours. namely, red, swollen, chappen lips and skin.

So..... Aside from the commiserations I'm sure I will receive , can anyone suggest anything to a) prevent said syndrome and/or b) deal it with ?

SWMBO suggested some of her skin cream, which, nice though it was on the skin, somehow managed to significantly reduce the stubble that was otherwise there, and wasnt terribly useful

 

[Heads Up]

Use both before and afterwards and it helps keep those exposed parts chap free!!

 

[wetman]

chopped lips sounds painful

 

[jmsdiver]

Just like any outdoor activity, cold can play a part in dry skin developing as the vascular space constricts and the blood supply moves away from the distal portions of the body. This in turn does not allow for moisture from the circulatory system to reach those areas and can cause this phenomenon. For anything like dry skin: Vasaline, Chapstick, and handcreams like Vanicreame work well.

If you're really into toys, though, might I suggest a dry hood and a full face mask?

 

[Blargh]

Originally posted by jmsdiver

If you're really into toys, though, might I suggest a dry hood and a full face mask?

You may suggest it .... And I might entertain the thought... But my life's too valuable for me to have it prematurely terminated over a toy

 

[Stone]

Some cultures use llama dung on chapped lips. . .How does it work?

It's guaranteed to keep you from licking your lips.

 

[Bob3]

"Chopped Lips", geez, I thought you were referring to some of our fine sausages that are known to contain lungs, lips, and udders. We call them "hot dogs" and "bologna".

Speaking of lips and udders, there's a concoction used on cows called "udder balm" (generic term) that is much better than plain old vaseline when it comes to treating windburn, etc. If you're near a dairy region it should be very easy to find.
There is also a "Chapstick" like product here in the US called "Lip Schit" that works exceptionally well. Comes in flavors, too.

 

[jmsdiver]

Originally posted by Blargh


You may suggest it .... And I might entertain the thought... But my life's too valuable for me to have it prematurely terminated over a toy

I don't know, FFMs are pretty safe with the right training and equipment setup. Care to explain a little further? I know Mario has some insight into FFMs....do a search and find his posting of the Aga.

 

[Liquid]

While a dryhood and full-face mask will be the best, there's one more way, much cheaper:

Get a piece of neoprene, in a size that fits the lower part of your face. cut in it a hole that fits exactly to your mouth piece(better take the mouthpiece off the reg, make the hole, put it on the reg and than put te mouth piece) and tug it's edges beneath your hood. this should prevent your lips from getting too cold.

 

[Blargh]

Originally posted by jmsdiver


I don't know, FFMs are pretty safe with the right training and equipment setup. Care to explain a little further? I know Mario has some insight into FFMs....do a search and find his posting of the Aga.

Hint: I'm a married man


Liquid, I *think* vaseline will look slightly less ridiculous, but your suggestion is worth a try. Anyone got any second-hand neoprene ?