Posted by Mary Ann on January 22, 2004 at 09:47:46:
In Reply to: read me posted by ... on January 18, 2004 at 21:30:29:
Well, you say your lips get irritated. Do you really mean your lips, which really don't have much contact with the mouthpiece (at least mine don't) or do you mean your face where the rim actually touches it? If the former....it sounds like chapping from moisture. If the latter, then there is one cheap thing you can try; go to a health food store and buy a small container of nail polish that does not have the nasty chemical in it (tricloroethylene? I dont' really remember what it is) and put that on your rim. It has a different feel, and is pretty inert once it's dry. I have a friend who reacts to all metals and instead uses nail polish on her rim.
I tried it, was allergic to the clear, and found I was not allergic to the deep red color. Later I went to a gold rim and stopped having problems.
Also, this sounds simple, but make sure you keep your rim and cup incredibly clean...and that you are not allergic to the soap you use on it. Really.
I can't comment on shaving because, well, you know, I don't have a beard....:))
MA