>Bruce,
I also am extremely sensitive to urushi. It started about 5 years
ago (after no problems for over 25 years). At first I couldn't play
a new flute for about one week. Then several months. Now it's even
longer. I however don't have a skin reaction. I get dizzy and my
neck and shoulders tighten up. I feel strange for several hours.
It's a strong allergic reaction but different than the usual skin one
lots of people have. It's not from contact but from breathing the
fumes urushi gives off.
Fortunately I have some very good older shakuhachi that don't affect
me at all.
I would really like to know of some cure for this, but can't imagine
what that would be.
Peter
>I am extremely sensitive to urushi. I have had to wait up to a
>year before I can play a new instrument without my chin feeling
>burned.
>
>I know that if I wash the instrument right before I play it, and
>wash my hands and face immediately afterwards, I don't break out if
>I limit my playing to about 3 to 5 minutes.
>
>I recently got two shakuhachi back from Japan, where they were
>repaired and urushi was used in the repair. I understand that the
>oils in the sumac are what cause the reaction, so I'm wondering if
>I can accelerate the curing of these flutes by washing the repaired
>bore and the bindings with something to remove the surface oil.
>
>If so, what could I wash the shak with to be most effective? I use
>dish detergent if I'm going to play right away, but know from
>experience that the effect only lasts a short while.
>
>Any similar experiences or possible solutions (pun intended)?
>
>thanks,
>
>bj
>
>-
>____________________________________________________
>
-- Peter Ross http://www.cloudhandsmusic.com P.O. Box 55055 Seattle, WA 98155 206-587-7262 206-364-2341 FAX ____________________________________________________
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