New problem - split lip

[bigbandbone]

Every other day I play a low note study that is a combination of the Allen Ralph and Phil Teelee studies. It is really helping me.
I start on trigger F below the staff and play 20 long tones and then 20 quarter notes on each pitch chromatically down to pedal Eb.
I've been doing this for months.
Today I increased it to 2 sets of 20 long tones on every pitch. When I got down to pedal A I started tasting blood and sure enough I had split my upper lip right in the middle!

How can I prevent this from happening again?

Thanks for any help and insights.

[WilliamLang]

20 long tones is way too many. try like 3-4, and play at a comfortable dynamic (not too loud) in the pedal register especially on long tones.

[paulyg]

Lip balm? Especially with some sunscreen.

[bigbandbone]

Lip balm? Especially with some sunscreen.

I use A&D ointment everyday. But no sunscreen.

[Elow]

I’m on a medication that dries me out a lot, like every day i wake up and my lips are the sahara desert even if i put chapstick on the night before. If i smile in the morning, my lip cracks in 8 spots, i usually just put a coat of chapstick on about every 45 mins or so. Very interested for others responses

[BGuttman]

Vitamin E comes in an oil filled capsule. You can pierce the capsule and squeeze the oil directly on lips. Promotes healing.

[harrisonreed]

Drink water. These other responses are about treating symptoms, but you need to fix the problem.

Water cures everything -- I knew a guy who could barely lift a trumpet and was only 4 feet tall and ugly. But then he drank water....

[lupusargentus]

I'll second drinking water. One of the symptoms of dehydration is dry lips and mucous membranes. Hydrate from within is best fix. Dry winter air, allergies, and various medications can exacerbate the problem.