Managing a runny nose onstage

[DaveParker39]

So, I don't know what my deal is.
Sure, I get seasonal allergies, but I rarely have a runny nose. But as soon as I am rocking out on stage, I get a runny nose. I Could be otherwise feeling fine, and it would go away as soon as I'm done playing.
Keeping a box of tissues on-stage seems very annoying and un-rock-and-roll.
Wiping my nose on my wristband is frankly gross.
My first thought is to keep a handkerchief in my back pocket.
Anyone else suffer with this issue, and/or have ideas for a solution?

 

[Johnny Fingers]

Stuff 1/2 of a tissue up each nostril, stand near the backline, and don’t try to sing.

 

[DaveParker39]

Stuff 1/2 of a tissue up each nostril, stand near the backline, and don’t try to sing.

Well that's a solution. It would make half of what I do impossible, but it is a solution!

 

[Volker Kirstein]

So, I don't know what my deal is.
Sure, I get seasonal allergies, but I rarely have a runny nose. But as soon as I am rocking out on stage, I get a runny nose. I Could be otherwise feeling fine, and it would go away as soon as I'm done playing.
Keeping a box of tissues on-stage seems very annoying and un-rock-and-roll.
Wiping my nose on my wristband is frankly gross.
My first thought is to keep a handkerchief in my back pocket.
Anyone else suffer with this issue, and/or have ideas for a solution?

While not the same as a runny nose, I sweat a LOT when I'm under the lights... I could be a lawn sprinkler. So, I keep a towel handy, usually draped through a handle on the head. (AWAY FROM AIR VENTS!)

Make sure it's NOT WHITE if you're using it for snot rockets, or wear stage makeup. Navy blue, kelly green, and black work well.

Just like in galactic hitchhiking, a towel is massively useful on stage. Plus, towels are accepted stage gear, as opposed to, say, a floral print box of tissues.

 

[dadglasser]

Have you tried antihistamines? It sounds like an allergic reaction. It may also be due to physiological changes that take place when you are performing (which are massive and varied). I would try something like Flonase and/or maybe even pills. I find that one half of a Costco generic:

Link Removed

solves most runny nose problems for me.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Turn away from the crowd after every song and blow into the hankerchief/bandana in your back pocket.

 

[2saddleslab]

I've dealt with this my whole life. My crooked nose runs more than I sweat. My only solution is stealth [as possible] use of a handkerchief while quickly turning my back to the audience. Sometimes I even act like I'm adjusting my amp if I have to do it repeatedly.

Rather than a solution I'm looking for relief as well.

 

[Nuage420]

Some kind of Sudafed, Flonase, and allergies meds. And a big swig of some day quil for good measure

 

[Spidey2112]

I could be wrong, but I always thought that was the purpose behind the foam windscreens.

Buy, in bulk.

 

[john_g]

So, I don't know what my deal is.
Sure, I get seasonal allergies, but I rarely have a runny nose. But as soon as I am rocking out on stage, I get a runny nose. I Could be otherwise feeling fine, and it would go away as soon as I'm done playing.
Keeping a box of tissues on-stage seems very annoying and un-rock-and-roll.
Wiping my nose on my wristband is frankly gross.
My first thought is to keep a handkerchief in my back pocket.
Anyone else suffer with this issue, and/or have ideas for a solution?

Holy Crap!!! Ive been getting the same thing! I just told my wife...I dont know whats going on but when we are gigging, i get a runny nose...? Its not runny before or after. Weird

 

[fu22ba55]

-Black T-Shirt.
-Left sleeve for snot.
-Right sleeve for sweat out of the eyes.

REMEMBER WHICH SLEEVE IS WHICH!

 

[Pdaddy1978]

Sweat is much more of a problem for me.
Our sound guy used to say I was the only guy he knew that could sweat swimming.
A hand towel was essential equipment.
Ive even had sympathetic bartenders come up and hand me a bar towel
Mid-show when they see it drippin off the brim of my hat!

 

[StereoPlayer]

So snot rockets are not ok?

 

[fu22ba55]

Does anyone else sense the delicious irony that @Aqualung60 is liking posts in a thread about "snot running down his nose?"

 

[matty1039]

I would go with some type of nasal spray. It should last you a few hours for the gig and won't mess with your head like Benadryl or Sudafed. Those can make me a little spacey. Then a towel or hanky as a backup.

 

[Killing Floor]

 

[Zooberwerx]

Pretend you’re tying your shoes and, while bending down, blow your nose on the guitarist’s shirttail.

Riis

 

[XLunacy]

It could help to know if it's the stage, like being physically on stage, or if it's the fact you're performing that triggers the runny nose ! Do you get it when you perform elsewhere? Do you get it if you walk on stage without the intention of performing? Maybe it'd help to determine whether it's an internal or external cause ?

 

[HardNHeavy]

there are some allergy meds out there that will dry you up completely, atleast for a cpl hours so your not suffering.

 

[RGerhart]

So, I don't know what my deal is.
Sure, I get seasonal allergies, but I rarely have a runny nose. But as soon as I am rocking out on stage, I get a runny nose. I Could be otherwise feeling fine, and it would go away as soon as I'm done playing.
Keeping a box of tissues on-stage seems very annoying and un-rock-and-roll.
Wiping my nose on my wristband is frankly gross.
My first thought is to keep a handkerchief in my back pocket.
Anyone else suffer with this issue, and/or have ideas for a solution?

Yes, I have allergies, but more than anything I find my nose gets runny when I start to sweat. Not sure what the deal is, but I've always had this issue.

I've found that if I ignore it and try to not to think about it too much, it seems to go away. Who knows...