If I may be so bold as to butt in, I won't comment on lactic acid's effects on Staph but my doctor did list lactic acid as one of the ingredients I could try in a topical solution to address collagen. However, I couldn't find it in the supplements section of the store where I purchased the other ingredients, MSM, L-Carnosine, and Vitamin C. If you have a dairy allergy or sensitivity like I do, theoretically you could get a lactobacillus acidophilus culture (l. acidophilus produces lactic acid) and ferment it yourself in a water kefir.

It seems a lot of beauty products tout lactic acid's exfoliating, moisturizing and regenerative qualities, and that it stimulates collagen production. One product manufacturer has this to say:

"The acid works best at pH 3-4 . . . The acid loosens the corneocyte layer of the epidermis (dissolving the substance holding individual cells together) and helps its exfoliation. This process results in the regulation of the epidermis, which involves the stimulated regeneration of deeper cells, mostly fibroblasts responsible for collagen and elastin synthesis."

I was always reticent to look further into using lactic acid because I felt less exfoliation, rather than more, was the answer, and the keratolytic urea caused my lips to become inflamed. However, this manufacturer seems to suggest that a stratum corneum that is building up causes a disruption of the normal functioning of cells below the epidermis.

I also find specific reference to Poly-L-lactic acid in the context of plastic surgery and surgery to restore ligaments. Clearly there are multiple variations and sources for lactic acid, so maybe one size does not fit all.

And veteran curezone members will remember that badlips found at least temporary success in putting acidophilus liquid on her lips, although others failed to replicate that success. Of course, without photos, very few people took her seriously and she left the forum.

Sadly that history keeps repeating itself. A case history with a chronicle of photos speaks a thousand words, and eliminates the need for skepticism, condescension and bickering, which pushes potential collaborators away from this forum. With photos we can see which sufferers we have similarities too and which we have major differences with (for example seattle's peeling was different than most, but her experience might help a small sub-set of our population).

One-on-one arguments can be carried out with private messages, but what is truly needed here are research, documentation, evidence, updates and observations, management tips and innovation.

Peace,
C.S.