No, he didn't say that it was an all-over body inflammation. He just said that cortisone helps with inflammation. I know people get cortisone shots even for Arthritis to help with inflammation in the joints. I think it works on any part of your body that is inflamed, even in your sinuses. I go back in 12 days. I can tell that my lips are by no means healed and normal, but they are much better. When I go back, he wants to discuss long term habits/products/regimens to ward off the peeling and keep them from getting so bad again. He didn't say that it would go away. Actually, he gave me 3 refills of a steroid ointment for them as well. That to me says that he thinks I am going to have this for awhile.