I tried out compeed cold sore patches on the triangle area of my upper lip (posted a thread a while ago). I used to apply the patch before bed and remove it in the morning. While I did this, that part of my lip didn't peel or overgrow at all, it was 100% normal. However after not using the patch for a night or two the peeling came back. Even so, I was amazed at how the patches basically cured that area of my lips while I was using them. I didn't use them over a prolonged period so maybe the skin can be 'trained' to return to its previous state. Just a thought.....