Thanks for the clarification. I tested negative for Sjorgen's, but it can cause dry mouth (therefore dry lips - perhaps the catalyst to EC) and dry eyes. I hope you consider having the simple blood test done. I'm supposed to see an oral surgeon next week to discuss a biopsy, but I think I'm going to pass on this. I'm very hopeful the no topical/ healthy Diet will do the trick. I don't want a chunk of my lip removed only to be told there is nothing conclusively wrong, which seems to be the result of most on the forum. Perhaps you and I could exchange messages every couple weeks to track our progress considering we're following a very similar course? Please let me know if you are interested.