I found my condition was nearly improved, then worsened after a dentist used Vaseline during a routine cleaning, and then later worsened after a couple months of applying Aquaphor (petrolatum). However, I also peeled the softened, white skin more often, so perhaps it was the peeling and not the petrolatum exactly. At the moment I'm waiting as long as I can before peeling (9 days). Even though the last couple days feel uncomfortable, I think after a couple years of using that strategy, the buildup is much less noticeable and only the edges really will turn white in contact with water or alcohol.