Oh, I almost forgot to answer the one question. Yes, it does seem to help to put the extra-virgin coconut oil on the lesions. Seems to flush a few of the "things" to the surface.
Sometimes I put the D.E. on lesions with a dab of salt water on the lesion first, sometimes use coconut oil, sometimes just tap water. Whatever is handy, since I can do it at my business, as well as at home.
I also make sure I have plenty of B vitamins in me; I use a liquid sublingual type, because it seems to be more effective when using the D.E. internally. Don't know why!