Date:   5/15/2008 4:36:38 PM ( 16 y ago)
Hits:   3,067
URL:   https://www.curezone.org/forums/fm.asp?i=1173761

So I know this is sort of long, but I really tried to make this as clear as possible so that all may understand and benefit. Please let me know what you all think...

The pathology and healing of EC is as follows:

1) Firstly, we damage our lips like any normal person would, removing a small portion of the epithelial layer. Or unlike a normal person, anxious tendencies cause us to bite our lips (possibly during times of stress).

2) Next, the cells below the epithelium that are exposed to air as well as the cells alongside the missing epithelium release inflammatory cytokines to direct the immune system to the site of damage and needed repair. The region of the "hole" becomes inflamed.

3) One of the responses to this inflammation is probably the production of stronger keratins in exposed cells to form a protective keratin network throughout the wound that would protect the healthy cells underneath from microbes while repair is taking place. The exposed cells become highly keratinized, undergo cell death and form the protective extracellular keratin network. Thats the white or yellow crust we get. Its like a scab when you cut your finger.

4) Now unlike normal people, the person with pre-exfoliative cheilitis then begins to engage in biting off, picking at, or exfoliating the keratin network which removes the keratin and the attached skin causing the wound to open even more. These actions are most likely due to nervous activities during times of stress (like biting nails, tapping feet, etc.) or just simple bad habits.

5) This open and slowly growing wound without a keratin layer to protect it, then has trouble healing properly. This is because the unprotected skin is exposed to microbes, toxins, foreign molecules, etc. And because the lips have little or no sebaceous glands like normal skin, they cannot protect themselves from pathogens. Inflammation increases and the lip is more exposed. Thats why the lips look red and feel raw. They are under constant attack by microbes and exfoliation of the protective keratin/skin so the wound expands in radius.

6) At some point the person grows frustrated and actually does allow the keratin layer to grow back but at that point the wound is significantly larger and the keratin must now stretch longer distances to form a good network to cover the wound.

7) The keratin network must cover the wound to begin healing. This is because the keratinized network temporarily restores the integrity of the epidermis and restricts the entry of microorganisms. Only when this happens will inflammation decrease and healing actually begin.

8) Healing then takes place. To be more specific, healing is defined as the reduction of inflammatory biomolecules and the regrowth of the epidermis from the stratum basale or from the stem cells of the dermis (just below the epidermis). In the absence of inflammation normal keratin production is restored as opposed to the tougher form of keratin produced in larger amounts during inflammation.

9) Once healing is done the thick keratin layer somehow must be removed, fall off, etc. Once this happens the lips would be completely healed. Most people with EC probably never let themselves get to this stage because they have trouble keeping the keratin layer in tact. They apply lubricants, foreign substances, water, etc. They prematurely exfoliate the skin, etc. The entire process of letting the keratin later completely cover the skin probably takes a month or two. The patient would just have to be very patient.

**It is important to note that like the scabbing of wounds on your arm the keratin layer must form from the outside inwards to the middle of the wound. So the person with EC would have to wait for the keratin to grow from the outwards in. The larger the wound, the longer it takes to make its way to the center.

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So in conclusion, I think we should test this hypothesis if it hasn't already been tested. Thus, I think we should:
-Allow for keratin to cover the entire length of the wound from the outside of the vermilion border towards the mucosa (inner lips). This might take around thirty days but I'm not sure though.
-Limit the amount of water that touches the lips. Limit any substance that hinders the keratin network from growing.
-Do not add any lubricant, wax or cream. No Vaselin, no beewax, no nothing...
-Assist keratin growth by consuming foods rich in collagen, biotin, gelatin, etc.
-If the wound is really large maybe use antimicrobials like anti-fungals and Antibiotics (but at this point of testing this hypothesis, I wouldn't recommend it unless signs of infection present themselves). This antimicrobials might give some relief of inflammation by destroying microbes that trigger an attenuated inflammatory response. Regardless, the body is smart and knows how to heal itself if you allow it to.
-Be patient and strong. Have the fortitude to allow the crust to grow in the face of your friends, family, coworkers.
-Talk amongst one another about our progress and get support.

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So what do you guys think? Has this already been tried in the past? Seriously, what happens after the crusts form on the lips? Do they just sit there for eternity to they aid in healing? Please share....
 

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