Lip status and treatment routine as of 2014

Hi guys. I think it’s about time I wrote an update on my lip status and treatment routine.

Lip status

My lips have been good the last couple of years. They still peel each and every other day but usually only thin flakes. 

1-2 times a year the EC flares up (more inflammation, the peeling area becomes bigger and the flakes thicker). This happens for no apparent reason (it does not seem to matter whether I am stressed or not, eating healthy or not, sleeping enough etc). It usually settles after about 2 weeks.

95% of the time my lips looks normal and no one else than me notice the peeling.

Update: I was asked to upload a photo so here is one from today. This is what my lips looks like most of the time. Notice the small area on the left side of the lower lip: it shows some signs of peeled skin and is slightly more red. It usually heals up pretty in a day or two.

Treatment Routine

I still have to use a lip balm ointment 2-3 times/day or else the skin of the bottom lip becomes very dry and start to crust. 

I still use the same beeswax ointment that I have been using for about ten years now. It is a swedish brand and is called "Munkens Bisalva". Read more about it in this post from 2009). I don't store it in the fridge anymore though.

How I apply it:

1. I take a cotton swab, dab it in the ointment and put some on my lips 

2. I gently rub my lips together

3. Finally I take a paper tissue and dab it around my mouth a little to make the lips less ”glossy” looking

If the skin is loose somewhere it usually peels when I bring the cotton swab to that area or when I rub my lips against each other.

I try not get the lips wet (when I shower or swim) as this usually makes the skin peel more easily and makes the loose flakes turn white. 

Medication and/or Supplements

None.

Diet

Generally I follow a diet that is a mix of the mediterranean diet, slow carb diet and the paleo diet: 

Lots of: 

• Fish, eggs, chicken and lean meat
• Greens (all kinds)
• Berries 
• Fruit
• Squash
• Root vegetables (sweet potatoes, potatoes etc)
• Nuts and seeds
• Olive oil
• Water 

A little less of (than before):

• Milk, yogurt and cheese
• Wholemeal pasta and bread
• Brown rice, bulgur and quinoa
• Lentils and beans

Occasionally:

• Chocolate
• Ice cream

Very little:

• Candy 
• Alcohol (occasionally I like to kick my heels up sometimes but it rarely happens more than 4-5 times a year)

No: 

• Soft drinks
• Cigarettes
• Drugs

Lifestyle

• Exercise: 30-60 minutes 3-5 times a week
• Sleep: 7-8 hours per night
• Mindfulness practice: 10 - 40 minutes per day (body scan, focused breathing etc)
• Sun: I try to go outside for at least 15 minutes per day no matter the weather
• A social life: Talking to/meeting family and friends on a daily basis
• Engaging in stuff that is meaningful (to me) or interesting or just plain fun

I don't follow the above diet or lifestyle 100 % of the time. Just like the rest of you, I am only human :) 

If you have any questions you can post them in the comments field and I will try to answer them as soon as I can.