Question: I am an otherwise healthy 29-year-old male. Prior surgery includes tonsillectomy. I have struggled with eczema of the lips since 2015. My official condition is known as exfoliative chelitis. My lips constantly peel and shed skin, leaving thick hardened patches on my lips. The only thing. I repeat, the only thing that has worked to heal my lips is Aquaphor. When I apply it with regularity, my lips return to normal. If I do not apply it, they begin their shedding process once again. I've tried a wide array of natural and holistic products, prescription ointments (steroids) from dermatologists as well. Aquaphor has been the only thing to work during this process and allowed me to go out in public again without ruined lips. Without this product I would have no relief. Being that I apply this to my lips, I have to wonder that with the close proximity to the mouth, in small amounts the ointment may enter the mouth and be swallowed inadvertently. I use the product on a long term basis. I just worry at times that aspiration may occur (some of the ingredients are petroleum and mineral oil), for example during eating or drinking or sleeping. So, my questions are as follows.

Is it safe to apply to the lips twice a day? Or would it be better to apply at night and use an anti-snoring head sling to keep my mouth closed in order to try and prevent potential cases of aspiration?