I totally agree….NMT stopped helping me after my skin was cracking and too dry to heal properly; it became painful. So as long as you don’t have any open wounds or skin, I would skip NMT and lightly moisturize until you’re comfortable. Also best to moisturize after using water to lock in the moisture. I forgot to mention that’s using a brand new towel and rag every single day helped me as well. I’m sorry to hear you can’t open your mouth, it happened to me as a kid. The Pumpkin oil (don’t want to set unrealistic expectations) honestly made a difference over night, I put it right on top of skin with little bumps and scabs and it helped. The specific brand is PÖDÖR Premium Zalariz Pumpkin Seed Oil - 8.4 fl. Oz. - Cold-Pressed, 100% Natural, Unrefined and Unfiltered, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO in Glass Bottle. Of course your skin may be different, so do a patch test. The shea butter is just better for a long term moisture seal, it is thicker. I use this brand from Amazon Perezfields Shea Butter (8 oz, Yellowish). I will add also, that I put the pumpkin oil on when I see I am having a flare up or stop taking the wormwood pills. It definitely reduces the inflammation, and feels good as soon as you put it on.