Everyones condition is different. I used lots of chapstick and other stuff over the years. That's what probably triggered it, probably together with (an)other unfortunate circumstance(s). I didn't eat a very bad diet, but too much Sugar etc. before getting this.
So in my case (and others as well), leaving them alone, eating/living healthy and patience is probably the way to go.
Your case seems to be very different.. have you gotten the white stuff checked out yet?