Skin barrier composition

Abstract

A skin barrier lotion for protection against contact with irritants comprises: about 5 to 15 percent by weight of a long-chain fatty acid; about 1 to 5 percent by weight of a long-chain fatty alcohol; about 1 to 10 percent by weight of a hydrocarbon oil; about 1 to 30 percent by weight of a silicone skin protectant; about 0.5 to about 5 percent by weight of an alkanolamine; about 0.5 to about 5 percent by weight of a humectant; about 0.5 to about 10 percent by weight of an inorganic skin protectant; about 0.5 to 15 weight percent of a preservative; and about 50 to 90 percent by weight water. Optionally, the lotion will also contain up to about 5 percent by weight of a fragrance, odor neutralizer or a mixture thereof.

Description

INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains to compositions which protect the skin against the effects of irritants, and more particularly to compositions which can be applied to the skin for protection against contact with body fluids and wastes.

[0002] A substantial fraction of the population suffers at some time from a form of incontinence. Incontinence is normal with infants, but frequently incontinence is also the result of aging or some other uncontrolled mental or physiologic process. Absorptive pads and impervious garment liners are available to contain the excreted wastes and prevent their leakage onto clothing, furniture and the like, but many of these tend to maintain the wastes in contact with skin for prolonged periods and cause dermatolologic problems.

[0003] The skin normally is capable of maintaining adequate internal moisture to remain pliable. This condition typically requires an internal relative humidity ("RH") at least about 60 percent. Vari...