Topical compositions and methods for treating pseudofolliculitis barbae and ingrown hair

Abstract

Topical methods and compositions are disclosed for the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae and ingrown hair. The compositions comprise acetylsalicylic acid, propylene glycol, glycerine, and isopropyl alcohol. The method involves the step of applying the composition to the beard areas of the face after shaving. The acetylsalicylic acid is dissolved in a solvent mixture comprising propylene glycol, glycerine, and isopropyl alcohol. The acetylsalicylic acid is present in the range of between about 5 percent by weight per unit volume of the solvent mixture up to saturation of the solvent mixture. The solvent mixture comprises propylene glycol in the range of about 5 percent to 15 percent by volume, glycerine in the range of about 1 percent to 10 percent by volume, and the balance of the volume made up with isopropyl alcohol alone or a solution comprising at least 50 percent by volume of isopropyl alcohol. The isopropyl alcohol can be in a solution with water, methanol, or ethanol, provided that the polarity of the resulting solution is not so high that the acetylsalicylic acid would readily precipitate from the solution at ordinary room temperature ranges.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 042,759, filed Jul. 18, 2000, in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 390,605 filed Sep. 3, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,156,299, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 039,843, filed Mar. 30, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,340, the provisions of each of which are incorporated fully herein by this reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present inventions relate to improvements in topical compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of pseudofolliculitis barbae and ingrown hair. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Pseudofolliculitis barbae is the clinical name given to the condition commonly known as “razor bumps.” Generally, this condition is described as the in-growth of emerged hairs back into the skin at a location adjacent the follicle from which the hair has emerged....