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....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes an improved composition for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae and ingrown hair. The composition contains acetylsalicylic acid, propylene glycol, glycerine, and isopropyl alcohol. The composition is applied by shaving the affected areas and allowed to evaporate before being dried. The composition can also contain other ingredients such as coloring agents, fragrance, and medications. The technical effects of this invention include improved skin condition, reduced skin irritation, and reduced harmful side effects."

Problems solved by technology

This penetration back into the skin causes an antigenic foreign body reaction at the point of penetration, resulting in lesions consisting of firm papules and pustules in which the ingrown hair can become buried.

Thus, further shaving becomes difficult and painful.

However pseudofolliculitis barbae also affects other races, and ingrown hairs can be a problem for other shaved areas such as the underarms and legs.

As may be appreciated, total abstinence from shaving is not, for the most part, a practical solution to the problem.

Short of abstinence from shaving, however, prevention of pseudofolliculitis barbae has proven difficult.

In practice, however, shaving frequently enough and close enough to skin level to avoid the condition is difficult.

Some efforts to cut facial hair at the skin level have involved stretching the skin, which actually results in the cutting of the hairs below the skin level.

However, for others, the depilatory itself can be an irritant and cause a dermatological reaction.

However, most of these compositions bring about skin irritations or other dermatological side effects when used with the necessary frequency to present a regularly clean-shaven appearance.

Several of these ingredients, however, are unsuitable for the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae and ingrown hair and are irritating to the delicate facial skin, particularly at high concentrations.