Vaginal care composition

Abstract

A vaginal care composition which is introduced directly into the vagina in the form of an ovule, a cream or an ointment or with a tampon or which is brought into a position outside the vagina on a panty liner. The composition comprises viable Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium microorganisms, non-viable Saccharomyces cultures, saccharide(s); vitamin A / retinol, and zinc.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a vaginal care composition. In particular, the invention relates to a vaginal care composition which is introduced directly into the vagina in the form of an ovule, a cream or an ointment or with a tampon or which is brought into a position outside the vagina on a panty liner. [0002] It has long been known that mucosae can be very sensitive. The mucosa of the vagina is particularly sensitive to irritations or inflammations. Women who are so predisposed react, for example after visiting a swimming pool or other body of water or after sexual intercourse, with irritations, painful changes or even inflammation in the region of the vaginal mucosa. Hormonal changes, for example when taking the pill (“contraceptive pill”), in pregnancy, lactation or during the menopause, can also cause an irritated reaction in the vaginal mucosa. Similarly, systemic treatment with antibiotics, for example, also causes irritations of the mu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a vaginal care composition with which the mucosa of the vagina can be protected.

[0014] One embodiment of composition additionally comprises selenium, especially selenium-containing yeast, preferably in an amount of from 0.001 to 0.06 wt. % selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant trace element with cell-protecting properties, which particularly promotes the growth of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria and therefore furthers their development over other microorganisms in the vagina.

[0015] Another embodiment additionally comprises Melaleuca aetheroleum, preferably in an amount of from 0.5 to 10 wt. %, and / or camomile flower extract, preferably in an amount of from 0.01 to 5 wt. %. Both substances assist in the care of the vaginal mucosa by their inflammation-relieving and caring properties.

Problems solved by technology

Hormonal changes, for example when taking the pill (“contraceptive pill”), in pregnancy, lactation or during the menopause, can also cause an irritated reaction in the vaginal mucosa.

Similarly, systemic treatment with antibiotics, for example, also causes irritations of the mucosae, in particular the vaginal mucosa.

A further irritating factor for the vaginal flora is the increasing discharge from the vagina, which originally comes from the abdominal cavity and, owing to an unphysiological composition of the secretions, can disturb the normal balance of the vaginal population.

The resulting irritations of the vaginal mucosa are not only painful but can also develop into advancing inflammations, which can affect other organs or the woman's entire body.

In fact, several hundred thousand women are affected each year by such irritations, which can impair their feeling of well-being considerably.

Accordingly, the mucosa should be cared for in such a manner that it is better able to withstand environmental influences and does not offer an environment in which pathological biofilms are able to develop.

However, these tampons provide only a purely mechanical barrier layer which does not contribute to caring for the vaginal mucosa in any way.

On the contrary, it is questionable whether contact with highly concentrated Vaseline oil is beneficial to the mucosal environment.

Furthermore, the Vaseline oil prevents a tampon from expanding in the required manner, so that it is barely able to adapt exactly to the body shape of the wearer and, in the end, water will nevertheless be allowed through.