Method and composition for treating ear inflammation caused by dry ear

Abstract

A method of treating diseases and conditions associated with dry ear comprising topically applying to the ear canal of a subject that is suffering therefrom a liquid composition comprising an anti-irritant agent, a wound healing agent; and an anti-inflammatory agent dissolved in a polyhydroxy liquid solvent.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to the treatment of inflammation of the inner ear of a mammal, e.g. humans or pets, caused by asteatosis, which treatment comprises topical application of a liquid composition to the inflamed tissue. [0003] 2. Related Art [0004] It is well known that a moist environment in the inner ear of a human or a pet can result in various diseases such as Swimmer's Ear. Swimmer's Ear is an example of a common affectation of the ear caused by excessive moisture whereby a swimmer receives contaminated water in the ear or overly moisturizes the ear causing it to succumb to microbial growth (most often pseudomonas). Thus, there are many compositions that are disclosed for use in removing water from and drying the ear canal. [0005] Alcohol is commonly used to clean out the ear, especially of pets, because it dissolves the natural oils and fats present in the ear, but alcohol is also irritating, especially if ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018] The composition of this invention may further include an emollient, such as Aloe, which reduces irritation and treats abrasions, minor wounds, and burns.

Problems solved by technology

It is well known that a moist environment in the inner ear of a human or a pet can result in various diseases such as Swimmer's Ear.

Alcohol is commonly used to clean out the ear, especially of pets, because it dissolves the natural oils and fats present in the ear, but alcohol is also irritating, especially if the ear is presented with lesions or is inflamed.

Alcohol evaporates quickly, thereby often over-drying the ear and leaving it red and irritated.

While such mixtures are effective in killing bacteria and in eliminating yeast infections, they are not pH balanced and may irritate or actually burn the ear if the pH is too low.

Additionally, the acetic acid / alcohol mixture has a tendency to over-dry the ear.

As a result, the ear canal may suffer from atopic dermatitis or even more serious a skin infection (otitus externa) can develop in the ear canal

Because of the lack of cerumen which is protective of the canal, there is a change in the ph of the canal which may make it more prone to external ear infection.

The dryness of the canal skin leads to itching and subsequent scratching and irritation of the canal.

Because there is not cerumen in the canal pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria and fungi may dominate the flora of the canal, cause overgrowth and actual infection.

These infections can often time be very difficult to clear up requiring multiple office visits, particularly if these is fungal overgrowth.

Thus, in many instances the ear canal may be over-dry as a result of aging, cleaning or for other reasons.

The problem with over drying the ear canal is that serious diseases or conditions, e.g. inflammation, may be the result.

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