Treatment of dermal itch with compositions containing bromelain

Abstract

Compositions containing bromelain are disclosed for use as topical therapeutic agents for the treatment of dermal itch. The compositions include lotions, creams and ointments.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 632,995, filed Feb. 26, 2015, now U.S. patent Ser. No. ______, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 944,904 filed on Feb. 26, 2014. The entire contents of both of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to topical compositions for the relief of itching, inflammation, and irritation of the skin, and for the cosmetic improvement of the appearance of skin.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Itch and Inflammation.[0004]The phenomenon of itching is a widespread source of discomfort and annoyance, and the search for relief has created a significant market for products intended to alleviate the problem. To address this need, a tremendous number of topical products have been released onto the market over the years. These formulations generally contain, in addition to their inert bases, one...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about a new skincare product that can help reduce skin inflammation, itching, and other symptoms caused by various conditions. The product can be made in different forms like a liquid, lotion, cream, or gel and can be applied to minor skin irritations and provide quick and long-lasting relief. It is safe to use and can help restore skin to a healthier and more attractive state. The main ingredient in the product is bromelain, which is a natural enzyme found in pineapple, which is widely available and safe to use. Compared to another ingredient, papain, bromelain has a slower and more selective kinetic proteolytic profile, which may reduce the likelihood of damaging non-target proteins in the skin.

Problems solved by technology

The phenomenon of itching is a widespread source of discomfort and annoyance, and the search for relief has created a significant market for products intended to alleviate the problem.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008 ordered a halt to the marketing of unapproved drug products that contain papain in a topical dosage form (including Stop Itch Plus™), because the drugs can produce harmful or near-fatal effects, hypersensitivity resulting in anaphylactic reactions being the primary concern.

The FDA also asserted that the effectiveness of the products was not supported by scientifically sound studies in the medical literature.

No such effects have ever been confirmed in human studies, however, and with the exception of a burn debridement product (NexoBrid™), bromelain is not approved with a health claim for any disorder by the FDA or by the European Medicines Agency.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health rates bromelain as “possibly effective” against osteoarthritis when taken orally, in combination with trypsin and rutin, but no evidence indicates utility or efficacy of bromelain for any other disorder.