Topical Nail Composition Using DMSO for Infection Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Nail infections, particularly fungal infections, are difficult to treat due to their invasive nature and recurrence, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems or diabetes, and existing treatments are not very effective in addressing the keratin nail tissue infection.
Innovation Solution
A topical nail composition is formulated by mixing antibiotic or antifungal injectable medications like Tobramycin, Voriconazole, or Ceftriaxone with a diluent and optionally urea and NSAIDs, applied directly to the affected nail, which may include DMSO to enhance penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional systemic antifungal medications are used, then the treatment covers the entire body, but the medication cannot effectively penetrate the keratin nail tissue and reaches the infection site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) as a penetrating agent or intermediary substance that facilitates the delivery of antifungal medication through the nail plate to the infected nail bed. This mediator overcomes the barrier of keratinized nail tissue, enabling the active ingredient to reach the infection site effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the medication formulation by combining antifungal agents with DMSO, creating a composition with enhanced penetration properties. This parameter change allows the medication to transition from being unable to penetrate nail tissue to effectively reaching the infected area.
2Ease of operation
If topical treatments are applied to the nail surface, then the application is simple and direct, but the treatment does not reach the invasive infection in the nail bed
Solution Approach 1:
DMSO serves as the intermediary that bridges the gap between topical application and deep tissue delivery. It enables the simple topical application method to achieve deep penetration into the nail bed, combining ease of application with effective treatment delivery.
3Reliability
If high concentrations of antifungal agents are used to ensure penetration, then the medication reaches the infection site, but systemic side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent delivers medication locally to the infected nail area through topical application with DMSO enhancement, rather than requiring high systemic concentrations. This localized delivery achieves effective treatment at the infection site while minimizing systemic exposure and associated side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
DMSO enables localized high-concentration delivery at the application site without requiring high systemic concentrations, as the mediator concentrates the medication effect where needed while limiting systemic distribution.
4Reliability
If multiple applications are used to treat resistant infections, then the treatment coverage increases, but the treatment duration and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the formulation parameters by incorporating DMSO, which significantly enhances penetration efficiency. This parameter change reduces the number of applications needed compared to conventional treatments, thereby shortening overall treatment duration while maintaining effective infection clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The enhanced penetration capability allows the medication to quickly overcome the nail barrier and reach the infection, effectively 'rushing through' the resistance that would normally require multiple prolonged applications, thus reducing treatment time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition effectively treats bacterial and fungal nail infections by providing direct antimicrobial action and improving nail health, reducing recurrence and pain associated with fungal infections.
Implementation Method 1
which may include DMSO to enhance penetration
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating bacterial or fungal nail infections may include mixing an antibiotic or antifungal injectable medication and a diluent to formulate a topical nail composition. The topical nail composition may be administered directly to a nail affected by the bacterial or fungal infection.