CA1110975A - Method of and composition for relieving itch, pain, and swelling resulting from insect stings and bites and skin contact with noxious plants - Google Patents
Method of and composition for relieving itch, pain, and swelling resulting from insect stings and bites and skin contact with noxious plantsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1110975A CA1110975A CA296,079A CA296079A CA1110975A CA 1110975 A CA1110975 A CA 1110975A CA 296079 A CA296079 A CA 296079A CA 1110975 A CA1110975 A CA 1110975A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- composition
- arrowroot
- topical application
- bites
- mixture
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A method of relieving itch, pain, and swelling resulting from insect stings, insect bites, and areas of skin contact with noxious plants, comprises topically applying to the affected area a composition containing at least either arrowroot, a calcium phosphate or a combination of both, as an active absorbent ingredient. A topical composition for use in the method comprises an active absorbent ingredient selected from the group thereof consisting of arrowroot, a calcium phosphate and a mixture thereof; and a carrier suitable for topical application to the human skin.
A method of relieving itch, pain, and swelling resulting from insect stings, insect bites, and areas of skin contact with noxious plants, comprises topically applying to the affected area a composition containing at least either arrowroot, a calcium phosphate or a combination of both, as an active absorbent ingredient. A topical composition for use in the method comprises an active absorbent ingredient selected from the group thereof consisting of arrowroot, a calcium phosphate and a mixture thereof; and a carrier suitable for topical application to the human skin.
Description
g7S
13ACKGROUNI~ OF T~IE INVENTION
Field: This invention is in the field of non-prescription topical compositions for treatment of allergenic effects such as itching, pain9 and swelling resulting from insect stings and bites and areas of skin contact with noxious plants.
State of the Art: There are numerous preparations presently avail-able to provide relief from the allergenic effects of insect stings and bites or for relief from the effects of contact of the skin with noxious plants.
Most of these preparations are effective only to a degree and merely tend to anesthetize the site of the affected area. There is nothing that tends to l0 draw the actual material causing the allergenic reaction from the site.
It is said that the Indians in Central America used arrowroot (astarch taken from the root of a plant) in the treatment of poison arrow wounds and that that is how it received its name. Although arrowroot is presently used as a starch in cooking, it appears to have no significant rnedicinal uses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, a method of relieving the allergenic effects of insect stings, insect bites~ and areas of skin contact with noxious plants, comprises topically applying to the affected area a composition containing at least either arrowroot, a calcium phosphate, or a combination 20 of them both, as an active absorbent ingredient.
A composition for topical use in accordance with the method com-prises an active absorbent ingredient as above indicated in a carrier suitable for topical application to the human skin, for example, in a mixture of glycerine and water.
It has been found that an active absorbent ingredient as noted above works very well to alleviate the allergenic effects of insect stings and bites and areas of skin contact with noxious plants. Although either arrowroot or a calcium phosphate alone works satisfactorily, combinations of the two, or combinations of either with pumice work much more rapidly than does the arrowroot or calcium phosphate alone. The remainder of the composition may comprise carriers, emulsifiers, and/or dispersants and may take the 5 form of a powder, liquid, or paste. The composition is preferably made in the form of a cream or lotion for application directly to the skin at the affected site.
When applied to insect stings or bites or areas of skin contact with noxious plants, it appears that the active ingredient actually draws the aller-10 genic or poisonous substance from the affected area along with any bodymaterials resulting from swelling or infection. The treatment has also been found effective in removing skin blemishes such as pimples and blackheads.
If desired, a mild anesthetic, such as menthol, chloroform, or benzocaine, or an antibiotic may be included in the composition.
15 DETAILED DESCRIErrION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
It has been found that very effective relief from the allergenic effects ... .
of insect stings, insect bites, and areas of skin contact with noxious plants may be had by topically applying to the affected area a composition contain-ing at least either arrowroot, a calcium phosphate, or a combination of both, 20 as an active absorbent ingredient. Not only is the itching relieved, but any attendant swelling that has occurred is removed, and further swelling, itching, or other allergenic effects are prevented.
While satisfactory relief is obtained by applying either arrowroot or a calcium phosphate alone as the active absorbent ingredient, the com-25 bination of arrowroot with a calcium phosphate, or either arrowroot or a ~` calcium phosphate with pumice, has been found to produce a synergistic .:
effect which une~pectedly relieves the allergenic effects much more rapidlythan either the arrowroot or calcium phosphate acting alone. The cornbina-tion usually offers effective relief within less than a minute if applied shortly
13ACKGROUNI~ OF T~IE INVENTION
Field: This invention is in the field of non-prescription topical compositions for treatment of allergenic effects such as itching, pain9 and swelling resulting from insect stings and bites and areas of skin contact with noxious plants.
State of the Art: There are numerous preparations presently avail-able to provide relief from the allergenic effects of insect stings and bites or for relief from the effects of contact of the skin with noxious plants.
Most of these preparations are effective only to a degree and merely tend to anesthetize the site of the affected area. There is nothing that tends to l0 draw the actual material causing the allergenic reaction from the site.
It is said that the Indians in Central America used arrowroot (astarch taken from the root of a plant) in the treatment of poison arrow wounds and that that is how it received its name. Although arrowroot is presently used as a starch in cooking, it appears to have no significant rnedicinal uses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, a method of relieving the allergenic effects of insect stings, insect bites~ and areas of skin contact with noxious plants, comprises topically applying to the affected area a composition containing at least either arrowroot, a calcium phosphate, or a combination 20 of them both, as an active absorbent ingredient.
A composition for topical use in accordance with the method com-prises an active absorbent ingredient as above indicated in a carrier suitable for topical application to the human skin, for example, in a mixture of glycerine and water.
It has been found that an active absorbent ingredient as noted above works very well to alleviate the allergenic effects of insect stings and bites and areas of skin contact with noxious plants. Although either arrowroot or a calcium phosphate alone works satisfactorily, combinations of the two, or combinations of either with pumice work much more rapidly than does the arrowroot or calcium phosphate alone. The remainder of the composition may comprise carriers, emulsifiers, and/or dispersants and may take the 5 form of a powder, liquid, or paste. The composition is preferably made in the form of a cream or lotion for application directly to the skin at the affected site.
When applied to insect stings or bites or areas of skin contact with noxious plants, it appears that the active ingredient actually draws the aller-10 genic or poisonous substance from the affected area along with any bodymaterials resulting from swelling or infection. The treatment has also been found effective in removing skin blemishes such as pimples and blackheads.
If desired, a mild anesthetic, such as menthol, chloroform, or benzocaine, or an antibiotic may be included in the composition.
15 DETAILED DESCRIErrION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
It has been found that very effective relief from the allergenic effects ... .
of insect stings, insect bites, and areas of skin contact with noxious plants may be had by topically applying to the affected area a composition contain-ing at least either arrowroot, a calcium phosphate, or a combination of both, 20 as an active absorbent ingredient. Not only is the itching relieved, but any attendant swelling that has occurred is removed, and further swelling, itching, or other allergenic effects are prevented.
While satisfactory relief is obtained by applying either arrowroot or a calcium phosphate alone as the active absorbent ingredient, the com-25 bination of arrowroot with a calcium phosphate, or either arrowroot or a ~` calcium phosphate with pumice, has been found to produce a synergistic .:
effect which une~pectedly relieves the allergenic effects much more rapidlythan either the arrowroot or calcium phosphate acting alone. The cornbina-tion usually offers effective relief within less than a minute if applied shortly
-2 -after the Stillg or bite occurs.
A composition of the preferred character contains, as an active ingredient, an absorbent comprising either arrowroot, a calcium phosphate, a mixture of arrowroot and one or more calcium phosphates, a mixture of 5 arrowroot and one or more calcium phosphates, a mixture of arrowroot and pumice, a mixture o~ arrowroot, pumice, and one or more calcium phos-phates, or a mixture of one or more calcium phosphates and pumice. The calcium phosphate used is preferably either di-calcium phosphate or tri-calcium phosphate or a mixture of the two.
It is believed that the active absorbent ingredient operates to draw ~he acids, mucoids, poisons, and debris from the site of the bite, sting, or area of skin contact with the noxious plants. These acids, mucoids, poisons, and debris are then absorbed, neutralized, and diluted in the composition and are later rinsed away with the composition.
In addition to the active absorbent ingredient, it is preferred that the composition also comprise sodium lauryl sulfate~ sodium N-lauroyl sarcosinate or other detersives as carriers and cleaning agents and to improve skin adhesion when in a wet state; humectants such as glycerin, sorbital, propylene glycol, or other polyhydric alcohols to avoid drying;
20 binders and emulsifiers such as sodium ricinoleate, the natural gums tragacanth, karaya, arabic, the algenates, and Irish Moss, and the water soluble salts o~ cellulose ethers, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium carboxymethyl hydroethyl cellulose; an opactifier such as titanium dioxide; and water as a solvent. Dimethecone may be used as a 25 binder and thickener, and sodium benzoate and magnesium aluminum silicate may be used as texturizers.
In some instances it may be desirable to add a mild anesthetic such as chloroform, menthol, or benzocaine, or to add an antil~iotic, to the com-position.
.
.
It is preferred that the composition be in the form of a crearn or lotion for easy application and adhesion to the affected area, although a com-position in other forms, such as powder, could be used. If stored in powdered form, a small amount of water can be mixed with the powdered composition 5 before use to improve the adhesive qualitiesO
The maximum concentration of the active ingredient is limited only by the desired form and consistency of the composition. Active ingredient concentrations of over 80~o may be used while still obtaining a satisfactory cream consistency. The preferred range of concentration of the active lO ingredient from the standpoint of fast action, absorption capacity, and cosmetic quality of the composition as a cream, is between lS~Yo and 80 At low concentrations of the active ingredient the composition acts more slowly and has smaller absorption capacity. The composition appears to work well down to about 5~0 or less active ingredient concentration particu-15 larly for small bites or stings.
An example of a formulation of the composition that has been used given in weight percentages, is:
Arrowroot 5 - 20~o Pumice 10 - 23~7o Sodium benzoate 0.080/70 Hydrochloride of quanidino benzimidazole 0. 25%
Insoluble sodium metaphosphate20.30~7o Sodium N lauroyl sarcosinate l~o Dicalcium phosphate 2. 15%
Titanium dioxide 0.20~7o Tragacanth o. 70~0 Glycerine 3:2,7 Water (distilled) balance S
Indications are that the hydrochloride of quanidino benzimidazole which was used as an absorbent filler ingredient, as is the insoluble sodium metaphosphate, may be toxic so is no longer recommended for use. In its place it is preferred that a silica gel be used.
A presently preferred formulation is:
Arrowroot 2 8~7o Pumice 20~7o Sodium lauryl sulfate 30~0 Titanium dioxide l37o Sodium ricinoleate 2~o Glycerine and water 16~Yo Tragacanth 1~7o Menthol 2~o with an alternate preferred formulation being:
Arrowroot 28370 Pumice 5~70 Tricalcium phosphate 4%
:~ Dicalcium phosphate 35~70 Magnesium aluminum silicate o. 8~7o Sodium lauryl sulfate 1. 5~7o Titanium dioxide 1. 5~70 Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 1. 2~7o Dimenthecone 1. 5~!70 Menthol 3~0 Irish Moss 0.5~0 - Glycerine 21. 5~70 Water to the desired consistency All of the ingredients are preferably in the form of powder before mixing except glycerine and water, and the other humectants that may be 3t7S
used, which are liquids. Some forms of silica gel may also be liquid~
Arrowroot is cornmercially available in most supermarkets and is distributed under that name by McCormick & Co., (Schilling) Baltimore, Maryland. The remaining ingredients are available from normal chemical 5 outlets such as McKesson Chemical Company, Irvine, California, or Sargent Welch Company, ~naheim, California.
In actual use to treat insect stings and bites, when the composition is applied to ~he site soon after the sting or bite occurs, efEective relief is had in a matter of seconds. In a case of extreme reaction to mosquito 10 bites where welts as large as dollars and raised above the skin in irregular patterns were treated with the composition twelve hours after the bites occurred, all swelling and allergenic reactions were gone after 3-1/2 hours.
In instances of severe allergenic effects to stings and bites, it is ; important to apply the composition immediately after the sting or bite is 15 received so that the allergenic material can be withdrawn rapidly from the body before it can get into the bloodstream.
The composition has also been found to be very effective for the treatment and removal of skin blemishes such as pimples, and blackheads.
Pimples have disappeared within three hours of application. Blackheads 20 are loosened by the absorption of the surrounding oils and waxes and may then be washed away.
Whereas ~he invention has been described herein with reference to the presently preferred composition thereof, it should be understood that . ~ .
various changes may be made without departing from the disclosed inventive 25 concepts particularly pointed out and claimed hereinafter.
A composition of the preferred character contains, as an active ingredient, an absorbent comprising either arrowroot, a calcium phosphate, a mixture of arrowroot and one or more calcium phosphates, a mixture of 5 arrowroot and one or more calcium phosphates, a mixture of arrowroot and pumice, a mixture o~ arrowroot, pumice, and one or more calcium phos-phates, or a mixture of one or more calcium phosphates and pumice. The calcium phosphate used is preferably either di-calcium phosphate or tri-calcium phosphate or a mixture of the two.
It is believed that the active absorbent ingredient operates to draw ~he acids, mucoids, poisons, and debris from the site of the bite, sting, or area of skin contact with the noxious plants. These acids, mucoids, poisons, and debris are then absorbed, neutralized, and diluted in the composition and are later rinsed away with the composition.
In addition to the active absorbent ingredient, it is preferred that the composition also comprise sodium lauryl sulfate~ sodium N-lauroyl sarcosinate or other detersives as carriers and cleaning agents and to improve skin adhesion when in a wet state; humectants such as glycerin, sorbital, propylene glycol, or other polyhydric alcohols to avoid drying;
20 binders and emulsifiers such as sodium ricinoleate, the natural gums tragacanth, karaya, arabic, the algenates, and Irish Moss, and the water soluble salts o~ cellulose ethers, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium carboxymethyl hydroethyl cellulose; an opactifier such as titanium dioxide; and water as a solvent. Dimethecone may be used as a 25 binder and thickener, and sodium benzoate and magnesium aluminum silicate may be used as texturizers.
In some instances it may be desirable to add a mild anesthetic such as chloroform, menthol, or benzocaine, or to add an antil~iotic, to the com-position.
.
.
It is preferred that the composition be in the form of a crearn or lotion for easy application and adhesion to the affected area, although a com-position in other forms, such as powder, could be used. If stored in powdered form, a small amount of water can be mixed with the powdered composition 5 before use to improve the adhesive qualitiesO
The maximum concentration of the active ingredient is limited only by the desired form and consistency of the composition. Active ingredient concentrations of over 80~o may be used while still obtaining a satisfactory cream consistency. The preferred range of concentration of the active lO ingredient from the standpoint of fast action, absorption capacity, and cosmetic quality of the composition as a cream, is between lS~Yo and 80 At low concentrations of the active ingredient the composition acts more slowly and has smaller absorption capacity. The composition appears to work well down to about 5~0 or less active ingredient concentration particu-15 larly for small bites or stings.
An example of a formulation of the composition that has been used given in weight percentages, is:
Arrowroot 5 - 20~o Pumice 10 - 23~7o Sodium benzoate 0.080/70 Hydrochloride of quanidino benzimidazole 0. 25%
Insoluble sodium metaphosphate20.30~7o Sodium N lauroyl sarcosinate l~o Dicalcium phosphate 2. 15%
Titanium dioxide 0.20~7o Tragacanth o. 70~0 Glycerine 3:2,7 Water (distilled) balance S
Indications are that the hydrochloride of quanidino benzimidazole which was used as an absorbent filler ingredient, as is the insoluble sodium metaphosphate, may be toxic so is no longer recommended for use. In its place it is preferred that a silica gel be used.
A presently preferred formulation is:
Arrowroot 2 8~7o Pumice 20~7o Sodium lauryl sulfate 30~0 Titanium dioxide l37o Sodium ricinoleate 2~o Glycerine and water 16~Yo Tragacanth 1~7o Menthol 2~o with an alternate preferred formulation being:
Arrowroot 28370 Pumice 5~70 Tricalcium phosphate 4%
:~ Dicalcium phosphate 35~70 Magnesium aluminum silicate o. 8~7o Sodium lauryl sulfate 1. 5~7o Titanium dioxide 1. 5~70 Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 1. 2~7o Dimenthecone 1. 5~!70 Menthol 3~0 Irish Moss 0.5~0 - Glycerine 21. 5~70 Water to the desired consistency All of the ingredients are preferably in the form of powder before mixing except glycerine and water, and the other humectants that may be 3t7S
used, which are liquids. Some forms of silica gel may also be liquid~
Arrowroot is cornmercially available in most supermarkets and is distributed under that name by McCormick & Co., (Schilling) Baltimore, Maryland. The remaining ingredients are available from normal chemical 5 outlets such as McKesson Chemical Company, Irvine, California, or Sargent Welch Company, ~naheim, California.
In actual use to treat insect stings and bites, when the composition is applied to ~he site soon after the sting or bite occurs, efEective relief is had in a matter of seconds. In a case of extreme reaction to mosquito 10 bites where welts as large as dollars and raised above the skin in irregular patterns were treated with the composition twelve hours after the bites occurred, all swelling and allergenic reactions were gone after 3-1/2 hours.
In instances of severe allergenic effects to stings and bites, it is ; important to apply the composition immediately after the sting or bite is 15 received so that the allergenic material can be withdrawn rapidly from the body before it can get into the bloodstream.
The composition has also been found to be very effective for the treatment and removal of skin blemishes such as pimples, and blackheads.
Pimples have disappeared within three hours of application. Blackheads 20 are loosened by the absorption of the surrounding oils and waxes and may then be washed away.
Whereas ~he invention has been described herein with reference to the presently preferred composition thereof, it should be understood that . ~ .
various changes may be made without departing from the disclosed inventive 25 concepts particularly pointed out and claimed hereinafter.
Claims (7)
1. A composition for topical application to the site of insect stings, insect bites, and areas of skin contact with noxious plants to relieve the itch, pain, and swelling associated therewith, comprising an effective amount of an active ingredient selected from the group thereof consisting of a mixture of arrowroot and one or more calcium phosphates;
a mixture of arrowroot and pumice; a mixture of arrowroot, pumice, and one or more calcium phosphates; and a mixture of one or more calcium phosphates and pumice; and a carrier for said active ingredient suitable for topical application to the human skin.
a mixture of arrowroot and pumice; a mixture of arrowroot, pumice, and one or more calcium phosphates; and a mixture of one or more calcium phosphates and pumice; and a carrier for said active ingredient suitable for topical application to the human skin.
2. A composition for topical application according to Claim 1, wherein the calcium phosphates are dicalcium phosphate or tricalcium phosphate.
3. A composition for topical application according to Claim 1, wherein the active ingredient comprises at least 5% by weight of the composition.
4. A composition for topical application according to Claim 1, wherein the active ingredient comprises between 15% and 80% by weight of the composition.
5. A composition for topical application according to Claim 1, in the form of a cream.
6. A composition for topical application according to Claim 1, wherein the composition additionally includes an anesthetic.
7. A composition for topical application according to Claim 6, wherein the anesthetic is selected from the group consisting of menthol and benzocaine.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA296,079A CA1110975A (en) | 1978-01-31 | 1978-01-31 | Method of and composition for relieving itch, pain, and swelling resulting from insect stings and bites and skin contact with noxious plants |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA296,079A CA1110975A (en) | 1978-01-31 | 1978-01-31 | Method of and composition for relieving itch, pain, and swelling resulting from insect stings and bites and skin contact with noxious plants |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1110975A true CA1110975A (en) | 1981-10-20 |
Family
ID=4110670
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA296,079A Expired CA1110975A (en) | 1978-01-31 | 1978-01-31 | Method of and composition for relieving itch, pain, and swelling resulting from insect stings and bites and skin contact with noxious plants |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1110975A (en) |
-
1978
- 1978-01-31 CA CA296,079A patent/CA1110975A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |