CA1166958A - Poison ivy prevention - Google Patents
Poison ivy preventionInfo
- Publication number
- CA1166958A CA1166958A CA000392974A CA392974A CA1166958A CA 1166958 A CA1166958 A CA 1166958A CA 000392974 A CA000392974 A CA 000392974A CA 392974 A CA392974 A CA 392974A CA 1166958 A CA1166958 A CA 1166958A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- composition
- poison ivy
- surface active
- active agent
- ferric ammonium
- 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
Landscapes
- Acyclic And Carbocyclic Compounds In Medicinal Compositions (AREA)
- Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)
- Medicinal Preparation (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The occurrence of poison ivy dermatitis is prevented or treated by the application to the skin of an aqueous solution containing green ferric ammonium citrate along with a nonionic surface active agent.
The occurrence of poison ivy dermatitis is prevented or treated by the application to the skin of an aqueous solution containing green ferric ammonium citrate along with a nonionic surface active agent.
Description
POISON IVY PREVENTION
One o~ the most common causes of contact dermatitis throughout the world is the condition commonly referred to as "poison ivy". This reaction, which may vary in individuals from a sligh-t reddening of the skin with little or no itching to erythema and edema with draining vesicles and intense itching, is a reaction to exposure to chemicals termed urushiols, irritants found in various plants of the genus Rhus~
Virtually every outdoor pursuit, whether recreational or work derived in or near fields, woods and gardens may lead -to Rhus exposure. The plants are ubiqui-tou~ in regions below 5,000 fee-t, their sap is highly allergenic, and the poisonous urushiols are not destroyed upon the death or uprooting of the 15 plant in dry wea-ther. The urushiol-containing milky sap appears upon injury to vine, leaf or root surfaces and can remain potent for up to two years.
For unknown reasons, human skin is especially sensitive -to these allergens, while both domestic and wild animals, which may act as transmitters to man, are insensitive. It has been es-timated that at least 70% of the population of the United States would acquire Rhus dermatitis iE exposed casually to the plants. Although dark-skinned and elderly individuals seem less :
susceptible, severe cases have been observed in octagenarians.
It is estimated that urushiols enter the skin so rapidly that the oily sap must be removed within 2-10 minutes by vigorous washing for the procedure to be effective. Other procedures or preventatives appear to be of limited value. Furthermore, complete desensitization by cutaneous injection of purified or synthetic allergens is almost never achieved;
, -,, -- 1 --5 ~
rather, a state of hyposensiti~ation is obtained returning to Eull sensitivity six months to two years after treatment ceases.
The allergenic urushiol constituents consist of 1,2-dihydroxybenzenes having either saturated or unsaturated linear alipha-tic side chains oE 15 to 17 carbon atoms located at position 3 on the aroma-tic ring. Species variation ~mong Rhus plants results in slight diE~erences in chain length and degree of unsaturation, but all natural urushiols cross-react to produce ~ormation of erythematous papules and blotches surmounted by vesicles of varying si~e.
The current therapy fo:r urushiol-induced dermatitis involes the topica]. application of antipruri-tic compositions such as calamine lotion or the topical and/or systemic administration of corticosteroids such as prednisone, triamcinolone, or 15 betamethasone. In severe or persistant cases, oral and topical steroid therapy may be supplemented with injections of dexamethosone phosphate.
While poison ivy dermatitis is generally considered by the medical profession to be a successfully treatable disease, prevention of the development of the dermatitis from inadvertent exposure would be preferable to treatment after the fact, even if successful.
The prior art (Dube, Nanda V., Detoxification of Poison Ivy Urushiol Westinghouse Science Talent Search, 1979) suggests that green ferric ammonium citrate reacts with the rash-causing components of poison ivy in a manner such that the sequelae of contact with the plant sensitizer are eliminated. Although the reaction of the iron salt with the urushiol toxin has not been precisely deEined, the interaction of iron salts with organic molecules to form chemically stable, usually lightly colored, . ' , ' often insoluble complexes is wel.l known. Some investigators have previously examined the possible d~activa-tion of poison ivy extracts by oxidation and, indeed, ferric salts behave as oxidants with some organic reactants~ However, a-ttempt.s to eliminate poison ivy reactions by the application of oxidants such as perborates and hypochlori.tes have not been successful.
The prevention of posion ivy dermatitis by the topical application o: green ferric ammonium citrate is totally effective only if the salt is applied to the exposed skin areas wi-thin one hour after exposure.
I have discovered that aqueous compositions containing green ferric ammonium citrate in combination with certain surface active agents are effective in almos-t immediately s-topping the itching and further exacerba-tion of the rash when applied as late as three or four days aEter exposure. This surprising finding is very use:Eul since exposure to poison ivy is usually not recognized until the rash breaks out, typically fr one to thre~
days after exposure, when the itching and discomfort become manlfest. I have also found that such compositions are effective prophylactically if applied to the skin prior to expected exposure to poison ivy allergens.
In addition to containing ferric ammonium c.i-trate, the ~ compositions of this invention include a nonionic surface active ~: agent. Any of the various classes of nonionics known to be suitable for use in the formulation of dermatological or cosmetic composit.ions may be employed. Especially preferred i9 the octyl phenoxy polyethoxy e-thanol sold under the name Triton~ X-100 (Rohm & Haas Co.).
~ "
. .
The amoun-t of the two active ingredients can be varied widely in the preparation of compositions useEul in the treatment of urushiol dermatitis. As little as 10.0~ by weight oE ferric ammonium citrate may be employed up to saturation consistent with economy and effectiveness. I prefer to employ from 15.0 to 30.0%
by weight. I especially prefer to use a concentration of about 30.0%. The concentration of the surface active agent can vary from about 0.1% to about 10.0% by weight with about 0.5% to about
One o~ the most common causes of contact dermatitis throughout the world is the condition commonly referred to as "poison ivy". This reaction, which may vary in individuals from a sligh-t reddening of the skin with little or no itching to erythema and edema with draining vesicles and intense itching, is a reaction to exposure to chemicals termed urushiols, irritants found in various plants of the genus Rhus~
Virtually every outdoor pursuit, whether recreational or work derived in or near fields, woods and gardens may lead -to Rhus exposure. The plants are ubiqui-tou~ in regions below 5,000 fee-t, their sap is highly allergenic, and the poisonous urushiols are not destroyed upon the death or uprooting of the 15 plant in dry wea-ther. The urushiol-containing milky sap appears upon injury to vine, leaf or root surfaces and can remain potent for up to two years.
For unknown reasons, human skin is especially sensitive -to these allergens, while both domestic and wild animals, which may act as transmitters to man, are insensitive. It has been es-timated that at least 70% of the population of the United States would acquire Rhus dermatitis iE exposed casually to the plants. Although dark-skinned and elderly individuals seem less :
susceptible, severe cases have been observed in octagenarians.
It is estimated that urushiols enter the skin so rapidly that the oily sap must be removed within 2-10 minutes by vigorous washing for the procedure to be effective. Other procedures or preventatives appear to be of limited value. Furthermore, complete desensitization by cutaneous injection of purified or synthetic allergens is almost never achieved;
, -,, -- 1 --5 ~
rather, a state of hyposensiti~ation is obtained returning to Eull sensitivity six months to two years after treatment ceases.
The allergenic urushiol constituents consist of 1,2-dihydroxybenzenes having either saturated or unsaturated linear alipha-tic side chains oE 15 to 17 carbon atoms located at position 3 on the aroma-tic ring. Species variation ~mong Rhus plants results in slight diE~erences in chain length and degree of unsaturation, but all natural urushiols cross-react to produce ~ormation of erythematous papules and blotches surmounted by vesicles of varying si~e.
The current therapy fo:r urushiol-induced dermatitis involes the topica]. application of antipruri-tic compositions such as calamine lotion or the topical and/or systemic administration of corticosteroids such as prednisone, triamcinolone, or 15 betamethasone. In severe or persistant cases, oral and topical steroid therapy may be supplemented with injections of dexamethosone phosphate.
While poison ivy dermatitis is generally considered by the medical profession to be a successfully treatable disease, prevention of the development of the dermatitis from inadvertent exposure would be preferable to treatment after the fact, even if successful.
The prior art (Dube, Nanda V., Detoxification of Poison Ivy Urushiol Westinghouse Science Talent Search, 1979) suggests that green ferric ammonium citrate reacts with the rash-causing components of poison ivy in a manner such that the sequelae of contact with the plant sensitizer are eliminated. Although the reaction of the iron salt with the urushiol toxin has not been precisely deEined, the interaction of iron salts with organic molecules to form chemically stable, usually lightly colored, . ' , ' often insoluble complexes is wel.l known. Some investigators have previously examined the possible d~activa-tion of poison ivy extracts by oxidation and, indeed, ferric salts behave as oxidants with some organic reactants~ However, a-ttempt.s to eliminate poison ivy reactions by the application of oxidants such as perborates and hypochlori.tes have not been successful.
The prevention of posion ivy dermatitis by the topical application o: green ferric ammonium citrate is totally effective only if the salt is applied to the exposed skin areas wi-thin one hour after exposure.
I have discovered that aqueous compositions containing green ferric ammonium citrate in combination with certain surface active agents are effective in almos-t immediately s-topping the itching and further exacerba-tion of the rash when applied as late as three or four days aEter exposure. This surprising finding is very use:Eul since exposure to poison ivy is usually not recognized until the rash breaks out, typically fr one to thre~
days after exposure, when the itching and discomfort become manlfest. I have also found that such compositions are effective prophylactically if applied to the skin prior to expected exposure to poison ivy allergens.
In addition to containing ferric ammonium c.i-trate, the ~ compositions of this invention include a nonionic surface active ~: agent. Any of the various classes of nonionics known to be suitable for use in the formulation of dermatological or cosmetic composit.ions may be employed. Especially preferred i9 the octyl phenoxy polyethoxy e-thanol sold under the name Triton~ X-100 (Rohm & Haas Co.).
~ "
. .
The amoun-t of the two active ingredients can be varied widely in the preparation of compositions useEul in the treatment of urushiol dermatitis. As little as 10.0~ by weight oE ferric ammonium citrate may be employed up to saturation consistent with economy and effectiveness. I prefer to employ from 15.0 to 30.0%
by weight. I especially prefer to use a concentration of about 30.0%. The concentration of the surface active agent can vary from about 0.1% to about 10.0% by weight with about 0.5% to about
2.0~ being preferred.
The unexpected degree of effectiveness of the topical ; application of the combination of green ferric ammonium citrate and surface active agent can be realized through the use of a broad variety of compositions cornprising broadly the combination of the active ingredients dispensed in a pharmaceutically acceptable dermatologic base. By l'dermatologic base" I mean a vehicle or carrier suitable for application to the skin for topical or external use. The particular pharmaceutical forms adaptable to the purposes of the invention include non-oleaginous ointments, lotions, pastes, jellies, and the like with thickened lotions normally being preferred. An especially preferred form is that of a pump or pressurized aerosol spray which is especially useful since it can be formulated to foam profusely on the skin, clearly delineating the area covered without signiflcantly staining the skin. The term "lotions" refers to liquid suspensiorls or dispersions stabili~ed by the presence of suspending agents or surface active agents or both and designed for external application.
I have found that lt is necessary to preserve the compositions of this invention against Pseudomonas Auriginosa organisms by the incorporation of chloroform or other suitable ~6~
non-reactive germicide. The use of ethanol should be avoided because it has been found to reduce the effectiveness of the compositions.
The compositions may also include in addition to the principal and complementary ingredients listed above, such materials as emulsifying agents, solvents, preservatives, buffers, perfumes, and thickening agents.
The following examples are illustrative oE the novel compositions and methods for their use as contemplated in the presen-t invention, but such examples are not to be construed as limiting the scope thereof.
EXAMPLE I
Ingredient % by Wei~ht Green ferric ammonium citrate 30.0 Octyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanol (Triton~ X-100, Rohm ~ Haas Co.) 0.5 ChloroEorm 0.4 Water q.s. to 100 To 100 parts of the above composition is added 200 ` parts of isobutane propellant in a conventional metal aerosol container employing a valved dispensing closure. The composi-tion is sprayed lightly upon the skin to cover the area of contemplated or suspected exposure.
EXAMPLE II
Inqredient % by Weight Green ferric arnmoni~n citrate 30.0 :: Octyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanol (Triton~ X~100, Rohm & Haas Co.) 1.0 ; Fumed silica (Cabosil~ N-5, Cabo-t Corp.) 6.0 Chloroform 0.3 Water q.s. to 100 The above composition is mixed in a conventional homogenizer to Eorm a thickened homogeneous solution which is applied topically to the area of the skin of contemplated or suspected exposure~
''' ~ ~ .
.
. -."~ i ~, . .
- , , . ~ .
The unexpected degree of effectiveness of the topical ; application of the combination of green ferric ammonium citrate and surface active agent can be realized through the use of a broad variety of compositions cornprising broadly the combination of the active ingredients dispensed in a pharmaceutically acceptable dermatologic base. By l'dermatologic base" I mean a vehicle or carrier suitable for application to the skin for topical or external use. The particular pharmaceutical forms adaptable to the purposes of the invention include non-oleaginous ointments, lotions, pastes, jellies, and the like with thickened lotions normally being preferred. An especially preferred form is that of a pump or pressurized aerosol spray which is especially useful since it can be formulated to foam profusely on the skin, clearly delineating the area covered without signiflcantly staining the skin. The term "lotions" refers to liquid suspensiorls or dispersions stabili~ed by the presence of suspending agents or surface active agents or both and designed for external application.
I have found that lt is necessary to preserve the compositions of this invention against Pseudomonas Auriginosa organisms by the incorporation of chloroform or other suitable ~6~
non-reactive germicide. The use of ethanol should be avoided because it has been found to reduce the effectiveness of the compositions.
The compositions may also include in addition to the principal and complementary ingredients listed above, such materials as emulsifying agents, solvents, preservatives, buffers, perfumes, and thickening agents.
The following examples are illustrative oE the novel compositions and methods for their use as contemplated in the presen-t invention, but such examples are not to be construed as limiting the scope thereof.
EXAMPLE I
Ingredient % by Wei~ht Green ferric ammonium citrate 30.0 Octyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanol (Triton~ X-100, Rohm ~ Haas Co.) 0.5 ChloroEorm 0.4 Water q.s. to 100 To 100 parts of the above composition is added 200 ` parts of isobutane propellant in a conventional metal aerosol container employing a valved dispensing closure. The composi-tion is sprayed lightly upon the skin to cover the area of contemplated or suspected exposure.
EXAMPLE II
Inqredient % by Weight Green ferric arnmoni~n citrate 30.0 :: Octyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanol (Triton~ X~100, Rohm & Haas Co.) 1.0 ; Fumed silica (Cabosil~ N-5, Cabo-t Corp.) 6.0 Chloroform 0.3 Water q.s. to 100 The above composition is mixed in a conventional homogenizer to Eorm a thickened homogeneous solution which is applied topically to the area of the skin of contemplated or suspected exposure~
''' ~ ~ .
.
. -."~ i ~, . .
- , , . ~ .
Claims (6)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A composition for treating poison ivy dermatitis comprising an aqueous solution containing an effective amount of green ferric ammonium citrate along with a nonionic surface active agent.
2. The composition as described in claim 1 in which the concentration of green ferric ammonium citrate is 10.0 to 30.0% by weight and the concentration of the nonionic surface active agent is 0.1 to 10.0% by weight.
3. The composition as described in claim 1 or 2 in which the nonionic surface active agent is octyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanol.
4. The composition as described in claim 1 or 2 containing in addition a preservative against Pseudomonas Auriginosa.
5. The composition as described in claim 1 or 2 containing in addition an aerosol propellant.
6. The composition as described in claim 1 or 2 in which the aqueous solution is distributed in a dermatologic base.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US22087780A | 1980-12-29 | 1980-12-29 | |
| US220,877 | 1980-12-29 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1166958A true CA1166958A (en) | 1984-05-08 |
Family
ID=22825382
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000392974A Expired CA1166958A (en) | 1980-12-29 | 1981-12-22 | Poison ivy prevention |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS57163312A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1166958A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109966306A (en) * | 2019-03-01 | 2019-07-05 | 杭州健石药业有限公司 | Application of the Triton x-100 ointment in treatment pruitus |
-
1981
- 1981-12-22 CA CA000392974A patent/CA1166958A/en not_active Expired
- 1981-12-29 JP JP21619581A patent/JPS57163312A/en active Pending
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109966306A (en) * | 2019-03-01 | 2019-07-05 | 杭州健石药业有限公司 | Application of the Triton x-100 ointment in treatment pruitus |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS57163312A (en) | 1982-10-07 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20010508 |