JP3664504B2 - Antiallergic skin treatment device - Google Patents

Description

【００１８】
使用前にタイマー６で加療時間をセットし、患部に一対の電極２および３を比接後押圧を加え、セットした所定時間だけ電圧パルス列を印加した。得られた結果を示したのが表１である。加療には薬剤を併用せず、本治療器による物療のみとした。
【００１９】
表１は、本治療器の著しい治癒効果を示している。即ち、１日１〜３回の小電圧パルス列の短時間印加によって、虫さされ（唾液または毒針）によって誘起された皮膚のアレルギー反応は急速に抑制されて消炎することが示されている。一方、猫蚤および蚊についいて虫さされ後全く手当を行わなかった場合、アレルギー反応によって数時間乃至数日間も発赤や腫れ、痒みの被害が残るので、消炎効果は明らかに本治療器による小電圧パルス列の印加がもたらしたものと判定することができる。
【００２０】
次に、小電圧パルス発振器７の発振条件を変えて加療治験を行った。治験は家ダニに刺された場合のみを対象とした。この結果、矩形波パルスでパルス幅１００μｓ乃至１０ｍｓ（但し繰り返し周波数は１００Ｈｚに限定）、繰り返し周波数５０乃至８０Ｈｚ（但しパルス幅５００μｓに限定）、ピーク電圧０．１乃至２０Ｖ（但しパルス幅１ｍｓ、繰り返し周波数２５０Ｈｚに限定）の範囲でアレルギー反応抑制、消炎効果が認められた。
【００２１】
（その２）創傷や火傷など皮膚の奥深部に至る損傷に対して、本発明の治療器を適用した場合について述べる。図３は本実施例で用いた治療器の概略の外形を示す図である。
【００２２】
本治療器においては、一対の電極２および３は金メッキされた金属薄板で形成されたくし形電極となっている。勿論これ以外に、例えば白金やロジウムメッキした耐久性材料、或は銀メッキした殺菌性ある材料を電極に用いてもよい。一対の電極２およひび３は、厚手の布１０の上に接着された可撓性電極であり、各々導線１１および１２によって布１０の外側に配置されたボディケース１内の電気回路（図示せず）に接続されている。導線１１、１２に脱着可能な端子を設けておけば、一対の電極２および３は布１０と共にディスポーザブルすることができる。
【００２３】
ボディケース１内には、前実施例同様小電圧パルスの発振回路７、電源回路８および電子スイッチ９が組込まれている。本治療器にはディスプレイ５が接続されていないが、必要に応じて付設できることは自明である。但し、パイロットランプ４およびタイマー６は外部から観察、操作できる位置に備えられている。タイマー６にはスイッチ機能が付設されており、動作時間設定後ボタンを押すことによって小電圧パルスの発振回路７が駆動する。電源は通常電池であるが、必要に応じてアダプター等を通じて１００Ｖ電源に接続することも可能である。
【００２４】
布１０を、一対の電極２および３が患部に当接する如くして皮膚に密着させ、絆創膏等で貼着する。その後、タイマー６を所定時間に設定し、スイッチを入れて小電圧パルスを患部皮膚へ印加する。創傷および火傷発生時以降１０〜２０分以内に本治療器を適用した結果を表２に示した。
【表２】

尚、創傷への適用時は止血後とした。又、火傷は２乃至３度で水痘はあるが、出血していない患部に装着した。いずれの場合も薬剤は全く併用していない。表２の場合の電圧パルス条件は、パルス幅５００μｓ、繰り返し周波数４００Ｈｚ、デューティ比３０％、ピーク電圧８Ｖの矩形波とした。表２の結果は、本治療器を適用した加療が創傷や火傷による周辺部へのショック症状を抑制しつつ、化膿も抑えて皮膚細胞の新陳代謝を活性化して傷を治癒する作用をもつことを示している。
【００２５】
尚、比較のために図３の小電力パルスの発振回路７をとりかえ、パルス波形を三角波および単極性の正弦波（いずれもピーク電圧８Ｖ、パルス幅１ｍｓ、繰り返し周波数１００Ｈｚ）とした場合の効果を、別の創傷患者で調べた。いずれの場合も表２の結果に近く、短期間のパルス印加によって薬剤を使用することなく治癒することが確かめられた。
【００２６】
（その３）本治療器による皮膚再生機能を調べるために、角質化皮膚に対する適用を試みた。図４は本実施例で用いた治療器の外形を示す図である。尚、図４にはボディケース１内に収納された電気回路および配線の主要部を点線によって併せて示した。本実施例の一対の電極２Ａおよび３Ａは、回転筒形状を有し、表面が白金メッキされている。その回転軸２０、２１は、それぞれボディケース１内において嵌合固定されており、図示したように各回転軸の固定部から内部の回路に導線で接続されている。４はパイロットランプ、６はタイマーであり、タイマー６は前実施例同様スイッチ機能も備えている。又、ボディケース１内に収納され点線表示されている７は、小電圧パルスの発振回路、８は電池電源を含む電源回路である。ボディケース１は、金属製でもプラスチック製でもよい。一対の電極２Ａおよび３Ａは、軸のまわりを皮接しながら自由に回転でき、回転中もスリップリングによってボディケース１内の電気回路と導電接触を保つ機能を有している。この回転は人間の手による駆動力による例の他に、モータによる自動回転もありうる。
【００２７】
タイマー６で必要な所定時間をセット後、タイマーの取手を押せば内蔵された小電圧パルスの発振回路７が駆動されて、小電圧パルス列を一対の電極２Ａおよび３Ａに伝達する。この時、パイロットランプ４は点灯し、被検者に装置が作動中であることを知らせる。勿論必要があれば作動残り時間を知らせるディスプレイを付設することができる。一対の電極２および３を同時に皮接しながら回転させていくと、比較的広い範囲でも容易にパルス刺激を与えることが可能である。
【００２８】
角質化した患部を有する被検者に対して、図４の治療器による加療テストを行った結果を表３に示す。
【表３】

この場合、小電圧のパルスは三角波を用い、ピーク電圧６Ｖ、デューティ比２５％、５０％パルス波高位置におけるパルス幅１．４ｍｓｅｃ、繰返し周波数１００Ｈｚとした。角質化に対しても短期間におおむね良好な結果が得られていることがわかる。これは、小電圧パルス列が金属アレルギー等アレルギー反応を抑制しつつ皮膚内奥部に分布する末梢神経シナプスを活性化し、新陳代謝が促進された結果であると考えられる。実際、皮膚インピーダンスの測定を行うと、図４の治療器による加療後には、加療前に比べて患部で約１桁のインピーダンス低下がみられた。これは神経シナプスの可塑性を高めた結果誘発される皮膚再生でよく観察される現象である。本実施例の角質化皮膚再生は、アレルギー反応の抑制によって発赤や痛み、痒みなどの副作用を伴うことはない。
【００２９】
図４と同じタイプの治療器で発振波形を正弦波や矩形波に代え、ピーク電圧６Ｖ、デューティ比２５％、繰返し周波数１００Ｈｚのパルス発振条件下で治療を行った場合も、ほぼ同様の再生効果が認められた。
【００３０】
以上実施例を用いて、本発明の治療器による皮膚のアレルギー性反応抑制と消炎および／または皮膚再生機能について述べた。しかし本発明の適用は、実施例の昆虫禍や創傷、火傷または角質層にとどまるものではない。例えば、皮膚の真皮領域に分布する特殊なケラチノサイトである毛のう上皮が生成する頭髪の発育促進や内因性アレルギーであるアトピー性皮膚炎の抑制化、治療である。これらはいずれも、本発明の要件を満たす単極性小電圧パルス列を皮膚の所定個所に印加することにより、局所的に免疫不応答状況を一時的に作り出し、アレルギー反応やショック症状を抑制すると同時に、末梢神経シナプスを興奮させて代謝を活性化する複合作用によって効果を発現するものである。
【００３１】
単極性の小電圧パルスは一般に、皮膚疾患が軽症であり、発症からの経過時間が短い程ピーク電圧および繰返し周波数が低くても効果を発揮する。例えば昆虫に刺された場合でも、直後であれば、ピーク電圧０．０５Ｖ、繰返し周波数２０Ｈｚ程度でもアレルギー反応の抑制効果が観察された。しかし発症から長時間が経過してアレルゲンが深奥部まで拡散した場合、例えば虫さされ後１２時間以上経過した場合には、小電圧パルスのピーク電圧５乃至２０Ｖ、繰返し周波数は１００乃至８００Ｈｚの比較的強い刺激が必要である。ただし、軽症でも重症でも小電圧パルスのパルス幅は１００μｓｅｃ以上が必要であり、好ましくは５００μｓｅｃ乃至数ｍｓｅｃとなる。
【００３２】
なお、電極材料については、前記実施例で貴金属の場合を述べた。耐久性を考慮すれば貴金属が好ましいが、一般に導電性材料であれば用いうることは自明である。例えば、炭素電極や半導体電極である。特に、一対の電極の一方が貴金属、他方が半導体である場合、皮接面で化学電池が形成されて安定に直流起電力を得ることができる。直流起電力による皮膚内のイオン電流発生下で前記パルス電圧を印加すると、アレルゲンがイオン電流で酸化、還元されることによって抗原作用を弱め、従って弱いパルス刺激によってもアレルギー反応の抑制が可能になる利点がある。
【００３３】
本発明の治療器は、薬剤と併用されることがあっても全く問題はない。本治療器の形状は、実施例に述べたものにはとどまらない、例えば一対の電極を編み込んだ布形状とすることもできる。要は、単極性の小電圧パルス列が本発明の条件を満たせばよい。また、パイロットランプやタイマーの存在も必須ではないことは自明であろう。
【００３４】
皮膚のアレルギー反応を抑制し得る小電圧パルスの発振条件は前記実施例の中で述べた。上記各実施例の治療器のパルス発振は、予め定められた一定の条件下で行われたが、本発明はこれにとどまらない。一台の治療器でパルス発振条件を可変としたデバイスも本発明の範疇である。このような可変デバイスは、アレルギー反応の治療上より好ましい場合がある。
例えば、アレルゲンの侵入が比較的浅い「初期の疾患」では一般に、低いピーク電圧、低い繰返し周波数、狭いパルス幅で治癒効果が期待できるが、発症から時間を経過したアレルギー反応の抑制には、より強いパルスを印加する必要がある。患者や医師は、現在の症状に最適なパルス条件を必ずしも把握していない場合が多いので、より短期間に効果を挙げるにはパルス発振条件を可変にしてスイングする方法をとることも考えられる。即ち、例えばピーク電圧、パルス幅をそれぞれ一定とし、繰返し周波数５０〜７００Ｈｚの間で周期的に連続変化させる回路を小電圧パルスの発振回路７に付与するのである。アレルギー反応抑制パルスは、少なくとも１０発程度入射すれば効果を発揮し始めるので、周波数のスイング回路によって印加パルスの繰返し周波数が変化しても、最適条件とその近傍における治療パルスは十分確保することができる。
【００３５】
以上は、繰返し周波数をスイングする例を述べたが、もちろんピーク電圧および／またはパルス幅をスイングさせることが可能である。これらのパルス発振条件スイング回路の付与によって、短期間でより高いアレルギー反応抑制効果が得られる。
【００３６】
また、治療器のボディケース１の外側にダイヤルを付設し、患者や医者がピーク電圧、パルス幅および／または繰返し周波数を任意に設定できるようにすることも可能である。適当な指示解説書の添付あるいは経験の集積によって、症状にあった印加パルス条件を選定することができるため、より短期間の治癒が期待できる。また、パルス波形、正弦波、三角波等を選別して出力するように回路を構成しておき、これらを選別使用する例もある。
【００３７】
【発明の効果】
以上述べたように、本発明によれば、主として外因性の疾患によって生ずる皮膚のアレルギー反応、ショック症状を有効に抑制することが可能である。薬剤の併用を伴わなくても短時間のうちに消炎および／または皮膚再生の効果をあげることができた。従って薬剤による副作用を伴うことなく、或は大幅に軽減させて皮膚損傷の治癒が可能になると考えられる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】実施例による皮接治療器の外形を示す図である。
【図２】図１の皮接治療器の電気配線概略を示すブロック図である。
【図３】別の実施例による皮接治療器の構成を示す図である。
【図４】更に別の実施例による皮接治療器の構成を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
１ ボディケース
２、３、２Ａ、３Ａ 一対の電極
４ パイロットランプ
５ ディスプレイ
６ タイマー
７ 小電圧パルスの発振回路
８ 電源回路
９ 電子スイッチ
１０ 布
１１、１２ 導線[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to an antiallergic skin contact treatment device that performs anti-inflammatory and / or metabolic promotion effects while suppressing allergic reactions of the skin.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There are many types of allergic reactions that occur on the skin in daily life. An allergic reaction occurs when an immune mechanism is activated when an antigen (allergen) enters the body. Allergic inflammations appearing on the skin can be broadly classified into those that are caused exogenously, for example, when bitten by insects, and those that are endogenous, for example, caused by food allergens absorbed in the body. Although the mechanism of allergic dermatitis has not yet been fully elucidated, it is said that the complex diseases of modern times are reflected particularly in endogenous diseases. Pollen allergy and atopic dermatitis are not due to a single allergen, but are also said to be associated with multiple contamination of food, air and water. Among these, exogenous allergic dermatitis is easy to identify the cause and is relatively easy to treat. For example, when insect bites are stabbed, insect saliva and poison penetrate into the body and cause allergic reactions, but allergens that cause rashes and itchiness are initially localized at specific locations near the skin surface. Because it is easy to treat. However, if left untreated, the inflammation becomes serious and the allergen is diffused by the bloodstream to reach a deeper and deeper area, which makes treatment difficult. Insects that are relatively damaging in daily life include mosquitoes, moths, ticks, bees, and moths. To deal with allergic reactions, the usual treatment is to take, inject, or apply adrenaline, ephedrine, or antihistamine as antiallergic agents. For insect venom, an alkaline solution such as diluted ammonia solution is applied to neutralize the acidic components.
[0003]
On the other hand, for endogenous diseases such as atopic dermatitis, if there are not many effective drugs other than steroid hormone drugs and allergens cannot be identified, treatment becomes difficult. This is thought to be a result of abnormal activation of Langerhans cells presenting the antigen presenting in the skin and causing a hypersensitive reaction to other stimuli. Therefore, in order to cure an endogenous disease, it is necessary to remove allergens and administer drugs, and at the same time, continuously carry out daily life with little irritation.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, allergic diseases of the skin are associated with rashes, itchiness, and pain regardless of whether they are acute or chronic, and when severe, are accompanied by suppuration, muscles, and neuralgia, and may be fatal due to shock symptoms. The treatment requires the use of strong drugs such as the removal of allergens and the administration of antiallergic agents and corticosteroids. If the timing of treatment can be sent, it will not cure for a long time. For this reason, side effects and tolerance of drugs, and obstacles to daily life of patients are major problems.
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to provide a simple skin contact treatment device that can effectively suppress the allergic reaction of the skin while suppressing administration of a drug as much as possible.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple skin contact treatment device that can quickly recover skin damage without relying on drug administration at the same time.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to an electric circuit that generates a unipolar voltage pulse train connected between a pair of electrodes that are electrically and spatially separated from each other, one of which is a noble metal electrode and the other is a semiconductor electrode. Anti-allergic skin treatment device that energizes a small voltage pulse train to subcutaneous tissue by simultaneously skin-contacting the pair of electrodes and applying the unipolar voltage pulse train between the electrodes. Is disclosed.
Further, according to the present invention, the pulse width of the unipolar voltage pulse train is a value between 500 microseconds (μs) to 5 milliseconds (ms), the duty ratio is 50% or less, and the repetition frequency is 50 Disclosed is an antiallergic skin treatment device having a value between 1 and 400 Hz and a peak voltage value between 0.05 and 20V.
[0007]
[Action]
A large number of dendritic Langerhans cells derived from the bone marrow are distributed in the upper part of the epidermis basal layer, and function to present antigen invading from the skin surface to the antibody production system. That is, the Langerhans cell is captured by the invasion of the allergen and induces a helper T cell reaction to induce a strong allergic reaction. At this time, when the unipolar voltage pulse train described above is applied to the skin surface area into which the allergen has invaded, the Langerhans cells are temporarily deactivated, and the allergen activates the suppressor T cells in the same manner as when receiving intense ultraviolet light irradiation. It is thought that. This condition is immune refractory and allergic reactions are suppressed.
[0008]
The pulse width of the unipolar voltage pulse needs to be 100 μs or more. If the pulse width is narrower than this, the inactivation of Langerhans cells is insufficient. However, if the pulse width exceeds 10 ms, a problem occurs in the pulse recognition of Langerhans cells. Therefore, a suitable pulse width is 100 μs to 10 ms, more preferably 500 μs to 5 ms. When the pulse repetition frequency is 10 Hz or less, the effect of suppressing the allergic reaction is not observed. Also, in the frequency band of 10 to 20 Hz, the muscle current that flows is accompanied by noise and relaxation, so the effect is weak. A duty ratio of 50% or less is appropriate, but if the repetition frequency increases to around 1 KHz, the voltage pulse is affected by reflection and dispersion in the process of propagating through the skin tissue, so the discrimination between adjacent pulses by Langerhans cells is unclear. become. As a result, the force of allergic reaction becomes insufficient, so a suitable frequency is 20 to about 800 Hz, more preferably 50 to 400 Hz.
[0009]
In principle, the peak value of the unipolar voltage pulse may be lower as the allergen is localized in a region closer to the skin surface, that is, as the disease is an early stage. Immediately after the insect bites, the effect is seen even at 0.05V, but in general, several volts may be applied. When the peak value exceeds 20 V, the shocking stimulus given to the skin sensitized by the allergic reaction has an adverse effect. Therefore, a suitable peak voltage value is 0.05 to 20V, more preferably 1 to 10V.
[0010]
The waveform of the unipolar voltage pulse is normally a rectangular wave, but may be a sawtooth wave (triangular wave), a sine wave, or a distorted wave obtained by combining these as long as the pulse condition is satisfied. The point is to apply the same waveform wave repeatedly to the allergen intrusion site. In general, when the allergic symptom is strong, it is applied for a long time (5 to 10 minutes), and conversely, when the symptom is mild, it is applied for a short time (1 to 3 minutes). The allergic reaction inhibitory effect ranges from 6 to 24 hours.
[0011]
Unipolar voltage pulses act on peripheral nerve synapses distributed in large numbers in the dermis region. The pulse train applied to the presynaptic fiber causes calcium ions (Ca ²⁺ ) to flow into the presynaptic fiber terminal or the rear fiber to excite the synapse. This is thought to be because Ca ²⁺ continuously increases the receptor sensitivity of neurotransmitters through some biochemical process. The synaptic excitatory potential reaches 4 to 5 times the maximum, and as a result, skin cells in the peripheral innervation region are physiologically activated to promote metabolism. Such metabolism promotion occurs under conditions overlapping with the above-described pulse voltage conditions (allergic reaction suppression conditions), and ranges from several to several tens of hours. When the synaptic excitement deviates from the range of the pulse width and the repetition frequency, the physiological activation of the synapse is not significantly observed even when a pulse voltage train is applied.
[0012]
That is, a unipolar voltage pulse train under the above conditions suppresses allergic reactions and at the same time promotes cellular metabolic reactions. Therefore, in the case of insect damage, cuts, burns, etc., an anti-inflammatory action and a skin regeneration action are simultaneously caused.
[0013]
【Example】
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail based on examples.
(Part 1) The treatment device of the present invention was applied to an insect moth (insect bite). FIGS. 1A and 1B are views showing the outer shape of the handy type treatment device used in the examples. 1A is a top view and FIG. 1B is a back view. In the figure, 1 is a body case, 2 and 3 are a pair of electrodes, and also have a function of a start switch (including a case connected to the start switch). 4 is a pilot lamp, 5 is a display showing the set time and the remaining time of operation, and 6 is a timer.
[0014]
The body case 1 is made of, for example, plastic, and an electric circuit that oscillates a unipolar voltage pulse train and a driving circuit thereof are incorporated therein. The pair of electrodes 2 and 3 are usually made of metal, and may be made of the same metal or different metals. As a material that is durable against sebum, sweat, and dirt, the skin contact surface is preferably made of a noble metal such as gold, but is not limited to this. At the time of starting, if the pressure is applied by touching 2 and 3, the switch is turned on and the timer 6 is operated. The pilot lamp 4 is an LED, and is lit to indicate to the user when the electric circuit in the body case 1 is oscillating. The display 5 is a normal LCD, and the scheduled operation time set in advance by the timer 6 is displayed. The number decreases every time the switch is turned on (that is, the remaining time is displayed). When the display 5 becomes zero, the oscillation stops.
[0015]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an energization system including an electric circuit built in the body case 1. In FIG. 2, 7 is an oscillation circuit for a small voltage pulse, 8 is a power supply circuit, and 9 is an electronic switch. The other symbols are as described in FIG. The timer 6 outputs an ON output for the set time. The display 5 displays the remaining time obtained by subtracting the consumption time from the set time. The electronic switch 9 is turned on while the timer 6 is on, that is, during the timer setting time. The power supply circuit 8 applies a voltage (or current) to the oscillation circuit 7 while the switch 9 is on. The oscillation circuit 7 outputs a predetermined rectangular wave to the electrode 2 during this period by applying this voltage (or current). When the electrodes 2 and 3 are in contact with each other, a closed loop of the power supply circuit 8 → the oscillation circuit 7 → the electrode 2 → the human body → the electrode 3 → the electronic switch 9 → the power supply circuit 8 is formed, and the rectangular wave is administered to the human body. . The small voltage pulse oscillation circuit 7 is compactly formed so that a rectangular wave can be oscillated by a known transistor oscillation circuit.
[0016]
For insect worms, the effects of the treatment device of the present invention were examined on victims of poisonous larvae, cat pupae and mosquitoes. All applied for the first time within 1 hour after receiving the insect pupae. Table 1 shows the results. For comparison, for cat pupae and mosquitoes, affected areas were left untreated without treatment in the same patient. The oscillation voltage pulse in the treatment device of FIG. 1 was a rectangular wave having a peak voltage of 3 V, a repetition frequency of 250 Hz, a duty ratio of 50%, and a pulse width of 2 ms.
[0017]
[Table 1]

[0018]
Before use, the treatment time was set by the timer 6, the pair of electrodes 2 and 3 were pressed after the specific contact with the affected area, and the voltage pulse train was applied for the set predetermined time. Table 1 shows the obtained results. The drug was not used together for treatment, and only physical therapy with this treatment device was used.
[0019]
Table 1 shows the significant healing effect of the treatment device. That is, it has been shown that skin allergic reactions induced by insect bites (saliva or poisonous needles) are rapidly suppressed and extinguished by applying a small voltage pulse train 1 to 3 times a day for a short time. On the other hand, if cats and mosquitoes are insulted and no medical treatment is given, the allergic reaction may cause redness, swelling, and itching for several hours to several days. It can be determined that the application of the voltage pulse train has resulted.
[0020]
Next, treatment treatment trials were performed by changing the oscillation conditions of the small voltage pulse oscillator 7. The clinical trial was only conducted when biting into a house tick. As a result, the pulse width is 100 μs to 10 ms (however, the repetition frequency is limited to 100 Hz), the repetition frequency is 50 to 80 Hz (however, limited to the pulse width is 500 μs), and the peak voltage is 0.1 to 20 V (however, the pulse width is 1 ms, repetition). Allergic reaction suppression and anti-inflammatory effect were recognized in the range of the frequency (limited to 250 Hz).
[0021]
(Part 2) A case where the treatment device of the present invention is applied to damage reaching the deep part of the skin such as a wound or a burn will be described. FIG. 3 is a view showing a schematic outer shape of the treatment device used in this embodiment.
[0022]
In the present treatment device, the pair of electrodes 2 and 3 are comb-shaped electrodes formed of a thin metal plate plated with gold. Of course, other than this, for example, a durable material plated with platinum or rhodium or a sterilizable material plated with silver may be used for the electrode. The pair of electrodes 2 and 3 are flexible electrodes bonded on a thick cloth 10, and are each an electric circuit in the body case 1 arranged outside the cloth 10 by conducting wires 11 and 12 (see FIG. (Not shown). If the terminals 11 and 12 are provided with removable terminals, the pair of electrodes 2 and 3 can be disposable together with the cloth 10.
[0023]
In the body case 1, a low voltage pulse oscillation circuit 7, a power supply circuit 8 and an electronic switch 9 are incorporated as in the previous embodiment. Although the display 5 is not connected to this treatment device, it is obvious that it can be attached if necessary. However, the pilot lamp 4 and the timer 6 are provided at positions where they can be observed and operated from the outside. The timer 6 is provided with a switch function, and the low voltage pulse oscillation circuit 7 is driven by pressing the button after setting the operation time. The power source is usually a battery, but can be connected to a 100V power source through an adapter or the like as required.
[0024]
The cloth 10 is brought into close contact with the skin so that the pair of electrodes 2 and 3 are in contact with the affected area, and is adhered with a bandage or the like. Thereafter, the timer 6 is set to a predetermined time, the switch is turned on, and a small voltage pulse is applied to the affected skin. Table 2 shows the results of applying this treatment device within 10 to 20 minutes after the occurrence of wounds and burns.
[Table 2]

In addition, when applying to a wound, it was after hemostasis. In addition, the burn was 2 to 3 degrees, and there was a chickenpox, but it was attached to the affected area that did not bleed. In either case, no drug is used in combination. The voltage pulse conditions in the case of Table 2 were a rectangular wave having a pulse width of 500 μs, a repetition frequency of 400 Hz, a duty ratio of 30%, and a peak voltage of 8V. The results in Table 2 show that the treatment using this treatment device has the effect of healing the wound by suppressing the symptom and activating the metabolism of skin cells while suppressing the shock symptoms to the surrounding area due to wounds and burns. Show.
[0025]
For comparison, the low-power pulse oscillation circuit 7 shown in FIG. 3 is replaced with the effect obtained when the pulse waveform is a triangular wave and a unipolar sine wave (both peak voltage 8V, pulse width 1 ms, repetition frequency 100 Hz). Investigated in another wound patient. In any case, it was confirmed that the results were close to the results shown in Table 2 and cured without using the drug by applying a pulse for a short time.
[0026]
(Part 3) In order to examine the skin regeneration function of this treatment device, application to keratinized skin was attempted. FIG. 4 is a view showing the outer shape of the treatment device used in this example. In FIG. 4, the main parts of the electric circuit and the wiring housed in the body case 1 are shown together by dotted lines. The pair of electrodes 2A and 3A in the present embodiment has a rotating cylinder shape, and the surface thereof is plated with platinum. The rotary shafts 20 and 21 are respectively fitted and fixed in the body case 1 and are connected to the internal circuits from the fixed portions of the rotary shafts as shown in the drawing. 4 is a pilot lamp, and 6 is a timer. The timer 6 also has a switch function as in the previous embodiment. Reference numeral 7 which is housed in the body case 1 and indicated by a dotted line is a low voltage pulse oscillation circuit, and 8 is a power supply circuit including a battery power supply. The body case 1 may be made of metal or plastic. The pair of electrodes 2A and 3A can freely rotate while being in contact with each other around the shaft, and have a function of maintaining electrical contact with the electric circuit in the body case 1 by the slip ring even during rotation. This rotation can be automatic rotation by a motor in addition to an example of driving force by a human hand.
[0027]
After setting the required time with the timer 6, if the handle of the timer is pressed, the built-in small voltage pulse oscillation circuit 7 is driven to transmit the small voltage pulse train to the pair of electrodes 2A and 3A. At this time, the pilot lamp 4 is turned on to inform the subject that the apparatus is operating. Of course, if necessary, a display for notifying the remaining operation time can be provided. When the pair of electrodes 2 and 3 are rotated while being in contact with each other at the same time, pulse stimulation can be easily applied even in a relatively wide range.
[0028]
Table 3 shows the results of a treatment test using the treatment device of FIG.
[Table 3]

In this case, a triangular wave was used for the low voltage pulse, the peak voltage was 6 V, the duty ratio was 25%, the pulse width was 1.4 msec at the 50% pulse wave height position, and the repetition frequency was 100 Hz. It can be seen that good results have been obtained in a short period of time for keratinization. This is thought to be the result of the activation of peripheral nerve synapses that are distributed in the inner part of the skin while the small voltage pulse train suppresses allergic reactions such as metal allergies and promotes metabolism. Actually, when the skin impedance was measured, after treatment with the treatment device of FIG. 4, the impedance was reduced by about an order of magnitude in the affected area compared to before treatment. This is a phenomenon often observed in skin regeneration induced as a result of increasing neuronal synaptic plasticity. The keratinized skin regeneration of this example does not have side effects such as redness, pain, and itching due to suppression of allergic reaction.
[0029]
The same regenerative effect is also obtained when treatment is performed under the pulse oscillation conditions with a peak voltage of 6 V, a duty ratio of 25%, and a repetition rate of 100 Hz with the same type of treatment device as in FIG. 4 instead of a sine wave or rectangular wave. Was recognized.
[0030]
In the above, the skin allergic reaction suppression and anti-inflammatory and / or skin regeneration functions by the treatment device of the present invention have been described. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to the insect moths, wounds, burns or stratum corneum of the examples. For example, it is the promotion of hair growth produced by the epithelium of the hair, which is a special keratinocyte distributed in the dermis region of the skin, and the suppression and treatment of atopic dermatitis, which is an intrinsic allergy. All of these, by applying a unipolar low voltage pulse train that satisfies the requirements of the present invention to a predetermined location on the skin, temporarily creating an immune non-response situation locally, suppressing allergic reactions and shock symptoms, The effect is expressed by the combined action of exciting peripheral nerve synapses and activating metabolism.
[0031]
In general, a unipolar small voltage pulse is effective when the skin disease is mild and the peak voltage and the repetition frequency are lower as the elapsed time from the onset is shorter. For example, even when stabbed by an insect, immediately after that, an inhibitory effect on the allergic reaction was observed even at a peak voltage of 0.05 V and a repetition frequency of about 20 Hz. However, if a long time has passed since the onset, and allergens have spread to the depths, for example, if 12 hours have passed since the insect was attacked, the peak voltage of the small voltage pulse is 5 to 20 V, and the repetition frequency is 100 to 800 Hz. Strong stimulation is necessary. However, the pulse width of the small voltage pulse needs to be 100 μsec or more, preferably 500 μsec to several msec, regardless of whether it is mild or severe.
[0032]
In addition, about the electrode material, the case of the noble metal was described in the said Example. In consideration of durability, noble metals are preferable, but it is obvious that generally conductive materials can be used. For example, a carbon electrode or a semiconductor electrode. In particular, when one of the pair of electrodes is a noble metal and the other is a semiconductor, a chemical battery is formed on the skin contact surface, and a DC electromotive force can be obtained stably. When the pulse voltage is applied under the generation of ionic current in the skin by DC electromotive force, allergens are oxidized and reduced by the ionic current to weaken the antigenic action, and therefore allergic reaction can be suppressed even by weak pulse stimulation. There are advantages.
[0033]
The therapeutic device of the present invention has no problem even if it is used in combination with a drug. The shape of the present treatment device is not limited to that described in the embodiments, and for example, it can be a cloth shape in which a pair of electrodes are knitted. In short, it is sufficient that a unipolar small voltage pulse train satisfies the conditions of the present invention. Obviously, the presence of a pilot lamp or timer is not essential.
[0034]
The oscillation condition of the small voltage pulse that can suppress the allergic reaction of the skin has been described in the above embodiment. The pulse oscillation of the treatment device of each of the above embodiments was performed under a predetermined condition, but the present invention is not limited to this. A device in which the pulse oscillation condition is variable with a single treatment device is also within the scope of the present invention. Such a variable device may be preferred for the treatment of allergic reactions.
For example, in an `` early disease '' where allergen invasion is relatively shallow, in general, a curative effect can be expected at a low peak voltage, a low repetition frequency, and a narrow pulse width. It is necessary to apply a strong pulse. In many cases, patients and doctors do not necessarily know the optimal pulse condition for the current symptom, and in order to obtain an effect in a shorter period of time, a method of swinging by changing the pulse oscillation condition may be considered. That is, for example, a circuit for making the peak voltage and the pulse width constant and periodically changing the repetition frequency between 50 and 700 Hz is applied to the oscillation circuit 7 of the small voltage pulse. The allergic reaction suppression pulse starts to exert its effect when it enters at least about 10 shots. Therefore, even if the repetition frequency of the applied pulse is changed by the frequency swing circuit, the optimal condition and the treatment pulse in the vicinity can be secured sufficiently. it can.
[0035]
The example in which the repetition frequency is swung has been described above. Of course, it is possible to swing the peak voltage and / or the pulse width. By providing these pulse oscillation condition swing circuits, a higher allergic reaction suppression effect can be obtained in a short period of time.
[0036]
It is also possible to attach a dial outside the body case 1 of the treatment device so that the patient or doctor can arbitrarily set the peak voltage, pulse width and / or repetition frequency. By applying appropriate instruction manuals or accumulating experience, it is possible to select the applied pulse conditions that are suitable for the symptoms, so a shorter time can be expected. There is also an example in which a circuit is configured to select and output a pulse waveform, a sine wave, a triangular wave, and the like, and these are selected and used.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to effectively suppress skin allergic reactions and shock symptoms mainly caused by exogenous diseases. Even without the combined use of drugs, the effect of anti-inflammatory and / or skin regeneration could be achieved within a short time. Therefore, it is considered that the skin damage can be cured without side effects caused by the drug or significantly reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a view showing an outer shape of a skin contact treatment device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of electrical wiring of the skin contact treatment device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a skin treatment device according to another embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a skin treatment device according to still another embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Body case 2, 3, 2A, 3A A pair of electrode 4 Pilot lamp 5 Display 6 Timer 7 Oscillation circuit of a small voltage pulse 8 Power supply circuit 9 Electronic switch 10 Cloth 11, 12 Conductor

Claims (2)

  One is a noble metal electrode, the other is a semiconductor electrode, a pair of electrodes electrically and spatially separated from each other, an electric circuit for generating a unipolar voltage pulse train connected between the pair of electrodes, and a driving power source thereof And an anti-allergic skin treatment device for applying a small voltage pulse train to subcutaneous tissue by simultaneously touching the pair of electrodes and applying the unipolar voltage pulse train between the electrodes.   The pulse width of the unipolar voltage pulse train is a value between 500 microseconds (μs) and 5 milliseconds (ms), the duty ratio is 50% or less, and the repetition frequency is between 50 and 400 Hz. The anti-allergic skin treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the anti-allergic skin treatment device is a value and a peak voltage value is between 0.05 and 20V.

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