WO2006088790A2 - Use of chlorine dioxide for the treatment of onychomycosis (nail fungus) - Google Patents
Use of chlorine dioxide for the treatment of onychomycosis (nail fungus) Download PDFInfo
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- WO2006088790A2 WO2006088790A2 PCT/US2006/005024 US2006005024W WO2006088790A2 WO 2006088790 A2 WO2006088790 A2 WO 2006088790A2 US 2006005024 W US2006005024 W US 2006005024W WO 2006088790 A2 WO2006088790 A2 WO 2006088790A2
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- Prior art keywords
- chlorine dioxide
- nail
- solution
- accordance
- fungus
- Prior art date
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- OSVXSBDYLRYLIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxidochlorine(.) Chemical compound O=Cl=O OSVXSBDYLRYLIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 113
- 239000004155 Chlorine dioxide Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 56
- 235000019398 chlorine dioxide Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 56
- 208000010195 Onychomycosis Diseases 0.000 title claims abstract description 31
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 title claims description 20
- 201000005882 tinea unguium Diseases 0.000 title description 10
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 238000002791 soaking Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 210000000282 nail Anatomy 0.000 claims description 41
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 claims description 31
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 claims description 10
- 244000052769 pathogen Species 0.000 claims description 10
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- 239000006210 lotion Substances 0.000 claims description 3
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- 229940099041 chlorine dioxide Drugs 0.000 claims 19
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- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 claims 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 claims 1
- 241000233866 Fungi Species 0.000 description 12
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- 208000015181 infectious disease Diseases 0.000 description 7
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- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 6
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000000843 anti-fungal effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 229940121375 antifungal agent Drugs 0.000 description 4
- IIUZTXTZRGLYTI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dihydrogriseofulvin Natural products COC1CC(=O)CC(C)C11C(=O)C(C(OC)=CC(OC)=C2Cl)=C2O1 IIUZTXTZRGLYTI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- UXWOXTQWVMFRSE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Griseoviridin Natural products O=C1OC(C)CC=C(C(NCC=CC=CC(O)CC(O)C2)=O)SCC1NC(=O)C1=COC2=N1 UXWOXTQWVMFRSE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- DDUHZTYCFQRHIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Negwer: 6874 Natural products COC1=CC(=O)CC(C)C11C(=O)C(C(OC)=CC(OC)=C2Cl)=C2O1 DDUHZTYCFQRHIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 206010034016 Paronychia Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- DDUHZTYCFQRHIY-RBHXEPJQSA-N griseofulvin Chemical compound COC1=CC(=O)C[C@@H](C)[C@@]11C(=O)C(C(OC)=CC(OC)=C2Cl)=C2O1 DDUHZTYCFQRHIY-RBHXEPJQSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229960002867 griseofulvin Drugs 0.000 description 3
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chlorine atom Chemical compound [Cl] ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 2
- 208000035415 Reinfection Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 241001045770 Trichophyton mentagrophytes Species 0.000 description 2
- 241000223229 Trichophyton rubrum Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000008280 blood Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000004369 blood Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000005587 bubbling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000460 chlorine Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052801 chlorine Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
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- 229960002722 terbinafine Drugs 0.000 description 2
- DOMXUEMWDBAQBQ-WEVVVXLNSA-N terbinafine Chemical compound C1=CC=C2C(CN(C\C=C\C#CC(C)(C)C)C)=CC=CC2=C1 DOMXUEMWDBAQBQ-WEVVVXLNSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 2
- CFFZDZCDUFSOFZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 3,4-Dihydroxy-phenylacetic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CC1=CC=C(O)C(O)=C1 CFFZDZCDUFSOFZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- 208000000236 Prostatic Neoplasms Diseases 0.000 description 1
- IQFYYKKMVGJFEH-XLPZGREQSA-N Thymidine Chemical compound O=C1NC(=O)C(C)=CN1[C@@H]1O[C@H](CO)[C@@H](O)C1 IQFYYKKMVGJFEH-XLPZGREQSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000700605 Viruses Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000001299 aldehydes Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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- QBWCMBCROVPCKQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M chlorite Chemical compound [O-]Cl=O QBWCMBCROVPCKQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
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- 150000002013 dioxins Chemical class 0.000 description 1
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- 230000001408 fungistatic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002240 furans Chemical class 0.000 description 1
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- 150000004715 keto acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
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- 208000024755 nail discoloration Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000036562 nail growth Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 239000007800 oxidant agent Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 102000004169 proteins and genes Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 108090000623 proteins and genes Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 210000003491 skin Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- UKLNMMHNWFDKNT-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium chlorite Chemical compound [Na+].[O-]Cl=O UKLNMMHNWFDKNT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 229960002218 sodium chlorite Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 208000024891 symptom Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000009885 systemic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- BWMISRWJRUSYEX-SZKNIZGXSA-N terbinafine hydrochloride Chemical compound Cl.C1=CC=C2C(CN(C\C=C\C#CC(C)(C)C)C)=CC=CC2=C1 BWMISRWJRUSYEX-SZKNIZGXSA-N 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K33/00—Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients
- A61K33/40—Peroxides
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K33/00—Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients
- A61K33/20—Elemental chlorine; Inorganic compounds releasing chlorine
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
- A61P31/00—Antiinfectives, i.e. antibiotics, antiseptics, chemotherapeutics
- A61P31/10—Antimycotics
Definitions
- Onychomycosis is an infection of the finger or toe nails which is very difficult to cure. Onychomycosis is caused by a fungus, though the term is sometimes used to describe any infection (e.g., bacterial) of the nail. Often a person will have had athlete's foot for a long time prior to the development of onychomycosis. Sometimes trauma or damage to a nail predisposes to the development of onychomycosis.
- Onychomycosis accounts for up to 50% of diseases of the nail. The distribution of different pathogens is not uniform; it depends on various factors such as climate, geography and migration. However, two dermatophytes, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, reportedly account for more than 90% of cases of onychomycosis.
- Fungal infections of the nails are common.
- the fungus grows in the nail bed, where the nail meets the skin.
- fungus grows slowly and does not spread to internal organs.
- the main concern is the nail discoloration (usually yellow) and change in nail texture and growth. Nails can become crumbly, break easily, and grow irregularly. But because other nail conditions can mimic fungal infection, most doctors will confirm the diagnosis by sending a nail clipping for laboratory evaluation, especially if treatment is being considered. However, such laboratory analyses often yield false negative results.
- Fungal infections are not commonly contagious or easily spread between people.
- the fungus grows in people whose bodies "allow" the fungus to become established without mounting an immune response to suppress the fungus.
- the systemic antifungal medications that are used to eliminate nail fungus are strong, must be taken by mouth, and must be taken conscientiously for months in order to be effective. Each drug has potential side effects on other body organs (especially the liver, skin, and bone marrow). To monitor for side effects, periodic blood testing is advised, usually monthly, during the time the medication is taken. For example, onychomycosis of the finger naiis can be treated by taking pills called griseofulvin. The pills must be taken for six months to one year and have side effects. These include headaches, nausea, and liver damage. A course of treatment costs approximately $350 and reportedly has a 50-70% chance of curing the condition.
- Terbinafine a newer medication than griseofulvin, is available for the treatment of toe and finger nail fungal infections. Terbinafine is taken once a day for 6 to 12 weeks. This medication reportedly has fewer side effects than griseofulvin. A 12 week course of treatment costs approximately $500 and reportedly has a 50-70% chance of curing the condition.
- antifungal compounds exhibit antifungal (fungistatic or fungicidal) properties, and can be incorporated into creams, lotions, gels, solutions and the like.
- antifungal compounds applied topically i.e., directly to the nail
- the present invention is a method treating nail fungus comprising the steps of: preparing a solution of chlorine dioxide in water, and soaking the infected nail or naiis in the chlorine dioxide solution for a period of at least 45 minutes, once a day for a minimum of three days.
- the method incorporates soaking the affected nail(s) along with the entire foot, in order to destroy pathogens thereon and help prevent reinfection of the nail by pathogens residing elsewhere on the foot.
- the method incorporates protecting the solution of chlorine dioxide and water from ambient light during the treatment to prevent premature destruction of the chlorine dioxide by photolysis.
- the present invention comprises using a solution of chlorine dioxide in water containing a minimum of 80 parts per million chlorine dioxide as the treating agent.
- the present invention is a method for treating fungal infection, especially Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophyte, using chlorine dioxide.
- the chlorine dioxide molecule appears to be able to penetrate the nail plate to kill fungus in the nailbed.
- the chlorine dioxide molecule appears to be able to improve quickly the aesthetics of the infected nail by bleaching the yellowed nail back to a healthier color.
- Chlorine dioxide is a relatively small, volatile and highly energetic molecule. Chlorine dioxide is almost never used commercially as a gas at high concentrations because of its instability; rather, it is generated at the point of use.
- Chlorine dioxide gas has an intense greenish yellow color with a distinctive odor similar to that of chlorine. Chlorine dioxide is highly soluble in water but, unlike chlorine, chlorine dioxide does not react with water. It exists in aqueous solution as a dissolved gas.
- Chlorine dioxide functions as a highly selective oxidant owing to unique, one-electron transfer mechanisms, wherein it attacks electron-rich centers in organic molecules and, in the process, is reduced to chlorite ion.
- Chlorine dioxide is an extremely effective disinfectant, which rapidly inactivates bacteria, viruses, encysted parasites, molds and fungi. Because chlorine dioxide oxidizes but does not chlorinate, chlorinated organic by-products (e.g., THM, HAA, dioxins, furans) typically are not produced. Neither does chlorine dioxide produce appreciable amounts of aldehydes, ketones, ketoacids or other problematic compounds associated with oxidation of organic matter by other, less selective means.
- chlorinated organic by-products e.g., THM, HAA, dioxins, furans
- Chlorine dioxide gas dissolved in neutral-pH solution at ambient temperature, in a concentration of approximately 80-100 parts-per-million, was administered to several patients suffering from toenail fungus.
- the chlorine dioxide solution was administered as a "foot soak", under low-light conditions. Treatments were for up to 1 hour/day for up to 7 days. In each case significant improvement in nail appearance was visible early in the protocol or treatment process. New nails reportedly grew in normally within several months, with little to no evidence of the original infection.
- the chlorine dioxide can be administered as a gas, or dissolved in a aqueous solution, oil, cream, gel, lotion or incorporated into a polymeric matrix or nail lacquer.
- Subject 1 was a 50 year old woman with a recent history of breast cancer and attendant chemotherapy etc. (Her immune system is thus likely compromised). She was experiencing toe nail fungus. She was given AseptrolTM brand packets.
- Aseptrol packets contain a CIO 2 releasing powder comprising a dry acid and sodium chlorite, which creates a near-neutral pH chlorine dioxide solution when mixed with water. Aseptrol packets are manufactured by Engelhard Corporation. The resulting solution was pH neutral and ⁇ 80-100 mg/liter (ppm).
- the Subject's "protocol" was as follows:
- Subject 2 was a 77 year old man with a recent history of prostate cancer and Parkinson's, experiencing toe nail fungus. He was give Aseptrol brand packets and instructions. The resulting solution was pH neutral and -80-100 mg/liter (ppm). His "protocol" was as follows:
- Subject 3 was a 55 year old woman in good health, experiencing toe nail fungus. She was given a bottle of chlorine dioxide solution at a concentration of about 2000 ppm and neutral pH. The solution was made by bubbling high-purity chlorine dioxide gas through water.
- Her "protocol" was as follows:
- the patient can soak the infected nail in a dilute solution of chlorine dioxide, which can be made by any of several means, including bubbling chlorine dioxide into a water bath at a rate sufficient to produce wanted concentration of chlorine dioxide in water.
- the human toenail consists of Keratin, fibrous insoluble protein that is the main structural element in hair, nails, feathers, hooves, and some components of animal horns.
- the ability of chlorine dioxide to penetrate keratin and kill pathogens protected thereby would also make it capable of curing animal diseases that occur within or below keratinous structures.
- An example of such a disease is the hoof rot that is a common affliction in hoofed animals.
- chlorine dioxide is also within the scope of the present invention to incorporate chlorine dioxide into topical medications that can be placed on the infected nail or other keratinous structure so that the chlorine dioxide penetrates the keratin and kills pathogens otherwise protected by the keratin.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Communicable Diseases (AREA)
- Oncology (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)
- Agricultural Chemicals And Associated Chemicals (AREA)
- Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
Abstract
A method for treating nail fungus by soaking the infected nail(s) in a dilute solution of chlorine dioxide in water.
Description
USE OF CHLORINE DIOXIDE FOR THE TREATMENT OF ONYCHOMYCOSIS (NAIL FUNGUS)
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Onychomycosis is an infection of the finger or toe nails which is very difficult to cure. Onychomycosis is caused by a fungus, though the term is sometimes used to describe any infection (e.g., bacterial) of the nail. Often a person will have had athlete's foot for a long time prior to the development of onychomycosis. Sometimes trauma or damage to a nail predisposes to the development of onychomycosis.
Onychomycosis accounts for up to 50% of diseases of the nail. The distribution of different pathogens is not uniform; it depends on various factors such as climate, geography and migration. However, two dermatophytes, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, reportedly account for more than 90% of cases of onychomycosis.
Fungal infections of the nails are common. The fungus grows in the nail bed, where the nail meets the skin. Generally, in a relatively healthy person, fungus grows slowly and does not spread to internal organs. The main concern is the nail discoloration (usually yellow) and change in nail texture and growth. Nails can become crumbly, break easily, and grow irregularly. But because other nail conditions can mimic fungal infection, most doctors will confirm the diagnosis by sending a nail clipping for laboratory evaluation, especially if treatment is being considered. However, such laboratory analyses often yield false negative results. Fungal infections are not commonly contagious or easily spread between people. The fungus grows in people whose bodies "allow" the fungus to become established without mounting an immune response to suppress the fungus.
Because the fungus grows slowly, and is "protected" by the nail, it is ha rd to eliminate. Generally, once fungus gets into the nails, it is very difficult to treat. The systemic antifungal medications that are used to eliminate nail fungus are strong, must be taken by mouth, and must be taken conscientiously for months in order to be effective. Each drug has potential side effects on other body organs (especially the liver, skin, and bone marrow). To monitor for side effects, periodic blood testing is advised, usually monthly, during the time the medication is taken.
For example, onychomycosis of the finger naiis can be treated by taking pills called griseofulvin. The pills must be taken for six months to one year and have side effects. These include headaches, nausea, and liver damage. A course of treatment costs approximately $350 and reportedly has a 50-70% chance of curing the condition.
Terbinafine, a newer medication than griseofulvin, is available for the treatment of toe and finger nail fungal infections. Terbinafine is taken once a day for 6 to 12 weeks. This medication reportedly has fewer side effects than griseofulvin. A 12 week course of treatment costs approximately $500 and reportedly has a 50-70% chance of curing the condition.
Physicians usually recommend treating fungal nail infections only when such infections cause secondary problems, like pain, recurring ingrown toenails, or secondary bacterial infections of the nails or skin. If the nail infection causes no symptoms, then doctors often will discourage treatment because of the potential side effects, the need to monitor the blood throughout therapy, and the high recurrence rate. Patients with liver or heart disease generally cannot take antifungal medications.
Removal of the infected nail generally will not get rid of onychomycosis. When the new nail grows in, it almost always becomes reinfected. Among other things, reinfection of the nail can be due to pathogens which reside on other parts of the patient's foot.
Many chemical compounds exhibit antifungal (fungistatic or fungicidal) properties, and can be incorporated into creams, lotions, gels, solutions and the like. However, prior to the present invention, antifungal compounds applied topically (i.e., directly to the nail) cannot penetrate the nail bed to kill the fungus at its source, so they are not usually effective.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
It has been discovered that an effective way to treat fungal nail infection comes from applying chlorine dioxide topically, so that it penetrates the nailplate and inactivates pathogens residing in the nailbed— for example, by dissolving chlorine dioxide gas in water, permitting the patient to soak the infected fungal infected nail in the solution for a period of time and for a series of successive treatments to improve the aesthetic appearance of the nail, destroy the fungal infection and to promote healthy nail growth.
Therefore, in a first aspect the present invention is a method treating nail fungus comprising the steps of: preparing a solution of chlorine dioxide in water, and
soaking the infected nail or naiis in the chlorine dioxide solution for a period of at least 45 minutes, once a day for a minimum of three days.
In another aspect of the present invention the method incorporates soaking the affected nail(s) along with the entire foot, in order to destroy pathogens thereon and help prevent reinfection of the nail by pathogens residing elsewhere on the foot.
In another aspect of the present invention the method incorporates protecting the solution of chlorine dioxide and water from ambient light during the treatment to prevent premature destruction of the chlorine dioxide by photolysis. In another aspect the present invention comprises using a solution of chlorine dioxide in water containing a minimum of 80 parts per million chlorine dioxide as the treating agent.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a method for treating fungal infection, especially Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophyte, using chlorine dioxide.
In surprising results, the chlorine dioxide molecule appears to be able to penetrate the nail plate to kill fungus in the nailbed.
In additional surprising results, the chlorine dioxide molecule appears to be able to improve quickly the aesthetics of the infected nail by bleaching the yellowed nail back to a healthier color.
Chlorine dioxide is a relatively small, volatile and highly energetic molecule. Chlorine dioxide is almost never used commercially as a gas at high concentrations because of its instability; rather, it is generated at the point of use.
Chlorine dioxide gas has an intense greenish yellow color with a distinctive odor similar to that of chlorine. Chlorine dioxide is highly soluble in water but, unlike chlorine, chlorine dioxide does not react with water. It exists in aqueous solution as a dissolved gas.
Chlorine dioxide functions as a highly selective oxidant owing to unique, one-electron transfer mechanisms, wherein it attacks electron-rich centers in organic molecules and, in the process, is reduced to chlorite ion.
Chlorine dioxide is an extremely effective disinfectant, which rapidly inactivates bacteria, viruses, encysted parasites, molds and fungi. Because chlorine dioxide oxidizes but does not chlorinate, chlorinated organic by-products (e.g., THM,
HAA, dioxins, furans) typically are not produced. Neither does chlorine dioxide produce appreciable amounts of aldehydes, ketones, ketoacids or other problematic compounds associated with oxidation of organic matter by other, less selective means.
Chlorine dioxide gas, dissolved in neutral-pH solution at ambient temperature, in a concentration of approximately 80-100 parts-per-million, was administered to several patients suffering from toenail fungus. The chlorine dioxide solution was administered as a "foot soak", under low-light conditions. Treatments were for up to 1 hour/day for up to 7 days. In each case significant improvement in nail appearance was visible early in the protocol or treatment process. New nails reportedly grew in normally within several months, with little to no evidence of the original infection.
The chlorine dioxide can be administered as a gas, or dissolved in a aqueous solution, oil, cream, gel, lotion or incorporated into a polymeric matrix or nail lacquer. Several experiments were conducted to prove the efficacy of chlorine dioxide solutions in treating nail fungus. The following summary outlines three case studies which show that the dilute solution of chlorine dioxide in water may have beneficial effect in treating a nail fungus. This finding is especially significant for those subjects testing the solution that have or may have a compromised immune system. Subject 1 was a 50 year old woman with a recent history of breast cancer and attendant chemotherapy etc. (Her immune system is thus likely compromised). She was experiencing toe nail fungus. She was given Aseptrol™ brand packets. Aseptrol packets contain a CIO2 releasing powder comprising a dry acid and sodium chlorite, which creates a near-neutral pH chlorine dioxide solution when mixed with water. Aseptrol packets are manufactured by Engelhard Corporation. The resulting solution was pH neutral and ~80-100 mg/liter (ppm). The Subject's "protocol" was as follows:
• mix 1 pack with ~1 quart tepid water (in low light)
• put into pan (preferably plastic) to soak toes • protect from light (using a towel or black plastic bag)
• soak for ~lhr
• after treatment, rinse foot thoroughly with water
• discard used solution
She repeated the protocol for 7 days in a row. She reported no irritation of the skin, color of toenail improved early on during course of treatment, signs of
infection disappeared, and her nail grew in normally. Results were still good (new nail normal) after 3 months.
Subject 2 was a 77 year old man with a recent history of prostate cancer and Parkinson's, experiencing toe nail fungus. He was give Aseptrol brand packets and instructions. The resulting solution was pH neutral and -80-100 mg/liter (ppm). His "protocol" was as follows:
• mix 1 pack with ~1 quart tepid water (in low light)
• put into pan/preferably plastic to soak toes β protect from light (using a towel or black plastic bag) • soak for ~lhr
• after treatment, rinse foot thoroughly with water
• discard used solution
He repeated the protocol for 5 days over the course of a week, skipping two days during the week. He reported no irritation of the skin, color of toenail improved early on during course of treatment, signs of infection disappeared, and the nail appears to be growing in normally. Results were still good after 1.5 months.
Subject 3 was a 55 year old woman in good health, experiencing toe nail fungus. She was given a bottle of chlorine dioxide solution at a concentration of about 2000 ppm and neutral pH. The solution was made by bubbling high-purity chlorine dioxide gas through water. Her "protocol" was as follows:
• Protect the bottle from light at all times by wrapping in aluminum foil
• Store in a cool dark place. Do not allow the temperature of the bottle to exceed 50 degrees F during storage, prior to use.
• dilute the solution 20: 1 (in low light) to produce a solution of about 100 ppm
• put into pan to soak toes
• perform the treatment in a low-light environment
• soak for ~lhr
• after treatment, rinse foot thoroughly with water • discard used solution
• repeat the treatment for 7 consecutive days
She soaked the infected nail(s) for 3 days for approximately 45 minutes each day. After 2 months she reported that signs of the infection have disappeared and the nails are growing in normally.
The foregoing results reported by people treating a fungal nail infection with chlorine dioxide solutions demonstrates the efficacy of the treatment.
As stated above the patient can soak the infected nail in a dilute solution of chlorine dioxide, which can be made by any of several means, including bubbling chlorine dioxide into a water bath at a rate sufficient to produce wanted concentration of chlorine dioxide in water.
The human toenail consists of Keratin, fibrous insoluble protein that is the main structural element in hair, nails, feathers, hooves, and some components of animal horns. The ability of chlorine dioxide to penetrate keratin and kill pathogens protected thereby would also make it capable of curing animal diseases that occur within or below keratinous structures. An example of such a disease is the hoof rot that is a common affliction in hoofed animals.
It is also within the scope of the present invention to incorporate chlorine dioxide into topical medications that can be placed on the infected nail or other keratinous structure so that the chlorine dioxide penetrates the keratin and kills pathogens otherwise protected by the keratin.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims without departing from the invention.
Claims
What is Claimed: 1. A method of diseases caused by pathogens affecting keratin and the tissues surrounding keratinous structures comprising the steps of contacting the surface of the keratinous tissue with an effective amount of chlorine dioxide for a time sufficient to permit penetration of chlorine dioxide molecules through the keratin and to kill pathogens residing in keratin and the surrounding tissues. 2. A method of treating nail fungus comprising the steps of contacting the nail with an effective amount of chlorine dioxide for time sufficient to permit penetration of chlorine dioxide molecules through the nailplate and to kill pathogens residing in the nailbed. 3. A method of treating nail fungus in accordance with Claim 2, wherein the concentration of chlorine dioxide which penetrates into the nail is sufficient to improve the color of the nail, by making it appear less "yellow". 4. A method of treating nail fungus in accordance with Claim 2 comprising the steps of preparing a solution of chlorine dioxide in water; and soaking infected nail or nails in said solution for a period of at least forty five minutes each day for a minimum of three days. 5. A method of treating nail fungus in accordance with Claim 2, wherein the chlorine dioxide is dissolved in water. 6, A method of treating nail fungus in accordance with Claim 2, wherein the chlorine dioxide is dissolved in a gel. 7. A method of treating nail fungus in accordance with Claim 2, wherein the chlorine dioxide is dissolved in a polymeric matrix. 8. A method of treating nail fungus in accordance with Claim 2, wherein the chlorine dioxide is dissolved in a lotion. 9. A method of treating nail fungus in accordance with Claim 2, wherein the chlorine dioxide is dissolved in a hydrocarbon. 10. A method of treating nail fungus in accordance with Claim 2, wherein a chlorine dioxide solution is absorbed onto a porous substrate and said substrate is applied to an infected nail. 11. A method of treating nail fungus in accordance with Claim 2, wherein the chlorine dioxide is in the gas phase.
12. A method according to claim 4 including the step of protecting said solution from ambient light during said soaking step. 13. A method according to claim 4 including soaking the entire foot. 14. A method according to claim 4 including the step of preparing said solution with a minimum concentration of 80 ppm chlorine dioxide. 15. A kit for treatment of nail fungus comprising : a substantially opaque container adapted to hold an infected foot or feet of a user, said container also adapted to hold a quantity chlorine dioxide solution sufficient to cover the toes of said user; one of a dry chlorine-dioxide forming formulation, or a chlorine dioxide concentrate which, when mixed with a quantity of water, will yield a chlorine dioxide solution; or, alternatively, a container of chlorine dioxide solution that i s of the desired concentration, without further dilution.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US65266405P | 2005-02-14 | 2005-02-14 | |
| US60/652,664 | 2005-02-14 |
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| WO2006088790A2 true WO2006088790A2 (en) | 2006-08-24 |
| WO2006088790A3 WO2006088790A3 (en) | 2006-11-02 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| PCT/US2006/005024 WO2006088790A2 (en) | 2005-02-14 | 2006-02-13 | Use of chlorine dioxide for the treatment of onychomycosis (nail fungus) |
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Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20100159031A1 (en) * | 2008-12-22 | 2010-06-24 | Swenholt Karen C | Nail fungus treatment and composition |
| US10570390B2 (en) | 2011-08-19 | 2020-02-25 | Rodney J. Y. Ho | Compositions, devices, and methods for treating infections |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5407656A (en) * | 1992-03-04 | 1995-04-18 | Arco Research Co., Inc. | Method and compositions for the production of chlorine dioxide |
| MY112836A (en) * | 1995-06-05 | 2001-09-29 | Bernard Tech Inc | Sustained release biocidal compositions and their uses |
| WO2003082304A1 (en) * | 2002-03-27 | 2003-10-09 | Kling William O | Antimicrobial compositions and methods of use |
| US20060006361A1 (en) * | 2004-07-08 | 2006-01-12 | Joseph Callerame | Clathrate of chlorine dioxide |
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2006
- 2006-02-13 WO PCT/US2006/005024 patent/WO2006088790A2/en active Application Filing
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20100159031A1 (en) * | 2008-12-22 | 2010-06-24 | Swenholt Karen C | Nail fungus treatment and composition |
| US9320921B2 (en) * | 2008-12-22 | 2016-04-26 | Karen C. Swenholt | Nail fungus treatment and composition |
| US10570390B2 (en) | 2011-08-19 | 2020-02-25 | Rodney J. Y. Ho | Compositions, devices, and methods for treating infections |
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2006088790A3 (en) | 2006-11-02 |
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