Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K8/00—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations
  • A61K8/18—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition
  • A61K8/19—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing inorganic ingredients
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61K45/06—Mixtures of active ingredients without chemical characterisation, e.g. antiphlogistics and cardiaca
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
  • A61L2/0005—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor for pharmaceuticals, biologicals or living parts
  • A61L2/0082—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor for pharmaceuticals, biologicals or living parts using chemical substances
  • A61L2/0088—Liquid substances
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P13/00—Drugs for disorders of the urinary system
  • A61P13/02—Drugs for disorders of the urinary system of urine or of the urinary tract, e.g. urine acidifiers
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61P17/04—Antipruritics
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P17/00—Drugs for dermatological disorders
  • A61P17/12—Keratolytics, e.g. wart or anti-corn preparations
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P17/00—Drugs for dermatological disorders
  • A61P17/16—Emollients or protectives, e.g. against radiation
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P21/00—Drugs for disorders of the muscular or neuromuscular system
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P21/00—Drugs for disorders of the muscular or neuromuscular system
  • A61P21/02—Muscle relaxants, e.g. for tetanus or cramps
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P29/00—Non-central analgesic, antipyretic or antiinflammatory agents, e.g. antirheumatic agents; Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAID]
• • 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
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
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  • A61P37/00—Drugs for immunological or allergic disorders
  • A61P37/02—Immunomodulators
  • A61P37/04—Immunostimulants
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P39/00—General protective or antinoxious agents
  • A61P39/06—Free radical scavengers or antioxidants
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P43/00—Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61Q—SPECIFIC USE OF COSMETICS OR SIMILAR TOILETRY PREPARATIONS
  • A61Q17/00—Barrier preparations; Preparations brought into direct contact with the skin for affording protection against external influences, e.g. sunlight, X-rays or other harmful rays, corrosive materials, bacteria or insect stings
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61Q—SPECIFIC USE OF COSMETICS OR SIMILAR TOILETRY PREPARATIONS
  • A61Q17/00—Barrier preparations; Preparations brought into direct contact with the skin for affording protection against external influences, e.g. sunlight, X-rays or other harmful rays, corrosive materials, bacteria or insect stings
  • A61Q17/005—Antimicrobial preparations
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61Q—SPECIFIC USE OF COSMETICS OR SIMILAR TOILETRY PREPARATIONS
  • A61Q19/00—Preparations for care of the skin
  • A61Q19/10—Washing or bathing preparations
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K2800/00—Properties of cosmetic compositions or active ingredients thereof or formulation aids used therein and process related aspects
  • A61K2800/40—Chemical, physico-chemical or functional or structural properties of particular ingredients
  • A61K2800/52—Stabilizers
  • A61K2800/524—Preservatives
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
  • A61K9/0012—Galenical forms characterised by the site of application
  • A61K9/0014—Skin, i.e. galenical aspects of topical compositions
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
  • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
  • A61L2/08—Radiation
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
  • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
  • A61L2/18—Liquid substances or solutions comprising solids or dissolved gases

Definitions

• This invention relates to treating surfaces, including mammalian tissues, by topical application of products promoting one or more health benefits, and more specifically to products promoting health in consumer and health care settings.
• Antiseptic antiviral and antibacterial products are widely used today in both the consumer and health care settings to combat the transmission of viruses and bacteria that can cause disease. Hospitals, physician offices, and extended care facilities frequently use antiseptic antibacterial solutions to clean the skin around wounds and for a variety of other purposes, including preoperative skin preparation or to prepare a patient for a number of other procedures.
• Two well-known antiseptic antibacterial products also having at least some antiviral activity are chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine solutions, including the well-known Betadine® brand. Alcohol and povodine-iodine solutions frequently are used in the health care setting for pre-injection skin preparation. Swabs of cloth may be impregnated with these solutions and pre-packaged for one-time use in wiping the skin prior to receiving an injection.
• chlorhexidine are not generally used on the delicate perineal skin, urinary meatus, and contiguous mucosa and can even contribute to problems on other skin, including the outer layer of the stratum corneum and transitional surfaces between mucosae and stratum corneum generally, including, for example, the lips. Although most all of these cleansing products are capable of reducing potential contaminants, these compounds may actually contribute to subsequent infections by drying the skin, removing naturally occurring lipids, or establishing a basic pH, whereas normal skin has a somewhat acidic pH, moisture content, and lipid structure that serves inter-dependent permeability and barrier functions limiting growth of microorganisms, providing for chemical defense, and controlling moisture loss.
• chlorhexidine and other related over-the-counter antibacterial and antiseptic hand and body washes are safe and effective as labeled and advertised.
• the FDA plans to require additional log reduction data to demonstrate effectiveness in evaluating the benefit-to-risk ratio behind determinations that a drug product containing the active ingredient in question is generally recognized as effective (“GRAE”) (page 25166); additional minimum data under current scientific standards for systemic and long-term exposure to demonstrate safety in evaluating whether the active ingredient is generally recognized as safe (“GRAS”), in part because daily use chronically exposes health care workers to these compounds (page 25167) and in part because the compounds, long in use, can now be tested under current scientific standards for carcinogenic potential, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and other potential effects (page 25181); and the FDA plans potentially to exclude active ingredients from future OTC health care antiseptic final monographs in the event of manufacturer's failure to provide sufficient supporting data for GRAE and GRAS determinations under current scientific standards (page 25167).
• the FDA may be responding at least in part not only to chronic exposure to active ingredients of topical antiseptic products among health care workers and some consumers with chronic conditions, but also to the well-documented rise of infections in health care settings, many of which are attributed to overuse of antibiotics and the rise in infections by antibiotic resistant bacteria. Hospitals have reported drastic increases since the early 2000's in infections by antibiotic-resistant Clostridium difficile (C. diff), a common gut bacterium resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers that can reproduce unchecked in the gut after antibiotic use has cleared out beneficial bacteria that normally keep C. diff in check. C. diff. is especially problematic in long term care facilities for the elderly in which antibiotic use and incontinence regularly occurs.
• C. diff has been estimated to be responsible for 12.1% of health care-associated infections by Shelly S. Magill, M.D. and others in the New England Journal of Medicine in an article published March 27, 2014 entitled “Multistate Point- Prevalence Survey of Health Care- Association Infections.” N Engl J Med 2014; 370: p. 1198.
• MRSA methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
• VRE vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis
• CRE carbapenem- resistant Enterobacteriaceae
• OTC consumer antiseptic products some of which contain active ingredients similar to health care antiseptic products, can be harsh of application. Long-term regular use of harsh products is undesirable and chronic exposure to active ingredients may not be safe or effective.
• the invention relates to a method for improving health outcomes, especially tissue function and stress response, including the interrelated and co-dependent permeability barrier and antimicrobial properties of both damaged skin and intact healthy skin at risk for damage along with the underlying skin structures of the integumentary system, the capillary bed, and associated muscle tissue, whether covered by skin or exposed as the result of a burn or other wound.
• the invention includes new methods for preventing or reducing the incidence, severity, and recurrence of disease by focusing on the etiology of the disease state and interrupting the pathogenic mechanisms that are responsible, including topical applications of substances that support and even improve tissue function.
• stratum By skin, we mean to include areas of the body covered by the epidermis and its outermost layer, the stratum comeum; the delicate perineum and associated structures; mucous membranes, including the mouth, ear canals, nasal passages or nares, the urethra, and others along with their associated meatuses; and transitional surfaces between mucous membrane and stratum corneum.
• the invention is based at least in part on previously unrecognized and unappreciated properties of Theraworx® brand skin cleanser and related formulations, which is available from the manufacturer thereof and the applicant herein, Avadim Technologies, Inc. in Asheville, North Carolina.
• the mechanisms by which the remarkable results reported herein have been obtained by using this skin cleanser in the method of the invention are not yet fully understood although certain results have been documented in support of the invention.
• the method of the invention comprises improving health outcomes by topically applying a formulation as described herein to damaged or intact and at- risk tissues to support and improve tissue function and response, including permeability and antimicrobial barrier properties.
• the formulation is applied to the damaged tissue or the at- risk tissue initially and on a regular periodic basis for so long as the damage or risk is present and thereafter for a time sufficient to establish a substantially reduced likelihood of recurrence of damage or risk.
• Providing a continuum of care for a wide array of problems or potential problems is described herein that is believed to enable the remarkable and unexpected results reported.
• the continuum of care includes the initial application, implementation of a protocol for the problem to be solved, complying with the protocol through regular periodic applications until the damage or risk is resolved, and performing maintenance applications thereafter for a period of time until the probability of recurrence of the damage or risks has passed.
• the formulation comprises ingredients selected for antimicrobial properties and for acidifying at least the outermost layers of tissue throughout their thickness, improving oxygen uptake, water transport, and elimination of metabolic waste products. Damaged tissue and intact healthy tissue includes muscles and skin at risk for damage, including areas of the body covered by the stratum corneum, mucous membrane, and transitional surfaces between mucous membrane and stratum corneum.
• the method of the invention substantially prevents, reduces the likelihood of, and supports the improvement by the skin of compromised barrier and antimicrobial function.
• the method is believed to interrupt the origin or etiology of a disease or prevent the underlying causes of disease that can result in a pathogenic mechanism.
• atopic march in which, for example, neonates developing eczema eventually progress in childhood to allergic rhinitis and asthma.
• Another is the spread and dissemination of deadly antibiotic-resistant bacteria responsible for the relatively recent dramatic rise in hospital acquired infections.
• the method can be used to treat first, second, and even third degree, full thickness burns in which the epidermis and dermis have been removed, exposing subcutaneous tissues and muscles; to prevent, substantially reduce the risk and intensity of, and treat muscle cramping and soreness following vigorous exercise; and for preventing or reducing the likelihood of viral or bacterial infection on both damaged tissues and healthy, intact tissues, including by extended periodic decolonization steps.
• the method can be used in connection with skin at risk for infection, as during a hospital stay or in connection with, for example, episodes of incontinence.
• the steps of the method comprise topically applying on a regular periodic basis and for so long as the damage or risk is present and thereafter for a time sufficient to establish a substantially reduced likelihood of recurrence of damage or risk a composition as described below comprising ingredients selected for surfactant properties, anti-inflammatory properties, promoting cell growth, enhancing the immune system function, antimicrobial properties, scavenging free radicals, and humectant or emollient properties.
• this composition will be antiseptic, having antiviral and antibacterial activity, mildly acidic, and non-antibiotic.
• Theraworx brand skin cleanser is based upon a formulation described in Harod
• Theraworx skin cleanser is now known to modulate the pH of the tissues to achieve a preferred state of acidic pH over an extended period of time, including lowering the pH over the entire thickness of the outer layer of tissue, increasing oxygen uptake, stimulating healing and transport of waste products, and promoting resistance to viruses and bacteria.
• Theraworx is demonstrated to kill envelope viruses including, but not limited to Ebola virus, and can be used in an eight-step protocol, set forth below, including both pre-and post-patient care and health care worker regimens, to prevent or reduce the spread of Ebola, in part by the treatment of clothing and other surfaces with which medical workers may contact infected persons and by pre- and post-procedure decolonization procedures that go beyond simple bathing.
• Theraworx brand skin cleanser maintains the pH of the stratum comeum, mucosa, and transitional membranes throughout its area of application at an acidic pH from the outermost surface of the skin or membrane to the innermost. At least in the stratum comeum, this means that the Theraworx solutions as applied alter the "normal” and steeply increasing gradient from the acidic outermost surface to the more alkaline innermost surface adjacent the capillary bed, thus further improving the barrier properties and disease-fighting characteristics of skin regardless of age, pigmentation, or whether stratum corneum, mucosae, or transitional area and whether healthy and intact or not.
• Topical application to the skin or to burns and other wounds increases oxygenation of the blood supply, supporting healing; improves heat transfer properties; reduces evaporative cooling through the mechanism of trans-epidermal water loss ("TEWL"); and promotes rapid clearance after exercise of substances accumulating in the underlying muscle tissue that may cause soreness, delaying cytokine response, stabilizing lysosomes, and providing a number of other benefits not limited to its antimicrobial properties or its
• Theraworx brand skin cleanser comprises multiple ingredients, described in more detail below, many of which have multiple properties, including anti-inflammatory properties, promoting cell growth, enhancing the immune system function, antimicrobial properties, scavenging free radicals, and humectant or emollient properties.
• the ingredients in the formulation can be sterilized by FDA approved techniques, which sterilization or at least treatment to reduce colony forming units below a threshold value, can improve shelf-life and preserve the activity of the other components in Theraworx brand solutions, many of them being well-known preservatives in themselves and believed to have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, including antiviral and antibacterial properties.
• gamma radiation which is an FDA approved method for sterilization, can be used to produce Theraworx brand solutions at a log reduction in colony forming units (CFU's) of from 10 "6 to 10 "3 or 10 "2 colony forming units (CFU's), as needed or desired.
• CFU's colony forming units
• Achieving a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10 "6 generally meets the most stringent FDA sterilization requirements.
• the SAL of 10 "6 means a probability of not more than one viable
• microorganism in an amount of one million sterilized items of the final product.
• the pH of the skincare solution used in the practice of the method of the invention is acidic, and should not be so low as to be painful of application nor so high as to promote infection.
• a suitable range of pH is from about 4.0 to 6.0; a range of 4.4 to 5.5 has been successfully used.
• Surfactants, to the extent they are used, preferably are zwitterionic so as not to strip naturally occurring and protective lipids from the skin, allowing the skin to stay hydrated.
• the solution should be antimicrobial, anti-bacterial and antiseptic, and will typically be non-antibiotic, unnecessary antibiotic use contributing to resistance in bacteria strains. It is especially useful if the solution is capable of maintaining the balance of flora associated with normal skin, even as the flora is reduced.
• a solution useful in the practice of the method of the invention comprises: lauryl glucoside surfactant; dimethicone as an antifoaming agent also having surfactant action; aloe vera, for its anti-inflammatory properties, to promote cell growth, enhance the immune system response, facilitate absorption, promote healing, and to act as a humectant or emollient; allantoin for similar properties to aloe, including the ability to scavenge free radicals; cocamidolpropyl betaine for its anti-inflammatory properties and action as a humectant or emollient; beta glucan for its properties similar to aloe and allantoin; Citricidal® brand grapefruit extract, having many properties similar to aloe and allantoin; colloidal silver
• the invention as described above provides an easily implemented method that approaches the skin barrier and tissues in an entirely new way, acidifying the skin to support and enhance its ability to repair itself from the inside out, recognizing that the skin's many functions are interrelated and co-dependent, including the permeability barrier, the antimicrobial barrier, hydration of the subcutaneous regions, and defenses against ultra violet rays, antioxidants, and mechanical injury.
• acidification assists in preventing infection and may also increase oxygenation, providing increased opportunity for healing.
• Figure 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps of the method of the invention generally for improving health outcomes, capable of accomplishing a wide variety of beneficial results in both health care and consumer applications;
• Figure 2 is a modified hub and spoke wheel diagram illustrating the steps of the method of the invention and the various tissues and conditions to which the steps may be adapted to achieve more specific beneficial health outcomes in a variety of consumer and health care settings;
• Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps of a method for decolonizing a patient in a health care facility to prevent the spread of disease;
• Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps of a method for treating burns to preventing or reducing the risk of infection and to stimulate or at least provide the opportunity for healing;
• Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps of a method for improving muscle performance and recovery
• Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps of a method of the invention for preventing or reducing the risk of contamination of a urine specimen;
• Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a protocol for decolonizing the T-zone to facilitate a reduction in disease transmission in health care workers;
• Figure 8 is an illustration of application of the protocol of Figure 7;
• Figure 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps of a method of the invention for preventing or reducing the risk of Ebola infection in health care workers;
• Figure 10 is an illustration of the application of the protocol of Figure 9 to decolonizing a patient;
• Figure 1 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps of an eight-step (8 step) method for decolonization.
• Figure 1 illustrates generally at 10 the steps of a method of the invention for improving health outcomes in both health care and consumer applications to improve tissue function and stress response. It should be recognized that specific applications may normally have more detailed steps and some of these steps are described below. It is believed that the skilled artisan made aware of the method steps set forth herein will readily consider specific applications based on the particular instance of improved tissue function and response that is sought.
• the steps of the method comprise, as illustrated at step 20, topically applying to mammalian tissue or to an inanimate surface a solution of components that are selected and blended for surfactant properties, anti-inflammatory properties, promoting cell growth, enhancing immune system function, antimicrobial properties, scavenging free radicals, and humectant or emollient properties.
• Tissues can include, but are not limited to, intact or damaged skin as defined elsewhere herein, tissues that the solution impacts through the skin, and exposed muscle tissue, as after an injury or bum.
• Inanimate surfaces include, for example, medical devices for insertion or placement within living tissue, a nonwoven foot covering or protective gown for a health care worker, or a room surface, generally for the purpose of decolonizing the surface or substantially precluding colonization of the surface with a solution that is not normally irritating to tissues.
• the solution may be applied as a liquid, a spray, a foam, or from cloths or towels containing the liquid.
• the solution normally has been treated to substantially reduce the number of colony-forming units (CFU's") in the solution sufficiently to also substantially reduce the probability of colony-forming units compromising the efficacy of the solution components in the properties described above.
• the mechanism of action of the solution is not entirely understood. It is believed that the mechanism of action includes at least in part modulation of the pH of the skin and tissues at an acidic level of from about 4.5 to 6.0 efficaciously modulating the pH continually if applied about once every 3 to 12 hours, depending on the specific need. For many needs, periodic application every four to six hours is desirable at a pH of from about 4.5 to 5.5.
• step 40 solution is applied to the skin, exposed flesh, or surface for so long as the damage or risk of damage is present. Specific instances are described below. Thereafter, the solution continues to be applied, step 50, for a period of time after the damage or risk of damage is no longer present or at least until an assessment can be made that the likelihood of initial infection or recurrence of damage is sufficiently low to warrant cessation of periodic application. Normally, the period of application in accordance with step 50 is from a few hours to days to a week or a month.
• stratum comeum is that outermost layer of skin covering the bulk of the body, comprising the outer layer of the epidermis and the final product of epidermal differentiation.
• the stratum comeum is essential to formation and maintenance of a cohesive permeability barrier that guards against excessive transcutaneous water loss and serves as an external barrier against microbial attack.
• Keratinization is characterized by, among other matters, water loss and a reduction in pH from the inner to outermost stratum comeum layer, the development of thin overlapping horn cells called comeocytes, specialized cross-linked proteins that are highly chemical resistant, and specialized non-polar lipids that provide a water barrier property as mortar in a bricks-and-mortar like construction with comeocyte bricks.
• the population of keratinocytes undergoes continuous renewal throughout life.
• a mitotic layer of basal cells replaces cells at the surface as they slough off.
• keratinocytes undergo the keratinization differentiation process, progressively changing in shape and content and eventually transforming from polygonal living cells to anucleate, nonviable, flattened squames replete with keratin and other proteins.
• the constant outward movement of comeocytes to be sloughed off at the surface in the process of an orderly desquamation of individual keratinized cells is said to be a built-in mechanism to preclude pathogens from gaining a foothold.
• Impairment of desquamation as when the binding force between comeocytes increases under stress and causes the cells to desquamate in clumps, is often characterized as scaling, as in eczema and psoriasis, and treated with everything from skin creams to steroids. Nevertheless, treatments that interfere with the processes of keratinization and desquamation of the stratum comeum inevitably damage the stratum corneum functions, including water permeability and chemical and microbial barrier functions, promoting scaling, redness, pruritus, and decreasing flexibility.
• the stratum corneum layer is only about 100 microns thick and even thinner in some other mammals.
• the stratum comeum displays an acidic pH on its outermost surface of normally 4.5 to 5.0 in healthy skin in human children and adults, somewhat higher in neonates and older adults. Yet in sharp contrast, the innermost layer of the stratum corneum is typically at a pH of about neutral, just under 7.0.
• Acidic pH is essential for several functions, including inhibiting colonization of the skin and underlying strucures, including the more alkaline capillary bed, by pathogenic bacteria, maintaining barrier homeostasis by activating enzymes, and for cohesion of the stratum comeum and an orderly desquamation of cells, preventing premature degradation.
• the stratum comeum remains acidified from its outermost layer to its innermost layer at a fairly uniform pH of from about 4.5 to 5.5 or 6.0, depending on the solution and its frequency of application.
• Maintenance of stratum corneum and other tissue surfaces, including exposed muscle tissue, as in a third degree bum, in an acidic condition over time by multiple periodic applications of the Theraworx solution provides the opportunity for the skin to improve, to engage its own natural barrier properties, and to ward off bacterial and viral pathogens. Acidification of the entire layer increases oxygenation of the underlying capillary bed, improving its heat transfer properties and enabling faster cooling of muscle tissue and clearance of the waste products of metabolism thought to result in muscle fatigue and soreness after intense exercise.
• Trans-epidermal water loss (“TEWL”) is reduced, also assisting in reducing the frequency and severity of muscle cramps. Cytokine response is delayed, so the accompanying efforts of the body to respond to disease through swelling, fever, and redness can be reduced and extreme reactions to disease, which can be life threatening, and sunburn, are ameliorated or avoided.
• Figure 2 illustrates generally at 75 in a hub-and-spoke wheel diagram the steps of the method of the invention and the various tissues and conditions to which the steps may be adapted to achieve more specific beneficial health outcomes in a variety of consumer and health care settings.
• Hub 85 illustrates the core steps of the protocol constituting the method of the invention, following the illustration of Figure 1, in a continuum of care for the patient or health care worker as the case may be in a health care facility, typically a hospital, extended care facility, or other health care facility.
• Step 1 is initial application of a solution in accordance with the invention in connection with determining the nature of the particular problem and assessing the damage or risk.
• initial application includes wiping the surface of the catheter or other mechanical device and wiping the area of the skin surrounding the area of insertion prior to insertion and after insertion.
• Step 2 is implementation of a protocol, which may be, for example, a regimen of continual application on a regular periodic basis sufficient to maintain the surface in an acidic pH so as to reduce the favorability of the environment for bacterial colonization and, in the case of skin and more superficial wounds, to enhance the permeability, chemical and microbial barrier functions.
• Step 3 requires compliance with the protocol in that the steps of application are repeated on a continual periodic basis, typically from about every three or four hours to every twelve hours, and for other applications it could be every few minutes based on the application.
• Specific compliance protocols are set forth below in connection with particular uses to which are put the methods of the invention. In the event of device insertion this typically means that the solution is applied to the external portion of the device and surrounding skin until the device is withdrawn. In the case of third degree burns, for example, nonwoven cloths soaked with the solution are typically applied until the risk of infection has been sufficiently abated. These compliance protocols for application are normally continued until the damage is sufficiently corrected or the risk abated.
• Step 4 requires that maintenance of application be continued for a period of time after the damage has been sufficiently corrected or the risk abated to provide a degree of security.
• one or more steps of the protocol 85 may not always be required, as when, for example, the method is used in connection with "clean catch" of a urine sample to avoid contaminating the sample.
• a clean catch method a towel moistened with the solution may be used to clean the groin and the area surrounding the urinary meatus.
• the hands are also wiped, preferably both before and after cleansing the groin area.
• initial application, protocol and protocol compliance have been completed and the urine sample obtained. Under these circumstances, the risk of contamination is abated and reoccurrence of the risk unlikely. Continued maintenance will not typically insure against recurrence and so is considered unnecessary from the standpoint of increasing the likelihood of obtaining a clean urine sample. Nevertheless, from the standpoint of achieving the objective of not transmitting disease, continued maintenance of the hands afterward is advisable.
• the continuum of care can be applied to disrupted skin 95, including, but not limited to inflamed skin, infected skin, skin exhibiting a rash or other disruption, and wounds and burns, including superficial wounds and burns and more serious depth injures, including thickness burns that expose muscle tissue for direct application of the solution. Lowering pH by as little as 0.6 is reported to increase oxygenation by 50%, greatly impacting the ability of disrupted skin to heal.
• the continuum of care can also be applied to intact skin, including the mucous membranes, 105; intact, but compromised, skin 115; and associated integumentary tissues 125.
• the method When applied to intact skin 105, the method is primarily used for decolonization techniques to reduce the risk of infection for both health care workers and patients, typically in an eight-step protocol for cleansing the head, including the T-zone and nares, the arms, torso, groin and buttocks, legs, and feet.
• Health care workers would typically decolonize before and after gowning and may also apply the solution to the exterior of the gown.
• Urinary clean catch is usually an example of application to intact skin, as is pre-surgical or pre-injection site preparation, the use of ear and eye drops comprising the solution, and irrigation of the mucus membranes, including the urethra and bladder, the nares, and the mouth.
• Intact compromised skin 115 is similar to intact skin, but is peeling, cracked, scaly, flaky, or dry and may exhibit warts and skin tags. These types of conditions often require diligent adherence to protocol compliance for repeating application of the solution at selected intervals and for sufficient maintenance to correct the damage, restoring the skin's function and reducing the damage.
• Application of the solution by the methods of the invention supports recovery by the skin of barrier and permeability properties, which are co- dependent.
• Integumentary associated tissues 125 include, as defined herein: the epidermis, including the outermost stratum corneum, the underlying dermis, with its capillary bed; adipose tissue, and small muscles; and the muscle beneath the skin, to which the solution properties readily penetrate.
• topical application of the solution to intact skin and maintenance of an acidic pH over time is thought to increase oxygenation of the muscle tissues, to reduce trans-epidermal water loss, and to speed the clearance of waste byproducts of metabolism, alleviating soreness and fatigue and enabling longer and more intense exercise.
• Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating generally at 130 the steps of a protocol of the method directed to decolonizing a patient or healthcare worker in a health care facility to prevent the spread of disease. While we have referred to patients and healthcare workers, the invention could be practiced by concerned individuals or for family members who are experiencing a disease outbreak at their home, such as influenza. Decolonization may be performed on selected areas of the body or on the entire body as when interrupting the spread of particularly serious diseases including flus having a high mortality rate, Ebola virus, and MRSA, VRE, and CRE bacteria having a high mortality rate. In step 135, a solution as described or otherwise meeting the requirements of the invention, is applied to the skin and mucus membranes, if needed.
• Swabs may be used to apply the solution to the nares, in particular, to reduce the opportunity for infection by inhaling virus or bacteria, and also the ear canal and the mouth.
• very few organisms ae required to colonize a full-blown deadly infection.
• 10 2 to 10 9 virus particles are required to cause infection, while for Ebola, hardly any is required by comparison to influenza.
• decolonization may only involve the affected area.
• solution is applied and the area cleaned after each episode of incontinence, step 140.
• it can be beneficial to decolonize the entire body of the patient and the health care worker.
• it is advisable to clean the area a second time, step 145. If the risk or actuality of infection remains, as in the case of an indwelling mechanical device, then the application of the solution should be repeated every three or four to twelve hours until the risk of infection or actual infection has abated, step 150.
• cleansing is repeated, step 155.
• an additional step of continuing to apply the solution will be employed for a maintenance period thereafter in those situations where the risk of recurrence or infection remains afterward as when, for example, an indwelling catheter is removed.
• Figure 4 illustrates generally at 160 the steps of a method for preventing or reducing the risk of infection in a burn and for stimulating healing.
• the solution is applied in accordance with the invention at step 165 to a first, second, or third degree thickness bum.
• First degree bums are similar to wounds and may irrigated with a liquid solution or cleansed with an impregnated cloth. Reducing the pH of the burned tissues, oxygenation of the tissues, and antimicrobial activity reduces the likelihood of infection and increases the ability of the tissue to repair itself.
• step 170 on a periodic basis every two to six hours increases the probability that no infection will occur and that the tissue will repair.
• a bandage or wound dressing is to be applied, then it is usually beneficial to apply the solution immediately prior to bandaging the wound, step 175. If muscle is exposed, as is the case in third degree thickness burns, then the solution is typically applied by soaking a cloth or bandage and laying the cloth or bandage on the area, and repeating this step every two to six hours, step 180.
• a health care worker or someone having skill in the art recognizes that changing burn dressings is highly specific and depends on the severity of the burn. For example, to treat a sunburn, the dressing maybe changed more frequently every few hours, for a third degree bum the dressing may be left on the injured area for a matter of days depending on the discretion of the physician or health care worker.
• FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating generally at 195 the steps of a method for improving muscle performance and recovery.
• Active persons, sports enthusiasts and elite athletes alike may apply the solution in accordance with the invention to the skin prior to exertion, step 200.
• the solution can be initially applied after exertion, more pronounced benefits can be realized if the oxygenation and metabolic processing capacity of the muscle tissue is well supported and enhanced prior to exertion.
• the solution can be reapplied every 1 to 2 hours during exertion, step 205.
• Theraworx® brand solution or similar solutions every few minutes between rounds and for other types of athletic events the application could be lengthened to every thirty minutes to an hour or more depending on the nature of the activity, for example in an 18 hole golf game it might be desirable to apply the solution after the 9 th hole and again after the 18 th hole. If cramping or muscle tightness occurs, then the solution is normally immediately applied at that time, step 210. After exertion is concluded, then the solution is applied yet again, step 215, and again after showering or bathing, step 220, or until the risk of cramping is abated.
• FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating generally at 230 the steps of a method of the invention for preventing or reducing the risk of contamination of a urine specimen.
• the first step is to apply the solution to the hands, usually with an impregnated cloth wipe.
• the perineal area is thoroughly wiped with a fresh cloth, step 240, basically to decolonize the delicate perineum, including the urinary meatus and contiguous areas.
• a fresh cloth is used.
• the sample is collected, step 245. Once the sample is collected and sealed, then no further cleansing is required to provide a clean catch urine specimen.
• reapplying the application to the hands for hygienic reasons is certainly preferred, step 250.
• FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating generally at 255 a protocol for decolonizing the T-zone to facilitate a reduction in disease transmission in health care workers, patients, or concerned individuals.
• the T-zone is so-called after the "T" formed by the horizontal brow ridge to the ears and the vertical line from the nose to chin.
• the face has seven (7) entrances to the body within the T-zone, comprising the two ear canals, the nares or two nostrils, the two eyes, and the mouth. Each of these provides an especially vulnerable meatus to a mucous membrane and surrounding tissue though which virus and pathogenic bacteria readily may enter, especially through the eyes, mouth and nares.
• T-zone Application of the method of the invention in accordance with the T-zone requires applying the solution directly to the skin of the face, step 260, especially including the T-zone, and is usually the first area to be decolonized in a decontamination effort. Impregnated cloths are especially useful. Thereafter, the solution is applied from swabs generally to the ear canals, nares and around the mouth.
• a dilute solution of Theraworx brand skin cleanser may applied to the inside of the mouth, generally as a liquid to be swished around, spat out, and disposed of in a biologically responsible matter as bio-hazardous material, as is true for any impregnated cloth used for application in accordance with the invention under any of the protocols, with the possible exception of exercise-induced applications in which no risk of infection is present.
• step 265 application is continued directly to the T-zone about every 2 to 6 hours for as long as the risk of infection is present, step 270, as, for example, in a high risk environment for transmission, especially by respiratory droplets in the case of H1N1 flu, or blood products in the case of Ebola.
• Figure 8 is an illustration generally at 300 of the application of the protocol steps of Figure 7 to the face 305 and in particular the T-zone illustrated in dashed outline at 310 and including the right and left ears, right and left eyes and brow ridge, nose and chin, and nares, or nostrils.
• the T-zone is wiped with a cloth, although for the ear canals and nares, typically a swab is provided. Disposable one-time use swabs and impregnated towels would be particularly advantageous.
• FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating generally at 350 the steps of a method of the invention for decolonizing an Ebola health care worker.
• the methods of decolonizing a patient and a healthcare worker differ in that decolonizing a health care worker includes 355 pre- and post-gowning procedures.
• the health care worker bathes with soap and water and dries with a clean towel.
• a protocol 360 is implemented for decolonizing the bathed health care worker, typically by using a pack of disposable towels for cleaning each of the maj or body parts: the head, including the T-zone; the arms, independently; the torso; the legs; the buttocks; and groin.
• the solution is applied directly to the face and hands 365.
• the gowns and other coverings may be sprayed or dipped into a solution, as when a fully donned Ebola health care worker, having had Theraworx brand or similar solution applied to the exterior clothing, steps fully donned from a dressing area or tent and dips his or her feet into a tub of solution to coat the nonwoven protective booties. Ebola and many viruses are thought to be spread in part by the action of gravity in the treatment area, in which the floor of the treatment area becomes highly contaminated as blood and other body fluids fall from the patient.
• the Ebola health care worker is carefully disrobed, using the CDC-established doffing procedures, and can repeat cleaning again each major part of the body 370, bathing with soap and water 375 and thereafter repeating the personal care decolonization of the eight major areas of the body 380.
• Figure 10 illustrates generally at 400 the protocol of Figure 9 applied to a fully donned healthcare worker 410 exiting a robing tent 420 in the field and stepping into a wash basin 430 containing Theraworx brand solution or a related solution;
• Figure 1 1 illustrates generally at 450 a flow chart for the protocol for decolonization of high risk patients and health care workers for Ebola and other highly contagious diseases having a high mortality rate, including, but not limited to, antibiotic resistant bacteria MRSA, VRE, and CRE.
• step 460 a pre-moistened cloth is used to clean the face, neck, and chest and disposed of, then disposable swabs are used for the nares.
• a fresh cloth is applied to one arm and the underarm or axilla, step 462, and disposed of, and then the opposite arm and axilla is cleansed with a third fresh pre-moistened cloth, step 464.
• the perineum is cleansed with a fourth fresh cloth, step 466.
• the legs are cleaned, first one and then the other, each with a fresh cloth, steps 468 and 470. It is helpful to clean the legs in the same order in which the arms were cleaned and to establish the protocol to begin with the same arm each time for consistency and to avoid missteps. For example, if the protocol starts always with the right arm at step 462, then step 468 should be cleaning the right leg.
• the solution or the pre-moistened wipes are heated to an average of about 105 °F in warmer boxes especially adapted to carry the pouches of pre-moistened cloths.
• the solution should not be heated over about 125 °F for safe, comfortable, application to the skin.
• the used cloths may be disposed of in the pouch from which they were taken, if desired.
• the method includes the steps of pre-treatment of the perineum, urinary meatus, mucosa, and the exterior portions of the catheter with Theraworx brand antiseptic skin cleanser and related solutions as described therein both before and immediately after catheter insertion, followed by continual maintenance treatments with the solution at regular intervals of from about 4 to 12 hours for maintenance of the perineum and exposed portions of the catheter.
• treatment is performed after each incidence of incontinence.
• treatment is also performed immediately before catheter withdrawal and the perineum, urinary meatus, and contiguous mucosa wiped with soft, lint free cloth impregnated with the solution immediately after withdrawal.
• Still further embodiments may include post-withdrawal maintenance treatment steps in which the perineum, urinary meatus, and mucosa are continually wiped at regular intervals for a sufficient period of time after withdrawal to reduce or preclude infection attributable to the use of a catheter.
• this maintenance step is performed by patient self-care after discharge from a hospital for about five to seven days. It should be understood that patients include pets and other mammals that may be catheterized and that patient self-care is performed by a caregiver for animals and humans not having capacity to do so, including newborns and some elderly.
• Serial No. 62/082,019 entitled Method for the Prevention and Treatment of Acne, filed November 19, 2014, sets forth a protocol for treating various forms of acne comprising, in a twenty-four (24) hour period the method steps of 1) cleansing the skin with a suitable substance as described below, rinsing the skin with water, and drying the skin; 2) applying the substance to the skin and allowing the substance to dry in air and remain on the skin; 3) repeating step (2) at selected intervals of applying the substance to the skin and allowing it to remain in contact with the skin; and 4) repeating step (1).
• step (1) is accomplished in the morning on arising; step (2) is accomplished immediately after step (1); step (3) is repeated at selected intervals of from 3 to 6 hours throughout the day following step (2); and step (4) is accomplished in the evening on retiring.
• steps (1), (2), and (3) may be performed in the evening and step (4) the following morning.
• steps (1) and (4) alone may be sufficient in some instances.
• the steps may be repeated for as long as desired to prevent acne or reduce its likelihood and severity when it does occur, or the steps may be applied directly to acne lesions for as long as needed to improve the condition of the skin.
• the invention has application to wounds more generally, including burns; other types of catheters, including intravenous catheters and catheters used in veterinary medicine; decontamination of environmental surfaces; and decolonization regimens to prevent or reduce health care acquired infections, whether hospital acquired or acquired in an extended-care facility.
• the invention is useful for preventing or substantially reducing the risk of urinary tract infections generally, whether catheter acquired or not.
• the solution according to the Harod patent comprises at several ingredients, including eight agents, all eight of which agents are required to be different from each other and are present in relatively small amounts: a surfactant and a humectant or emollient, an anti-inflammatory agent, and antifoaming agent, an agent for promoting cell growth, an agent for enhancing the immune system, an antimicrobial agent, agent to facilitate absorption, and an agent to scavenge free radicals.
• a surfactant and a humectant or emollient an anti-inflammatory agent, and antifoaming agent
• an agent for promoting cell growth an agent for enhancing the immune system
• an antimicrobial agent agent to facilitate absorption
• agent to scavenge free radicals an agent to scavenge free radicals.
• Many of the compounds listed in the Harod patent have one or more or even several of these functions, although it is believed that the plurality of ingredients exhibits a synergistic impact that is particularly useful in the methods of the invention.
• the solution exhibits the following properties believed to be relevant to the applications claimed herein: antiseptic properties and properties of supporting the barrier function of the stratum corneum, which includes the ability to reduce and maintain pH at a level of from 4.0 to 5.5 or 6.0 over an extended period of time, especially when used in the protocols of the invention to provide regular continual periodic applications.
• the solutions are non-antibiotic but antimicrobial, mildly acidic to pH about 4.0, and zwitterionic when used with a surfactant ingredient for cleansing that is non-polar and does not strip tissues of beneficial lipids.
• the zone of inhibition is a complex phenomenon recognized in connection with the invention that includes not only lowering the pH of the tissue to inhibit bacterial colonization, but orderly desquamation of epithelial tissues in a well-maintained bricks-and- mortar structure of keratinized cells, proteins, enzymes, and a lipid matrix.
• skin to which the solution is applied on a continual regular periodic basis has been determined to exhibit a relatively uniform acidic pH throughout its surface.
• This uniform pH is thought to "super-normalize" the skin, enhancing blood flow in the capillary system of the largest organ in the body, increasing oxygenation of the underlying muscle tissue and the skin, promoting clearance of metabolic products, promoting moisture barrier functions to avoid trans- epidermal water loss, and altering the pH of the skin adjacent normally neutral -to-alkaline blood, which blood tends to promote bacterial growth otherwise if exposed to the elements unprotected by fully functioning skin. Damaged stratum corneum is said to be capable of losing up to 6 liters of water per day by trans-epidermal water loss and may allow ingress of chemical agents and pathogens. Thus, the fully acidified stratum corneum enhances the ability of the skin to ward off infection.
• antiseptic is meant a substance that kills and prevents growth and reproduction of bacteria, protozoa, yeast, fungi, and viruses.
• antiseptic is sometimes used synonymously with “antimicrobial,” which is how we used the term here.
• Antiseptics and antimicrobials should be distinguished from antibiotics, which also kill bacteria.
• the solution used herein typically is antiseptic.
• Potential solutions that are antiseptic and antimicrobial, having a pH of from about 4.0 to 6.0, and including the functionalities of being anti-inflammatory, antifoaming, cell growth promoting, immune system enhancing, antimicrobial, absorptive into the skin, and scavenging free radicals include mixtures of aloe, dimethicone, allantoin,
• cocamidolpropyl betaine citrus-based extracts including Citricidal® brand quaternary compound derived from grapefruit, colloidal silver, and vitamin E; mixtures of aloe, dimethicone, allantoin, and colloidal silver or grapefruit extract; mixtures of dimethicone, allantoin, grapefruit extract, colloidal silver, and vitamin E; mixtures of aloe, dimethicone, cocamidolpropyl betaine, grapefruit extract, and colloidal silver; mixtures of aloe, dimethicone, grapefruit extract, and colloidal silver; and mixtures of dimethicone, cocamidolpropyl betaine, colloidal silver, and Beta-glucan.
• cocamidolpropyl betaines and dimethicone have surfactant properties, as does lauryl glucoside. At least dimethicone also has antifoaming properties.
• Cocamidolpropyl betaines also have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Aloe has antiinflammatory, cell growth promoting, immune system enhancing, absorption facilitating, healing promoting, and humectant and emollient properties.
• Allantoin has anti-inflammatory, cell growth promoting, immune system enhancing, free radical scavenging, and healing promoting properties.
• Beta-glucan has cell growth promoting, immune system enhancing, absorption facilitating, free radical scavenging, and healing promoting properties.
• Grapefruit extracts have immune system enhancing, antimicrobial, and free radical scavenging properties.
• polyphenolics, bioflavonoids, pyncogenol, and grapeseed extract may be used for some of these functions in the formulation or to supplement the other ingredients.
• Some formulations may include additional ingredients, possibly performing preservative functions inhibiting microbial and fungal growth and extending shelf life:
• a skincare and cleansing agent useful in the practice of the invention may include, as described in U. S. Patent No. 6,358,516, among other ingredients:
• immune system-enhancing agents wherein at least one immune system-enhancing agent is aloe vera, beta glucan, colloidal silver, or allantoin;
• absorption facilitation agents where in at least one absorption facilitating agent is beta glucan, aloe vera, or colloidal silver;
• humectants and emollients wherein at least one humectant or emollient is aloe vera, vitamin E, or cocamidopropyl;
• free radical-scavenging agents wherein at least one free radical-scavenging agent is a bioflavonoid, a polyphenolic compound, a grapefruit-derived quaternary compound, beta glucan, allantoin, vitamin E, pycnogenol, or grape seed extract; and (j) healing promoting agents, wherein said ingredients are selected to form a stable, no-rinse, radiation-sterilizable composition that air-dries quickly when applied to the skin and that cleanses, therapeutically conditions, and treats the skin in a one-step application, wherein at least one healing-promoting agent is aloe vera, allantoin, or beta glucan.
• at least one healing-promoting agent is aloe vera, allantoin, or beta glucan.
• a key component of the invention is the ability of the solution to be treated under methods use for sterilization, including, for example radiation.
• the ingredients used within the formula all are compatible with radiation, including gamma and e-beam radiation.
• the ingredients may also be compatible with other sterilization techniques approved by the FDA including, but not limited to, dry heat, ethylene oxide gas, steam, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, and ozone.
• the ingredients may also be compatible with novel treatments not currently considered by the FDA including, chlorine dioxide, ethylene oxide- in-a-bag, high intensity light, microwave radiation, sound waves, ultraviolet light, and vaporized chemical sterilizing systems.
• a sterilization procedure is one that kills all microorganisms, including high numbers of bacterial endospores. Nevertheless, from an operational standpoint, a sterilization cannot be so categorically defined. Rather, the procedure is defined as a process, after which the probability of a microorganism surviving on an item subjected to treatment is less than one in one million (10 "6 ). This is referred to as the "sterility assurance level.”
• a description of various sterilization techniques mentioned is detailed below.
• sterilization treatment methods preserve the efficacy of the ingredients of the solution and allow ingredients with antimicrobial properties to expend their energy fighting organism outside of their container, instead of inside the container acting themselves as a preservative and losing efficacy.
• gamma radiation of the Theraworx brand solution at 35kGy has been determined to provide an efficacious solution of assured sterility at 10 "6 to 10 "8 , but the intense radiation yellows the product.
• Preferred is 10 "2 or 10 "3 to 10 "6 .
• a radiation dose of 4 to 7 kGy typically reaches 10 "2 .
• composition used in connection with the method need not be subjected to a sterilization dose, but can be quite effective submitted to a treatment dose.
• mixtures and compositions used in connection with the invention are treated in individual packages, not in bulk, although it should be recognized that bulk treatment may also be suitable.
• the composition improves the normal functions of skin and thereby improves permeability and antimicrobial barrier properties, which are interrelated and co-dependent, for both damaged skin and intact healthy skin at risk for damage.
• interrelated and co-dependent we mean that both the
• a compromised permeability barrier not only contributes to excessive trans-epidermal water loss, but also provides ingress for bacteria, viruses, and chemical attack.
• a compromise antimicrobial barrier can result in an infection, which compromises the permeability barrier.
• the composition also has been determined to impact the integumentary system of the body, including the integrated tissues of the stratum corneum, mucous membranes, transitional surfaces between mucous membrane and stratum comeum, the supporting capillary beds, and underlying muscle tissue.
• the composition is tissue penetrating and absorbed into the tissues, having a beneficial impact on pH and oxygen and waste transport that can enable compromise tissues to heal and intact tissues to be protected beyond their normal capacity.
• composition in accordance with the invention can substantially prevent, reduce the likelihood of, or support the reversal by the skin of compromised permeability barrier and antimicrobial function by applying the composition to damaged or at-risk tissues initially and upon a regular periodic basis for so long as the damage or risk is present, and continuing the application until such a time that the risk of damage is deemed sufficiently passed.
• the method of continual regular periodic application allows penetration into the deeper layers of the tissue, including the capillary bed and the underlying muscle tissue.
• This method of application applying the composition initially and on a periodic basis and for a time after until the risk for damage has subsided, can impact the interactions of the skin and muscle to prevent and substantially reduce the severity of muscle cramps, the "lactic acid” threshold, trans-epidermal water loss, and muscle recovery, to name a few.
• the stratum corneum plays a key role in many physiological pathways. By improving the functioning of the stratum comeum, even that of intact skin, we allow the antimicrobial and co-dependent permeability barriers to function at an enhanced level.
• the antimicrobial activity of the skin and the barrier repair permeability are inseparable and their enhancement or restoration influence many factors including stratum corneum hydration, ultra-violet defense, antioxidant defense, mechanical defense, and the neurosensory interface.
• decolonization Suggested applications to intact skin where decolonization would be useful include: catheter care, bathing intensive care patients in procedures specifically designed for decolonization and maintenance in a decolonized state; urinary collection for reducing the likelihood of sample contamination; decolonizing the perineum and surrounding areas, particularly after an incidence of incontinence or prior to inserting a urinary catheter; T-zone decolonization, including the seven openings to the body that provide unique and frequently used pathways for viral and bacterial infection, especially the nares; pre-operative and general application to the nares when aerosolized infectious agents are anticipated; pre-operative site preparation; pre-injection site preparation;
• prophylactic decolonization for patient transfer, as from an extended care facility to a hospital, upon admission to emergency care, or upon transfer from emergency care to intensive care; site preparation and maintenance of a central line patch; neonatal and elderly adult decolonization and skin enhancement where skin pH is known to be on the alkaline side and at a level that could promote microbial colonization and infection; decolonization following any episode of fecal and urinary incontinence to prevent disease; hand
• decolonization decolonization of patients during end-of-life care; decolonization of infected or potentially infected tissues post-mortem; decolonizing foot care and especially diabetic skin care for improving the function of the thicker stratum corneum characterizing the feet and the likelihood of infection associated with higher glucose near-surface capillary blood supply in the feet, which is known to promote infections, including cellulitis and the like; initial, continual periodic, and maintenance cleansing to avoid the chronic itching associated with pruritus; feminine wipes and daily care; baby wipes and daily care; body deodorants for chronic odor control; eye drops for mammals; conjunctivitis; ear drops for mammals; oral care for mammals; initial, continual periodic, and maintenance application to warts and skin tags; shampoos; makeup removers; shaving creams; application to the skin in the event of episodic pseudofoiliculitis barbae; ; initial, continual periodic, and maintenance applications in the use of facial cleansers, cosmetics, primers and the like to avoid or treat and
• the invention may also be applied to parts of the integumentary system that are disrupted or exposed, including, for example, muscle and capillary tissue in wounds and bums.
• the method of the invention may be applied to the initial, continual periodic, and maintenance application treatment of atopic and contact dermatitis, impetigo, acne, diabetic ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, pressure ulcers, mouth ulcers, dermatosis, excema, cellulitis, treatment of a C-section incision site, episiotomy incision site, diaper rash, hemorrhoids, rosacea, skin that has been compromised by laser or radiation treatments or burns, including first, second, and third degree burns, blister care, wound debridement, poison ivy rash, shingles lesions, chicken pox lesions, hives, insect bites, toe nail fungus, and inflammation.
• One unique aspect of the invention is its efficacy on mucous membranes, a sensitive type of tissue that is especially susceptible to harsh ingredients.
• the invention has potential uses for irrigation of the bladder, colon, vagina, nares and nasal passages, and rinsing of the oral cavity.
• the method of the invention as applied to burns where the skin and its integrated and associated tissues have been damaged also see benefits from enhancing the skin's normal functions. Applications to burns includes first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns, as well as sunburns on the skin.
• the method of the invention of initial, continual periodic, and maintenance application to the tissues enhances barrier repair therapy by reducing the pH to prevent infection and increase oxygen uptake.
• the invention may also be applied to the integumentary system via intact skin to influence the associated tissues, including muscles and the capillary system.
• Application to the skin can impact interactions between muscle tissue and the layers of the skin.
• Appreciable effects may be achieved for relieving muscle cramping, trans-epidermal water loss, reducing lactic acid, reducing inter-muscular inflammation, reducing exercise-induced heat, increasing range of motion, speeding transport of excretion products of muscle metabolism, oxidative stress capacity, restless leg syndrome, and neuropathy.
• Theraworx brand and similar solutions are believed to affect muscle tissue in the following three ways, all related to initial, continual regular periodic, and maintenance lowering of the skin's pH and enhancing anti-inflammatory response.
• First is the limiting of trans-epidermal water ("TEWL") loss.
• Second is improved oxygenation, and third is improved transport of waste products and reduced inflammatory response.
• Lowering the pH of the skin limit TEWL. The average person loses 1.5 to 2.0 liters of water a day through the skin. Perspiration makes the pH of the skin go up. TEWL increases as more water is lost through the skin and increases the risk of cramping.
• Using Theraworx to help regulate the pH of the skin allows limiting TEWL and can relieve cramping.
• Theraworx brand and related solutions lower the pH of the stratum corneum, thereby impacting the capillary bed to carry and enabling more transport of oxygen and waste products, which assists in reducing inflammatory response.
• Colloidal silver when used as a component of the formulation, is believed to reduce the inflammatory response in traumatized muscle and to inhibit cytokine production, thus limiting the impact of cytokine cascade reactions, including an inflammatory cascade.
• the particle size of the silver in Theraworx is small enough for trans-dermal migration into muscle tissue. Silver inhibits cytokine production. Cytokines contribute to the inflammatory cascade.
• NSAID non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory sparing products
• NSAID's including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
• Muscle tightness, poor flexibility, and decreased range of motion are significant limiting factors that in themselves result in pain and increase the opportunity for further injury or damage, whether due to increased activity, age, or reduced activity.
• Muscle tightness limits maximal output and performance.
• an athletic trainer will selected athlete based on self-reported "tightness" in the hamstring or calf region and apply a solution under the protocol of the invention to the affected hamstring or calf prior to their pre-game or pre-workout stretch routine.
• the athlete's experience will be evaluated under the MacNab criteria, both before the application of the solution and after the application of the solution and exercise routine.
• Lactic acid buildup is thought significantly to interfere with maximum athletic performance. Lactic acid accumulation in muscle tissue is associated with pain, discomfort, and muscle limitation as a function of oxidative stress brought on by and oxygen debt.
• Enhancing oxygen availability and uptake by lowering the pH of the tissue reduces the rate of development of lactic acid and other waste products of metabolism. If the "lactic acid threshold' is met, then typically athletic performance is compromised. Delaying reaching the lactic acid threshold or even avoiding it can assist the athlete to endure and to safely increase performance.
• Theraworx brand solution will be applied in accordance with the invention to one side of the body only, to the calf, bicep, or hamstring as the case may be, and the exercise repeated to failure. Thereafter, the athletes will report on the difference between the perceived burning sensations in each body part impacted by the curl exercise.
• Intramuscular inflammation is a significant muscle performance limiting factor. Existing research indicates it take ten days on average to return to maximum strength following a strenuous workout or athletic event. Inhibiting exercise induced inflammation can shave a day or two recovery days. Use of anabolic steroids can reduce inflammation and the number of days required to fully recover, thus enabling the athlete to be fully recovered for the next workout or athletic event, but anabolic steroids are not desirable for a number of reasons.
• Theraworx brand solution will be evaluated under the MacNab criteria in connection with athletic performance and in a protocol of the invention for treating inflammation. Improving oxygen flow, enhanced thermoregulatory function, and increased transport of waste metabolic product minimizes inflammation.
• the athletic trainers will select athletes to evaluate Theraworx brand solutions' impact on inflammation.
• the protocol requires the athlete to apply the Theraworx product before, during, and after the workout as well as the following morning. The athlete will then report the perceived impact based on the MacNab criteria.
• MacNab criteria for evaluating an athlete's perception of maximum energy output Research indicates that a brief cooling period between sets of exercise results in an increase in the maximum energy output. Exercise induced intramuscular heat is a significant factor in limiting muscle performance. An athletic trainer will select an athlete performing strenuous exercise and in-between sets apply Theraworx brand solution over the entire area impacted by the exercise. The athlete then performs another set and provided feedback regarding his or her perception of energy output. It is believed that the application of the methods of the invention to exercise will result in significant muscle cooling.
• Five challenge microorganisms were used, including Escherichia coli, pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and aspergillus brasiliensis.
• 8 mL of sample Theraworx brand solution were aseptically transferred to sterile tubes for each challenge microorganism. The 8mL portions were inoculated with 0.1 mL of the respective challenge microorganism and were mixed thoroughly, so that the final concentrations of the test organisms per mL were 1.0 x 10 5 to 1.0 x 10 6 colony forming units (CFU).
• CFU colony forming units
• the inoculated samples were stored in sterile test tubes to prevent desiccation and were incubated at 20 to 25 °C. Plate counts were performed for each inoculation formulation at Days 7 and 14 with a 14 day re-challenge incorporated into the test. Plate counts were repeated at Day 7, 14, and 28 of the re-challenge. At each assay interval 0.1 mL of the sample was directly plated. 0.1 mL of each sample were transferred to a sterile tube along with 9.9 mL of sterile lactobacilli agar (AO AC).
• AO AC sterile lactobacilli agar
• the individual tubes were vortexed thoroughly for 30 seconds and serial dilutions of the extract were plated (via pour plate methodology) with tempered/molten tryptone soya agar (TSA) or sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) containing neutralizers (0.1 Tween 80 & 0.05% Lecithin).
• TSA tempered/molten tryptone soya agar
• SDA sabouraud dextrose agar
• the plates were incubated at 30 to 35°C for 72 hours for bacteria and 20 to 25 °C for 5 to 7 days for fungus.
• the results of the test indicated a log reduction of 4.28 - 5.00 for the bacterial and fungal test microorganisms by Day 7 of the initial test for the 5-year real-time aged samples.
• Cosmetics with a 56 day re-challenge was used to test the effectiveness of preservatives in Theraworx in the following organisms: Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candid albicans, Aspergillus niger, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and
• Vitro-Skin ® an advanced testing substrate that effectively mimics the surface properties of human skin. It has been formulated to have topography, pH, critical surface tension, and ionic strength similar to human skin. The results of the testing showed that initial inoculations and re-inoculations ranged from > 10 7 organisms to >10 9 organisms. The preservative in Theraworx reduced bacterial counts by 10 5 in all organisms and maintained this level of protection throughout the 56 day test regimen even with bacterial re-exposure. Exact kill rates may be even higher as culture plates exhibited no growth after exposure to the solution.
• VRE Vancomycin resistant enterococcus faecalis
• Theraworx demonstrated a > 99.99% (>4.80 logio) reduction of VRE following a 15 minute exposure time when tested at an ambient temperature of 20.9 °C.
• Theraworx has was tested for antibacterial effectiveness against Klebsiella pneumonia carbapenem resistant bacterium following a 15 minute exposure and a 99.2% reduction (2.08 log 10 ) following a one hour exposure time, when in the presence of a 5% bovine serum organic soil load and tested at ambient temperature of 20.7 °C.
• Theraworx was also tested against Escherichia coli carbapenem resistant bacterium and demonstrated a > 99.9% reduction (3.84 logio) following a 15 minute exposure and a 99.99% reduction (4.01 logio) following a 1 hour exposure time.
• MRSA Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus
• Bovine collagen was prepared and divided into three groups: control (normal saline), alcohol based skin cleanser, and Theraworx brand solution. The collagen was placed in the assigned solution and allowed to saturate for five minutes. All specimens were then removed and allowed to air dry for five minutes on sterile paper with each specimen being turned over to facilitate even air drying at the 2.5 minute mark. After drying they were placed in a sterile lidded specimen container. At designated intervals of 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 120 minutes, and 180 minutes, ten samples from each group were subj ected to inoculation using 10 6 MRSA followed by incubation for 24 hours.
• control normal saline
• alcohol based skin cleanser alcohol based skin cleanser
• Theraworx brand solution The collagen was placed in the assigned solution and allowed to saturate for five minutes. All specimens were then removed and allowed to air dry for five minutes on sterile paper with each specimen being turned over to facilitate even air drying at the
• Vitro-Skin® test substrate was inoculated with a metered dose of the Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) and the samples were incubated for 5 minutes. The substrate was then wiped with a cloth saturated with Theraworx brand solution and allowed to incubate for five additional minutes. Thereafter, the substrate was cultured with a growth medium- saturated swab to detect infectivity in the host cells. The results showed no infectivity after wiping. It is assumed that the mechanical action of wiping combined with the known anti- viral activity of Theraworx brand solution was sufficient to remove or inactivate the virus.
• EBOV Zaire ebolavirus
• Theraworx brand solution alone, without wiping, against EBOV was applied to the test substrate, followed by a 5 minute incubation.
• the substrate's surface was sprayed with Theraworx brand solution until saturated. After an additional five minute incubation period, the surface was cultured and evaluated for infectivity. The results were present as viral plaque-forming units per milliliter (PFU/ml), indicating level of infectivity.
• PFU/ml viral plaque-forming units per milliliter
• Example 3 In Vitro and In Vivo Comparability
• Theraworx has also been tested for in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility using the ISO Intracutaneous Reactivity Test, the ISO Acute Systemic Injection Test, the ISO Guinea Pig Maximization Sensitization Test, and for cytotoxicity the MEM-Elution using L- 929 Mouse Fibroblast Cells (ISO). These tests demonstrated the safe use of Theraworx brand solution in contact with breached or otherwise compromised skin. Theraworx is considered non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin and tissues and not to elicit a sensitization response. Additionally, no potential toxic effects as a result of a single-does systemic injection were observed.
• Example 4 Military Field Applications [0114] United States military forces in South Korea tested the product as a field treatment. Using the MacNab criteria, the results were evaluated and rated by the troops as: (1) - poor, no perceived effect; (2) - fair, some perceived positive effect; (3) - good, noticeable perceived positive effect; and (4) - excellent, significant perceived positive effect. Twenty-six (26) respondents evaluated the product in four areas: sanitation; scrapes, cuts, and bums; fungus, jock itch, athlete's foot; and muscle discomfort. More than 80% of respondents rated the field treatment as good with noticeable perceived positive effects in relation to sanitation and to scrapes, cuts, and burns.
• the Macnab criteria is a well-established and documented tool used in clinical research and discovery when evaluating the effectiveness on pain of prescription drugs and medical devices.
• the Macnab criteria provide a results-based assessment of the patient's response to treatment, and in particular, the patient's experience of efficacy or not, apart from the mechanism of action of the drug or device.
• Example 1 A trial was conducted at First Health Moore County Regional
• Example 2 A trial, using the Theraworx solution, was conducted at five intensive care units at Institution Hospital, a 383 bed facility in Fexington, Kentucky. The purpose of the hospital study was to determine whether the use of a colloidal silver impregnated wipe and foam cleanser, which was the Theraworx® brand solution, when used as part of a cleansing protocol within the current Foley catheter care protocol practiced by the hospital would be efficacious in reducing the incidence of CAUTFs in the intensive care setting.
• the hospital performed the steps of the protocol starting in April 2013, including cleansing the perineum prior to insertion with Theraworx® and allowing the solution to dry in air for 30 seconds, opening the sterile Foley catheter and cleansing the Foley catheter with Theraworx®, wiping the meatus with
• Betadine® and inserting he catheter using the accepted aseptic techniques.
• the meatus, perineum, and exposed portions of the catheter were again cleansed with Theraworx® after insertion.
• Theraworx® soaked cloths were used two to three times daily for maintenance wiping and additional wiping was done as a final cleansing for incontinence.
• zero CAUTFs were reported in four out of five ICU's by the second month of the study and by the fourth month all five ICU's had reduced their CAUTI infections to zero infections per 1,000 device. Although some units had achieved zero CAUTI infection rates prior to the start of the study, it was only after the study was initiated that all five intensive care units maintained a zero CAUTI infection rate for the same month.
• Table 1 summarizes the results of the hospital study from June 2013 through July 2013 and includes the rates of CAUTFs of each of the five ICU's from January
• the hospital report also details information collected on the 1,282 patients over a three month period related to: (a) risk factors associated with CAUTIs, and (b) nurse behaviors related to care of Foley catheters. Data were collected for each patient for a period of 1 to 10 days depending on length of stay. Descriptive statistics were calculated in order to evaluate potential risk factors for CAUTI' s, including age, gender, weight, stool incontinence, and related nursing practices among patients in critical care.
• CAUTI rate may fall to zero.
• the impact of the protocol of the method of the invention is clearly demonstrated to reduce CAUTI rates and to increase compliance with the new protocol as compared to established protocol.
• the information relating to nursing practice of Foley care is summarized below in Table 2.
• the letter “n” refers to the number of device indwelling days.
• Example 3 John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, California, undertook a study as a quality improvement project in its emergency department, the study undertaken from April 2013 to July 10, 2014, to evaluate the impact of Theraworx® brand antiseptic used in protocols for urinary catheter insertion and maintenance for CAUTI prevention in hospitalized patients.
• CAUTFs were defined according to the definitions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Heathcare Safety Network.
• the John Muir study specifically refers to the Prevention Guidelines of the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) and to Gould C.V., Umscheid C.A., Agarwal R.K., et al.
• HICPAC Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee
• the John Muir Medical Center protocol included using a cloth impregnated with Theraworx® brand antiseptic to wipe the perineum before Foley catheter insertion, concentrating on the entrance to the meatus, wiping front-to-back for women and in concentric circles around the glans penis for men. This first application was allowed to dry for thirty seconds and not rinsed off. Thereafter, the Foley catheter kit was opened, a Betadine® brand antiseptic swab was used to cleanse the urinary meatus area and the Foley catheter was inserted while practicing accepted sterile techniques.
• a new, second cloth impregnated with Theraworx® brand antiseptic was used to wipe around the meatus and catheter in a downward direction for post-insertion catheter care, again wiping front-to-back for women and in concentric circles around the glans penis for men. Thereafter, new fresh wipes or a foam solution applied to a clean washcloth were used for routine catheter care and frequent perineum care every 8 to 12 hours, all in accordance with the invention, and for final cleaning after each incidence of incontinence or other contaminating event. In the event high risk factors were identified, then maintenance was increased to every four hours until the catheter was removed.
• Figure 4 graphically illustrates the CAUTI rate per catheter day by month at the Walnut Creek facility for the period of the trial.
• Figure 5 graphically illustrates the days between CAUTFs over time, by month.
• Example 4 Euclid Hospital, a hospital in the Cleveland Clinic Hospital system, Cleveland Ohio, undertook a quality improvement project similar to that of John Muir Medical Center from June through August 2014, although June was considered to have been used for training in the protocol of the invention.
• the CAUTI rate from January 2013 to August 2014 is graphically illustrated in Figure 6 as the result of a statistical analysis.
• Theraworx® antiseptic solution and the protocol of the invention may be an effective CAUTI prevention intervention and that Theraworx® antiseptic's benefits over other antiseptics includes a broad spectrum of activity, ability to maintain the skin's natural pH, which is to say to protect the stratum corneum, and sufficiently mild for use in the perirectal areas and on mucus membranes.
• Figure 6 Euclid Hospital was able to reach and maintain zero CAUTI after implementation of the protocol of the invention.
• Example 5 First Health Moore Regional Hospital, a 395 bed facility, undertook a quality improvement project for catheter maintenance in all of its ICU's in August 2013 through October 2013 to practice the protocol of the invention.
• CAUTI rates in the ICU's were about 2.3% per 1,000 catheter days, or 4 CAUTI cases in 1,728 catheter days. These infections were determined to have occurred primarily after a catheter had been in place for more than 5 days and were expected to be due to catheter maintenance, not insertion.
• Theraworx® brand antiseptic cleanser unlike cholorohexadrine and alcohol, have no restrictions for application to the face, mucus membranes, the meatus, or perineal and rectal areas, and may be used as frequently as deemed necessary.
• Formulations of this nature have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, anti-yeast and anti-fungal properties, while nourishing and moisturizing the skin, maintaining the natural pH of the skin's mantel, supporting the stratum comeum so that barrier function is preserved even as the skin is decolonized from infectious agents. Prolonged antimicrobial activity is demonstrated up to about three hours. It should be noted that odors are also one indication of infection and that practice of the method of the invention reduces or eliminates odors associated with CAUTI's.
• the mode of bacterial cellular death is believed to be disruption of cell membranes with the resultant loss of cytoplasmic contents and yet without damage to skin or living tissues.
• Three substances are believe to contribute: citrus-based antimicrobial stabilizers, zwitterionic surfactants with quaternary ammonium cations, and colloidal silver.
• the formulation contains vitamin E, aloe vera, allantoin, colloidal silver, and beta glucan 1, and is said to be greater than 99.9% effective against gram negative and gram positive bacteria.

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