Use of natural EGFR inhibitors to prevent dermatitis, such as due to cleansers

Abstract

People's hands undergo daily exposure to hot, cold, and chemicals (such as cleansers). These exposures can cause dermatitis due to activation of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). One effect of activation of the EGFR is hyperproliferation of skin cells, which presents as rough, dry, and/or peeling hands, generally known as dermatitis. The use of a natural EGFR inhibitor, such as genistein or quercetin, can help to treat or prevent these kinds of dermatitis.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A cleansing composition for a human or other land animal, comprising: 
 A. a cleanser selected from the goup consisting of soaps, surfactants, detergents, and mixtures thereof; and    B. an effective amount of a natural EGFR inhibitor.    
     
     
         2 . The cleanser of  claim 1 , wherein the EGFR inhibitor is present in an amount between 0.1% and 10% by weight.  
     
     
         3 . The cleanser of  claim 2 , wherein the EGFR inhibitor is present in an amount between 1% and 7% by weight.  
     
     
         4 . The cleanser of  claim 1 , wherein the inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of genistein, quercetin, equol, indolecarbazole, staurosporine, lavendustin, daidzein, and erbstatin, and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         5 . The cleanser of  claim 4 , wherein the inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of genistein, quercetin, equol, and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         6 . The cleanser of  claim 4 , wherein the inhibitor is provided as a ground or powdered soy (soya) product, including soy bean.  
     
     
         7 . The cleanser of  claim 1 , wherein the cleanser is a cleanser for use on animals.  
     
     
         8 . A composition for dermatitis presenting as hyperproliferation of skin cells on the hands caused by activation of the EGF, comprising a natural inhibitor of EGFR and a dermatologically suitable carrier therefor.  
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 8 , wherein the inhibitor is an isoflavone.  
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 8 , wherein the inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of genistein, quercetin, equol, indolecarbazole staurosporine, lavendustin, daidzein, and erbstatin, and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the inhibitor is genistein and is derived from a soy product.  
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the inhibitor is genistein or quercetin or both.  
     
     
         13 . A method for for alleviating dermatitis presenting as hyperproliferation of skin cells on the hands, comprising: administering to the skin of an affected person's hand an amount of a natural inhibitor of EGFR effective to decrease EGFR activity, said EGFR inhibitor administered topically in a dermatologically suitable carrier.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the hyperproliferation is due to chemical contact on the hand.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the hyperproliferation is due to the use of a cleanser.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the inhibitor is an isoflavone.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of genistein, quercetin, equol, indolecarbazole staurosporine, lavendustin, daidzein, and erbstatin, and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the inhibitor is genistein or quercetin.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the inhibitor is genistein and is derived from a soy product.