Topical compositions and methods for treating pseudofolliculitis barbae and ingrown hair

Abstract

Topical methods and compositions are disclosed for the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae and ingrown hair. The compositions comprise acetylsalicylic acid, propylene glycol, glycerine, and isopropyl alcohol. The method involves the step of applying the composition to the beard areas of the face after shaving. The acetylsalicylic acid is dissolved in a solvent mixture comprising propylene glycol, glycerine, and isopropyl alcohol. The acetylsalicylic acid is present in the range of between about 5 percent by weight per unit volume of the solvent mixture up to saturation of the solvent mixture. The solvent mixture comprises propylene glycol in the range of about 5 percent to 15 percent by volume, glycerine in the range of about 1 percent to 10 percent by volume, and the balance of the volume made up with isopropyl alcohol alone or a solution comprising at least 50 percent by volume of isopropyl alcohol. The isopropyl alcohol can be in a solution with water, methanol, or ethanol, provided that the polarity of the resulting solution is not so high that the acetylsalicylic acid would readily precipitate from the solution at ordinary room temperature ranges.

1 . A composition for the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae and ingrown hair comprising acetylsalicylic acid in the range of between about 5 percent by weight per unit volume of a solvent mixture up to saturation of said solvent mixture, said solvent mixture comprising propylene glycol in the range of about 5 percent to about 15 percent by volume, glycerine in the range of about 1 percent to about 10 percent by volume, and at least 50 percent by volume isopropyl alcohol.  
     
     
         2 . A composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said acetylsalicylic acid is present in the range of about 10 percent by weight per unit volume of said solvent mixture up to saturation of said solvent mixture.  
     
     
         3 . A composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said propylene glycol is present in said solvent mixture in the range of about 10 percent to about 15 percent by volume.  
     
     
         4 . A composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said glycerine is present in said solvent mixture in the range of about 2 percent to about 4 percent by volume.  
     
     
         5 . A composition according to  claim 1 , further comprising an effective amount of a coloring added to change the appearance of the composition.  
     
     
         6 . A composition according to  claim 1 , further comprising an effective amount of a fragrance to provide a pleasant smell to the composition.  
     
     
         7 . A composition for the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae and ingrown hair comprising of acetylsalicylic acid in the range of between about 5 percent by weight per unit volume of a solvent mixture up to saturation of said solvent mixture, said solvent mixture comprising propylene glycol in the range of about 5 percent to about 15 percent by volume, glycerine in the range of about 1 percent to about 10 percent by volume, isopropyl alcohol, and at least one of water, methanol, and ethanol, wherein said solvent mixture is at least 70 percent by volume isopropyl alcohol.  
     
     
         8 . A composition according to  claim 7 , wherein said acetylsalicylic acid is present in the range of about 10 percent by weight per unit volume of said solvent mixture up to saturation of said solvent mixture.  
     
     
         9 . A composition according to  claim 7 , wherein said propylene glycol is present in said solvent mixture in the range of about 10 percent to about 15 percent by volume.  
     
     
         10 . A composition according to  claim 7 , wherein said glycerine is present in said solvent mixture in the range of about 2 percent to about 4 percent by volume.  
     
     
         11 . A composition according to  claim 7 , further comprising an effective amount of a coloring added to change the appearance of the composition.  
     
     
         12 . A composition according to  claim 7 , further comprising an effective amount of a fragrance to provide a pleasant smell to the composition.  
     
     
         13 - 19 . (canceled)  
     
     
         20 . A method for treating pseudofolliculitis barbae and ingrown hair comprising the step of applying to the affected area of the skin an effective amount of the composition of  claim 1  for providing topical relief from irritation caused by pseudofolliculitis barbae and ingrown hair.