Compositions and methods of treating fungal infections of the nails
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11160765-B2
Publication Date
2021-11-02
Expiration Date
2039-01-15
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Abstract
Compositions and methods for reducing the symptoms of skin conditions associated with the nail and surrounding tissue are provided. A medicated pad for cleaning and treating the nail and surrounding tissue is described, wherein said pad is saturated with a therapeutic composition comprising certain botanicals, an antimicrobial agent, a surfactant, and a moisturizing agent. The skin and nail conditions can include fungal infections of the nails. Kits for treating fungal infections of the nails are likewise described. Optionally, the kit may include a hydrating composition which includes shea butter, aloe, vitamins, arnica, emu oil, urea, and Vitamins C, A, E, and D. A bandage comprising a therapeutic pad instilled with an antifungal agent is also provided.
Core Innovation
The invention provides compositions, methods, systems, and kits for reducing the symptoms of fungal nail infections and related skin conditions. Central to the invention is a medicated pad or therapy pad, often incorporated into an adhesive bandage or provided separately, that is saturated with a therapeutic composition. This composition includes effective amounts of an antimicrobial agent (including antifungal agents like tolnaftate), a botanical agent such as tea tree oil or calendula extract, a surfactant, a moisturizing agent, and optionally a disinfectant like isopropyl alcohol.
The problem addressed by this invention is the difficulty in effectively treating fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) with current therapies. Existing oral antifungal medications offer limited efficacy, risk unwanted side effects, and have high relapse rates. Topical treatments often fail due to poor penetration of the hard nail surface, requiring long-term daily application for up to a year, with frequent reinfection and cosmetic concerns.
This invention seeks to overcome these challenges by combining chemical and mechanical therapies. Through the use of textured, absorbent medicated pads impregnated with a multi-component therapeutic solution, users can clean, debride, and treat the nail and surrounding skin more effectively. The system may also include a hydrating composition containing shea butter, aloe, arnica, vitamins, emu oil, and urea, to further condition the treated area, aiding healing, improving moisture retention, and making subsequent debridement and trimming easier.
Claims Coverage
The patent has one independent claim, which encompasses a method for treating a nail infection utilizing a bandage with a medicated pad and a hydrating composition.
Method of treating a nail infection using a bandage with medicated pad and hydrating composition
The method includes: - Providing a bandage comprising a medicated pad, wherein the pad is instilled with a therapeutic solution containing: - An effective amount of an anti-fungal agent, - An effective amount of a moisturizing agent, - An effective amount of a botanical agent. - Providing a hydrating composition prior to applying the bandage, where the hydrating composition comprises: - An effective amount of shea butter, - Aloe vera powder, - Arnica, - Vitamins (C, A, E, B3, D, and combinations thereof), - Emu oil, - Urea. - Applying the hydrating agent to the nail and surrounding tissue to clean the surfaces. - Applying the bandage to the nail and surrounding tissue. The claim further encompasses the use of: - Tolnaftate as the antifungal agent, - Allantoin, urea, or their combinations as the moisturizing agent, - Botanical agents such as calendula, chamomile, cornflower, linden leaf, St. Johns Wort, garlic, oregano oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, CBD oil, and combinations thereof, - Instilling the therapy pad with a disinfectant, including isopropyl alcohol, - Massaging the hydrating agent into the nail bed and skin surfaces.
The inventive feature claims a method for treating nail infections by sequentially cleaning and conditioning the nail and surrounding skin with a hydrating composition, followed by application of a bandage containing a medicated pad saturated with a multi-component therapeutic solution.
Stated Advantages
Enables effective topical treatment of fungal nail infections without the side effects commonly associated with oral antifungal medications.
Improves penetration and delivery of therapeutic agents to the nail and surrounding tissues, assisting in the removal of hard dead skin and accelerating healing.
Facilitates cleaning, debridement, softening, and conditioning of the nail and surrounding skin, which supports easier trimming and management of thickened or infected nails.
Reduces recurrence of fungal infection by conditioning the skin areas that surround the nail plate.
Provides a cost-effective and convenient alternative to prescription and oral medications for individuals prone to nail fungus, particularly those at higher risk.
Documented Applications
Treatment and reduction of symptoms of fungal infections of the nails (onychomycosis).
Treatment of skin conditions associated with the nails and surrounding tissue, including bacterial infection, viral infection, psoriasis, inflammation, pain, eczema, and eczematous dermatitis.
Use in kits or systems for home or professional application to clean, debride, and treat the nail and surrounding skin.
Use as an adhesive nail bandage with pre-instilled or user-applied therapeutic pad for continuous, protective treatment of nail infections.
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