Anhydrous composition, stable to oxidation, based on anthralin or one of its derivatives, in a carrier consisting of a fatty acid alkyl ester and a thickener, and its use in the treatment of skin diseases
Anhydrous composition, stable to oxidation, of anthralin or a derivative thereof. This composition contains anthralin or a derivative thereof in a carrier composed of (i) at least one fatty acid alkyl ester, the fatty acid having 12 to 18 carbon atoms and the alkyl radical having 2 or 3 carbon atoms, and (ii) at least one thickener taken from the group made up of silicas having particle sizes less than 30 m.mu. and polyethylene powders having densities between 0.9 and 0.96 (g/cm.sup.3). This composition is used in the treatment of skin diseases, particularly psoriasis.
A method of treating a patient having one or more warts includes the steps of: applying to the wart an amount of a composition consisting essentially of an anthralin active ingredient and a pharmaceutical carrier; covering the wart and skin areas peripheral to the wart with an adhesive tape, such that the adhesive tape adheres to peripheral skin areas, whereby the adhesive tape provides an occluding environment for the wart treated with the composition. The occluding environment is maintained for a desired period of time, and the adhesive tape is removed. For a number of times as desired, a fresh amount of anthralin-containing composition is applied, and a fresh piece of adhesive tape is applied to recreate the occluding environment.
A pharmaceutical vehicle used for administering and protecting active substances, in the form of an anhydrous gel and having a viscosity of at least 540 cps, comprising paraffin oil, at least one fatty acid alkyl ester and a polyvinyldimethyl siloxane-type elastomeric silicone, used as a thickener.
The healing of a number of skin disorders is effectively enhanced by prolonged continuous occlusion and/or hydration. Treating these disorders, e.g. psoriasis, is significantly facilitated by occluding affected skin areas with a suitable barrier for a prolonged and continuous period of time. Such occlusion is effective by itself, but is materially improved by concurrent topical administration of medicament useful for treating the disorder. In such cases the prolonged, continuous occlusion markedly increases hydration which has the further therapeutic benefit of tremendously facilitating penetration of medicament. The provided barrier is advantageously one with low vapor transmission or one which is water impermeable.
Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for use in the treatment of psoriasis, having isopropyl myristate as a first active ingredient and a different anti-psoriatic agent as a second active ingredient; preferably they are combined in the same pharmaceutical composition.
