Treatment of acne

Abstract

The invention relates to the use of one or more antimicrobial metals selected from silver, gold, platinum, and palladium but most preferably silver, preferably formed with atomic disorder, and preferably in a nanocrystalline form, for the treatment of a acne. The nanocrystalline antimicrobial metal of choice may be used in the form of a nanocrystalline coating of one or more antimicrobial metals, a nanocrystalline powder of one or more antimicrobial metals, or a solution containing dissolved species from a nanocrystalline powder or coating of one or more antimicrobial metals.

1 . A method of treating acne conditions, which comprises: 
 contacting acne problem area of a patient, with a therapeutically effective amount of one or more antimicrobial metals in a crystalline form to provide a localize antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect.    
     
     
         2 - 12 . (canceled)  
     
     
         13 . A method of treating acne conditions, the method comprising: 
 contacting an area of a patient having acne with a therapeutically effective amount of one or more antimicrobial metals in a crystalline form to provide a localize antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect.    
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the one or more antimicrobial metals are characterized by sufficient atomic disorder, when in contact with an alcohol or water-based electrolyte, at least one of the one or more antimicrobial metals releases atoms, ions, molecules, or clusters of at least one antimicrobial metal at a concentration sufficient to provide a localized antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the one or more antimicrobial metals comprise nanocrystalline silver.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the nanocrystalline silver is formed with sufficient atomic disorder such that, in contact with an alcohol or water based electrolyte, the silver releases ions, atoms, molecules or clusters of the silver on a sustainable basis.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the one or more antimicrobial metals are provided as a coating on, or filler in, a dressing.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the coating is provided on a dressing.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the coating is 150-3000 nm thick.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the dressing fixed in place with an occlusive or semi-occlusive layer which maintains the dressing in a moist condition.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the occlusive or semi-occlusive layer is an adhesive tape or film.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the one or more antimicrobial metals are in a pharmaceutical composition with one or more pharmaceutically and dermatogically acceptable carriers, diluents, or excipients suitable for topical application.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition includes a nanocrystalline powder of one or more antimicrobial metals.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition includes a solution containing dissolved species from a nanocrystalline powder or coating of one or more antimicrobial metals.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is in at least one form selected from the group consisting of gels, creams and lotions.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition contains the one or more antimicrobial metals in an amount of 0.01-5% by weight.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is in the form of a liquid containing 0.001-1% by weight of the antimicrobial metal.  
     
     
         28 . A method of treating acne conditions, the method comprising: 
 contacting an area of a patient having acne with a therapeutically effective amount of at least one nanocrystalline metals to provide a localize antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect.