Zinc Salt Compositions for the Prevention of Dermal and Mucosal Irritation

Abstract

The present invention provides for compositions and methods that may offer protection from irritants as well as antimicrobial protection. Preferred embodiments of the invention include topical antimicrobial compositions that lack conventional antibiotics or preservatives, wherein the antimicrobial benefit is created by essential oils (or their active ingredients), emollient solvents and, in some instances, anti-inflammatory agents.

1 - 49 . (canceled) 
     
     
         50 . An anti-irritant composition comprising a synergistic amount of chlorhexidine gluconate, benzalkonium chloride and incroquat, and further comprising water, ethanol, and one or more agent selected from the group consisting of a gelling agent, a thickening agent, a hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymer, an emulsifying agent, and an emollient. 
     
     
         51 . A method for decreasing irritation of the skin or mucous membranes of a subject comprising applying a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-irritant composition to at least a portion of the skin or mucous membranes of the subject, wherein the anti-irritant composition comprises two or more water-soluble, organic salts of zinc, wherein said water-soluble, organic salts of zinc are present in said anti-irritant composition at concentrations between 0.1% and 2% (weight/weight), and further comprising water, ethanol, and one or more agent selected from the group consisting of a gelling agent, a thickening agent, a hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymer, an emulsifying agent, and an emollient. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the irritant causing the irritation of the skin or mucous membrane is a physical irritant. 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the irritant causing the irritation of the skin or mucous membrane is a chemical irritant. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the irritant causing the irritation of the skin or mucous membrane is a mechanical irritant. 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the irritation of the skin or mucous membrane is caused by winter itch. 
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the irritation of the skin or mucous membrane is caused by prickly heat. 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the irritation of the skin or mucous membrane is caused by shaving. 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the irritation of the skin or mucous membrane is caused by contact with poison ivy. 
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the irritation of the skin or mucous membrane is caused by psoriasis. 
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the irritation of the skin or mucous membrane is caused by the physical scratching or abrading of the skin or mucous membrane.