Composition and methods for treating burns and other trauma of the skin

A method and composition is provided for treating burns, allergies, trauma or disease of the dermis, epidermis, mucous membranes and subcutaneous tissue, in particular the trauma caused by burns. The method includes applying an aqueous solution of Hydrogen Peroxide (H.sub.2 O.sub.2) and certain Aluminum salts of carboxylic acids to the trauma, assuring sufficient time of contact of the solution to the affected area of the skin to greatly enhance the healing process. Sufficient contact has been achieved by applying a bandage moistened with the solution to the area of the skin requiring treatment and keeping the bandage moistened for the term of the treatment. An adequate term of treatment has been measured in as little a time as repeated periods of minutes for a period of one day. Success has also been achieved by immersing the treatment area in the aqueous solution. The method provides effective antibacterial activity without undesirable side effects, speedy healing through all phases of cure, significant reduction or elimination of scarring and disfigurement. The method also exhibits significant local anesthetic effect.

BACKGROUND--FIELD OF INVENTION 
This invention describes an aqueous based solution, and topical methods of 
applying the solution which is effective in the healing and alleviation of 
pain of trauma to the dermis, epidermis, mucous membranes and subcutaneous 
tissue, in particular to injury caused by heat or chemicals but efficacy 
is also indicated in the treatment of allergies and other wounds or 
diseases of the skin. The substances employed are very inexpensive. 
BACKGROUND--DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
Disease of or trauma to the dermis, epidermis, mucous membranes and 
subcutaneous tissue can result in infection, pain and itching, and 
disfigurement the form of scarring. Healing of disease or trauma of the 
dermis, epidermis, mucous membranes and subcutaneous tissue takes variable 
periods of time depending upon a large number of factors sometimes taking 
months to heal. The quality of healing of disease or trauma to the dermis, 
epidermis, mucous membranes and subcutaneous tissue ranges from 
undetectable to gross disfigurement. Pain experienced by a victim of a 
burn is a subjective phenomena. Some victims are less impacted by pain 
than others and some are better able to endure it. 
The history of treatment of disease or trauma to the skin is as old as 
mankind. A vast number of substances have been incorporated in dressings 
to treat burns and other skin afflictions. Up until the period following 
the Second World War, very little real progress was achieved in improving 
burn treatment. The reason for the lack of success is attributable to the 
extreme complexity of both the antecedent conditions leading up to the 
trauma followed by the subsequent condition of the patient and the 
patient's environment. Baron Guillaume Dupuytren, 1777-1835, is quoted in 
highly sophisticated medical journals ". . . burns so far from being a 
simple disease are very complex; and their numerous and various degrees 
constitute affections which present distinct characters, various 
consequences, peculiar complications and which consequentially require 
very different modes of treatment." It is not surprising that the many 
substances applied to wounds or burns to achieve beneficial effect have 
had varying degrees of success. 
Describing the phases or aspects of the healing process for burns aids in 
understanding the reason for variable results. The healing process for a 
burn consists of four aspects or phases, Inflammation, Granulation, 
Epithelialization and Maturation. At each aspect or phase, there are 
diverse and competing chemical and physical processes occurring in the 
trauma zone. Application of an external stimulus, such as a dressing to a 
burn wound, to be effective, must augment or improve the chemical and 
physical processes needed to enhance healing. Examples of the chemical and 
physical properties of a substance used in dressings are its chemical 
composition, its concentration, its pH, its buffering capacity, its 
biological activity, its osmotic pressure, its volatility, its stability 
or lack of thereof, its viscosity, its surface tension, its toxicity or 
lack thereof, its solubilizing effect on body substances, its solubility 
or lack thereof in its inert vehicle and its catalytic activity or 
reaction enhancing or inhibiting impact. There are other physical, 
chemical or pharmacological properties that can have impact on the 
efficacy of a topical treatment substance. 
The Inflammation phase of a burn injury follows immediately the trauma 
incident. The complex phenomena that occurs in this phase consists of 
activity by the body's natural healing efforts. These efforts include the 
fibrin deposition and accumulation of activated platelets on the wound 
surface. This phenomena produces a matrix for trapping bacteria and other 
foreign material. Low levels of fibrin and an associated substance, 
fibronectin, has been shown to increase the risk of septicemia in burn 
patients. Septicemia and other adverse bacteriological activity is a major 
factor in the failure of rapid healing of burns. 
During the Inflammation phase, the body attempts to influence vasodilation 
and increased vascular permeability. These are factors which aid the 
body's natural mechanisms to transport increased quantities of erythocytes 
to the trauma site. Erythocytes are the oxygen bearing components of red 
blood cells. In addition, a number of inflammatory mediators, such as 
histamine, 5-hydroxy tryptamine, kinins, prostaglandins and xanthine 
oxidase products, which all have an important role in the control of 
vasodilation and vascular permeability, appear. Also appearing in the 
Inflammation phase are a number of cytokines such as transforming growth 
factor beta (TGF-b), insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), platelet factor 
IV, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and epidermal growth factor 
(EGF). These cytokines attract and activate macrophages and fibroblasts. 
The microenvironment of a wound or burn is hostile. It is anoxic, acidic 
and has high lactate and low glucose levels. This is due to reduced oxygen 
delivery by a compromised vascular system and increased oxygen consumption 
by phagocytes and bacteria. The anoxia acidosis and high lactate levels 
can increase greatly if infection supervenes. 
The Granulation, Epithelialization and Maturation phases of healing of burn 
trauma involve, successively in time, complex chemical and physical 
activity by the body's defense mechanisms. Some of the chemical and 
physical activity is closely related or similar to that occurring during 
the Inflammation phase. Some are different. All phases of healing can be 
enhanced by the application of appropriate treatment. 
Given the extremely complex set of physical and chemical circumstances 
existing in the burn trauma, it is not surprising that many substances 
used singly or in combination can have a beneficial effect on one or more 
of the aspects of healing. Determining a combination of topically applied 
substances that possess a broad spectrum of beneficial impact on burn and 
wound trauma is akin to finding the needle in the haystack. 
At present the state of the art treatment for many burns is the application 
of an ointment of silver sulfadiazine, a relatively insoluble silver 
compound. This material greatly minimizes but does not completely 
eliminate some toxic side effects of treatment with silver compounds. In 
addition, systemic absorption may result in the same toxic manifestations 
as seen with any systemic sulfonamide. It is a greasy substance with the 
disadvantages associated with such materials. It is inherently expensive 
because of the silver and sulfadiazine components of the compound. 
Efficacy of silver sulfadiazine on trauma other than burns is not 
indicated or claimed. Contact with moisture to the area of trauma is 
regarded as beneficial in reducing loss of body fluids at the injury site. 
It is also a factor in reducing pain. Elimination of moisture has been 
necessary to avoid other serious complications associated with water 
soluble silver compounds. 
Other methods of treating burns exhibit a host of combinations of 
disadvantages. Leaving an injury open to the air without any medication 
aids in the mechanical aspects of burn treatment. Debridement, the removal 
of destroyed tissue is enhanced, but bacterial invasion and loss of bodily 
fluids by drying is increased. Use of other dressings is often a problem 
in that the requirement for changing of the dressing is accompanied by 
pain and disturbance of the scab formation process. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is an object of this invention to provide a composition and methods for 
treating burns and other trauma or disease of the dermis, epidermis, 
mucous membranes and subcutaneous tissue which possesses superior 
anti-bacterial activity without undesirable side effects, speeds healing 
through all phases of cure, eliminates or reduces scarring and 
disfigurement, exhibits significant pain alleviation, is inexpensive and 
is easily applied in a variety of ways. The burn treatment method 
encompassed in this invention consists of the application of an aqueous 
solution to the trauma. 
The solutions that are the subject of this invention consist of aqueous 
solutions containing Hydrogen Peroxide (H.sub.2 O.sub.2) and Aluminum 
esters of the formula AlOH(R).sub.2 and Al(R).sub.3 where R can be a 
monocarboxylic group of the general formula RCOOH or a dicarboxylic group 
of the general formula R(COOH).sub.2 or hydroxy carboxylic acids such as 
glycolic acid (HOCH.sub.2 COOH) and lactic acid (CH.sub.3 CHOHCOOH). R is 
an appropriate organic species suitable as a means of solubilizing the 
Aluminum ion. Examples of monocarboxylic groups exhibiting an appropriate 
level of solubilizing capacity are HCOO, the formate, CH.sub.3 COO, the 
acetate, CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 COO, the propionate, and CH.sub.3 
(CH.sub.2).sub.2 COO, the butyrate. Examples of dicarboxylic groups 
exhibiting an appropriate level of solubilizing capacity are (COO).sub.2, 
the oxalate, CH.sub.2 (COO).sub.2, the malonate, (CH.sub.2).sub.2 
(COO).sub.2, the succinate, (CH.sub.2).sub.3 (COO).sub.2, the glutarate 
and the acetotartrate ((CH.sub.3 COO)(CHOHCOO).sub.2). The preferred 
embodiment of this invention employs a solution whose initial composition 
by weight is water (H.sub.2 O) at 98.91%, Hydrogen Peroxide (H.sub.2 
O.sub.2) at 0.27%, and Aluminum Subacetate (AlOH(CH.sub.3 COO).sub.2) at 
0.82%. 
The preferred practice of this invention involves the moistening of a 
bandage or dressing with an effective amount of the aqueous solution and 
applying the bandage or dressing to the trauma for an effective period of 
time. Best results have been achieved when a plastic film exhibiting 
reduced permeability to water vapor has been placed around the surface of 
the bandage or dressing. The purpose of the film is to inhibit moisture 
evaporation, thus keeping the wound in contact with a continuous and 
consistent concentration of water and the other ingredients. The film also 
reduces the frequency with which the bandage or dressing must be changed. 
Another bandage or covering should be placed above the plastic film. It is 
believed that the second layer of bandage insulates the area of the skin 
being treated, to keep the wound warm. However, the beneficial effects of 
this invention have been realized when, absent the plastic film, the 
bandage or dressing was changed with a frequency sufficient to prevent 
total drying of the solution. The pain alleviation effect of this 
treatment is more pronounced when the bandage or dressing is not allowed 
to dry out completely. Successful treatment has been realized when the 
solution has been applied to the disease or trauma without the bandage or 
the bandage covered by a moisture barrier film. The degree of success is 
related to the frequency and amount of such application. 
Individuals have asserted, in all cases, that pain was significantly 
alleviated by the treatment in accordance with this invention. This 
invention describes a treatment with an aqueous solution which exhibits 
unexpected and profoundly beneficial impact on all the adverse effects of 
disease or trauma to the dermis, epidermis, mucous membranes and 
subcutaneous tissue. The subject materials of this invention meet that 
criteria. 
The description above contains specific examples. They should not be 
construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Their purpose is merely 
to provide the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For 
example, there are certainly many additional mono and dicarboxylic organic 
groups and mixtures of them, not specifically cited, which can fulfill the 
role of solubilizing the Aluminum ion and providing the appropriate 
chemical and physical transport of the Hydrogen Peroxide and the Aluminum 
ion to the trauma active sites. 
Therefore the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended 
claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given. 
Upon further study of the specification and appended claims, further 
objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those 
skilled in the art. 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
The examples described in this specification took place over a time period 
when the available Aluminum Subacetate employed underwent changes in 
concentration. The users of the method of this invention were initially 
unaware of the variation. As a result the composition of the treatment 
solution underwent, what amounted to, inadvertent variation. 
In the examples described below, the concentration of Aluminum Subacetate 
varied as did the concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide. The Hydrogen 
Peroxide varied between 0.23% and 0.27%. The Aluminum Subacetate 
concentration varied between 0.69% and 2.18%. The ratio of Aluminum 
Subacetate to Hydrogen Peroxide varied between 3 to 1 and 8 to 1. Other 
variations in the concentrations of the Aluminum Subacetate occurred but 
they could not be quantified and are not presented as examples. 
Despite the concentration variations in the instances not specifically 
cited as an example, the use of an aqueous solution of the Aluminum salts 
in conjunction with Hydrogen Peroxide always exhibited beneficial results 
in the treatment of burns and other disease of the epidermis, dermis and 
mucous membranes. Success was achieved with lower and higher 
concentrations of both ingredients than is exemplified by the preferred 
embodiment of this invention. 
An important result was achieved when a solution of the Aluminum salt and 
Hydrogen Peroxide was incorporated in a bandage and the bandage was 
covered with a plastic film. Typically the plastic film employed was the 
vinyl material available at any grocery store used to bag fruits and 
vegetables. The plastic film had the property that significantly slowed 
the evaporation of the water and Hydrogen Peroxide. But, it did not stop 
the evaporation entirely. The net physical result was that it could take 
between eight (8) and twenty four (24) or more hours for the solution to 
evaporate. In that period of time, the concentration of the Aluminum salt 
increased. Its concentration passed through the level now believed to be 
the preferred embodiment of this invention. As a consequence, the time the 
burn was exposed, at or near, to the more effective level of Aluminum salt 
and Hydrogen Peroxide concentration, was significantly increased. 
Wide variation of the conditions of treatment of trauma with the method of 
this invention is possible given the availability of wide varieties of 
dressings and plastic films. Certainly those skilled in the art can, with 
reasonable experimentation, optimize treatment duration at a variety of 
concentration profiles. The following tables illustrate examples of the 
duration and concentration profiles that can be applied to the trauma by 
controlling the initial concentration of the Aluminum salt and the 
evaporation rate. The evaporation rates chosen in these tables are 
illustrative of the range believed to have been experienced in practice. 
______________________________________ 
Concentration as a Percent 
versus 
Time at Selected Evaporation Rates 
Evaporation Rates as a % of Solution 
Time One % Two % Four % Eight % 
Hours Per Hour Per Hour Per Hour 
Per Hour 
______________________________________ 
0.00 0.2000 0.2000 0.2000 0.2000 
4.00 0.2082 0.2168 0.2354 0.2790 
8.00 0.2167 0.2350 0.2770 0.3890 
12.00 0.2256 0.2547 0.3260 0.5421 
16.00 0.2348 0.2761 0.3836 0.7551 
20.00 0.2444 0.2993 0.4513 1.0509 
24.00 0.2544 0.3288 0.5384 1.4008 
0.00 0.8000 0.8000 0.8000 0.8000 
4.00 0.8325 0.8667 0.9406 1.1132 
8.00 0.8664 0.9390 1.1056 1.5471 
12.00 0.9016 1.0172 1.2991 2.1464 
16.00 0.9383 1.1019 1.5260 2.9708 
20.00 0.9764 1.1936 1.7918 4.0987 
24.00 1.0161 1.3101 2.1319 5.4081 
0.00 2.1800 2.1800 2.1800 2.1800 
4.00 2.2674 2.3592 2.5568 3.0170 
8.00 2.3582 2.5526 2.9967 4.1616 
12.00 2.4526 2.7616 3.5096 5.7150 
16.00 2.5506 2.9870 4.1066 7.8010 
20.00 2.6525 3.2303 4.8000 10.563 
24.00 2.7583 3.5386 5.6778 13.644 
______________________________________ 
If a solution of an Aluminum salt were administered to the surface of a 
wound on the skin without any covering, it evaporates in minutes. 
Therefore, the initial concentration of the Aluminum salt can be quite low 
and still achieve the result of effective treatment. The table illustrates 
that at very low evaporation rates, the one percent (1%) per hour rate, 
concentration is increased by twenty-five percent (25%) in a twenty-four 
(24) hour period. At the eight percent (8%) per hour rate, concentration 
is increased by seven hundred percent (700%) in a twenty-four hour period. 
There is of course a great number of initial concentrations coupled with 
evaporation rates that would yield an effective concentration of the 
active ingredients on the surface of a wound. If the further parameter 
consisting of applying a newly prepared dressing at various time intervals 
was added, then a very large number indeed of initial concentrations would 
be possible to achieve effective treatment. Coupling the mathematical 
reasoning above with actual observation, it is reasonable to conclude that 
effective treatment could easily be achieved if the initial concentration 
of the aluminum salt was initially at a minimum of 0.1% and a maximum of 
6.0%. This does not rule out efficacy at lower and higher concentrations. 
Hydrogen Peroxide boils at a much higher temperature than water. Therefore, 
when a dilute aqueous solution of Hydrogen Peroxide evaporates, the 
concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide will initially increase. As the mixture 
evaporates the concentration of the mixture will ultimately approach an 
equilibrium state which is a function of temperature, pressure and most 
importantly a function of the vapor-liquid equilibrium that exists between 
water and Hydrogen Peroxide. 
Using the similar mathematical reasoning coupled with actual observation as 
employed in the determination of the effective initial concentration for 
the Aluminum salt, effective treatment could be achieved if the initial 
concentration of the Hydrogen Peroxide was initially at a minimum of 
0.028% and a maximum of 1.7%. 
The preferred embodiment of this invention employs a solution whose initial 
composition by weight is water (H.sub.2 O) at 98.91%, Hydrogen Peroxide 
(H.sub.2 O.sub.2) at 0.27%, and Aluminum Subacetate (AlOH(CH.sub.3 
COO).sub.2) at 0.82%. 
Preferred practice employs the use of a dressing with the following 
attributes. The dressing consists of five layers. The first layer 
contacting the injured area of the skin is standard surgical gauze. The 
second layer is standard surgical cotton wool. The third layer is a 
plastic film. The fourth layer can be the same standard surgical cotton 
wool employed in the first layer. The fifth layer can be the same surgical 
gauze employed in the first layer. 
The first layer of the dressing is made by folding several layers of 
surgical gauze to a thickness ranging from 1/16 to 3/16 of an inch. It is 
important to keep this bandage layer as clean and as sterile as possible. 
Prior to its application to the wound it should be saturated with the 
treatment solution by dipping it into a source of the solution. Upon 
removal from the source of solution, the gauze should be squeezed 
moderately. The squeezing should be of such magnitude that the gauze is 
wet to the touch, but is not dripping wet. 
The first layer of the dressing should be sized to cover the entire area of 
the wound plus suitable overlap. Suitable overlap varies with the size of 
the injury being treated. For example, a one square inch wound would be 
adequately covered by a dressing measuring 2 inches on each side. Very 
large wounds should be bandaged with a dressing which provides up to 1 
inch of overlap on all sides of the injury. 
The second layer consisting of surgical cotton fulfills the important 
function of providing a reservoir of the treatment solution such that the 
wound is assured of being kept moist for some hours. The treatment 
solution should be administered to the cotton to a point approaching 
saturation by dipping the cotton in a source of the solution. Upon removal 
from the solution, the cotton should be squeezed to exude excess treatment 
solution. The second layer should be between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch thick 
before being somewhat compressed in place by the application of the third, 
fourth and fifth layers. If the appropriate measure of treatment solution 
is contained in the surgical cotton wool, only a small mount of the 
solution will be exuded when the second layer of the dressing is applied 
to the wound. The degree of compression should be such that the second 
layer is compressed at most to approximately 70 to 90 percent of its 
initial height. 
The third or middle layer employed was a thin film of polyvinyl chloride 
(PVC). Such film is traditionally employed in grocery stores to package 
fruit, vegetables, meat etc. Its thickness is usually one to four mils. 
Its purpose is two fold. The first is to act as a media for inhibiting 
evaporation of the treatment solution from the wound area. The second is 
to retain the second and first layer's position on the wound. Other 
commercially available films are expected to be suitable substitutes. 
Since the role of the third layer in the construction of the dressing is 
physical and mechanical, and not chemical or pharmacological, many media 
could be substituted to inhibit moisture evaporation and to retain the 
position of the first two layers. In fact using many of today's space age 
polymeric building materials, such as polyurethane insulating foam, it is 
easy to anticipate that a more efficient construction to accomplish the 
combined function of the third, fourth and fifth layers of this dressing 
might be invented. 
There are available a number of non adhering surgical dressings that are 
commercially available. One such dressing is the fluorocarbon dressing 
described below in example 11. Another innovation that may be successfully 
employed in the practice of this burn treatment method is Saran wrap as 
the film inhibiting evaporation of moisture. This material was also used 
in example 11. 
The function of the fourth and fifth layers of the dressing is 
predominantly mechanical. Its purpose is to hold layers one, two and three 
in place and to provide a measure of insulating value to keep the wound 
warm. Other materials can easily be substituted which can accomplish the 
desired result. The thickness of the fifth or outer layer of the dressing 
is typically that of a cloth bandage. The thickness of the fourth layer 
should be approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch. The best mode of constructing the 
dressing may be difficult to practice on small wounds. Satisfactory 
treatment results can still be accomplished. Dressings may be constructed 
using less surgical cotton wool. They will require more frequent changing 
to assure moisture retention. It may also be necessary to wrap a greater 
area than the wound itself to conform to the geometry of the body. 
The method of application and subsequent reapplication will accomplish the 
best results if the following methodology is practiced. Each layer of the 
bandage should be placed in position with a minimum of pressure. Each 
layer from the wound surface outward should be successively larger than 
the layer preceding to provide modest overlap. The final layer should be 
affixed with just enough pressure to keep the layers below from shifting 
position. Generally the dressing, if applied as described, will perform 
its function satisfactorily for 12 to 24 hours. 
Reapplication of the dressing at suitable intervals is important to 
achieving optimum results. Most importantly, the dressing should be 
reapplied whenever it is suspected that the solution is near to drying 
out. If the dressing is allowed to dry out, a significantly detrimental 
condition can occur. The dried out surgical gauze in contact with the 
wound can adhere to the wound. This adherence to the wound can cause 
serious discomfort to the patient and it can reduce efficacy of the 
treatment. 
Determination of the optimum time for reapplying a freshly moistened 
dressing to a wound requires experimentation and observation. The 
caregiver should check the status of the moisture level at periodic 
intervals to assure that it is not dried out. The patient can also be of 
great help in ascertaining the reapplication requirement. It has been 
observed that when the dressing requires reapplication of solution, the 
patient experiences a feeling akin to the sensation of pinching in the 
wound area. It is the anesthetic effect which is being impaired. As soon 
as this observation is made, it can be indicative that too long a period 
has transpired since the prior moistening of the dressing. Whenever the 
suspicion exists that the dressing has dried out too much, great care 
should be exercised in removing the old dressing prior to applying a new 
dressing. The care is necessary so as to minimize undesired debridement of 
scab, exudate or injured skin. 
It has been determined that the solution that is the subject of this 
invention is a useful substance to employ in removing a bandage that has 
adhered to a wound. The solution softens and dissolves the material 
sticking to the bandage. The solution can be poured onto the dressing 
adhering to the wound and with gentle mechanical action, the adhering 
bandage can be removed with minimal undesirable effect. 
There are certain other factors relevant to achieving the best results with 
this invention. In general, the sooner that the treatment described by 
this invention is commenced after a patient experiences the trauma, the 
better will be the ultimate result. More importantly, it is necessary to 
effectuate other supplemental treatment depending upon the severity of the 
trauma and how quickly treatment is commenced. 
Whenever the trauma experienced is so severe, that visible blistering or 
charring occurs, supplemental treatment is necessary. This supplemental 
treatment consists of careful debridement of the destroyed tissue by 
competent medical technique. This means that char and blisters should be 
surgically removed allowing the treatment solution access to the 
underlying injury. There are burns which are severe enough, that left 
untreated, they would blister. Prompt treatment with the procedure 
described in this invention may avoid the blister. However, some interval 
later the surface skin may still flake off. This degree of severity does 
not require debridement.

EXAMPLES 
The following examples illustrate the methods and scope of this invention: 
Example 1 
A man was using a kerosene torch in his garage. While holding the torch in 
his hands it burst into flames. In panic, he ran on the street with the 
torch in his hands. His hand was burned very badly. It was severely 
blistered. There was some blackening indicative of third degree burns. A 
treatment in accord with the following description was commenced two days 
after the accident. 
A mixture of 1 part, by volume, of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide in water, 7 parts, 
by volume, of water and 3 parts, by volume of 8% Aluminum Subacetate in 
water was prepared. This resulted in a final solution of water containing 
approximately 0.27% by weight of Hydrogen Peroxide and approximately 2.18% 
by weight of Aluminum Subacetate. 
A dressing was prepared consisting of surgical gauze folded to form a 
surface overlapping the burn area by approximately one half inch (1/2") on 
all sides. A layer of surgical cotton approximately three quarters (3/4") 
of an inch thick while uncompressed was placed above the gauze. The 
solution of Hydrogen Peroxide and Aluminum Subacetate was poured over the 
surgical cotton and gauze to near saturation. A layer of grocery store 
type vinyl film was placed on the surface of the dressing. The vinyl film 
was positioned to secure the dressing and was taped in position. The 
pressure applied by the vinyl film was sufficient to only partially 
compress the surgical cotton layer. A fourth layer utilizing surgical 
cotton wool was placed above the vinyl film. Finally, a bandage was 
wrapped around the dressing to maintain its position on the wound. It was 
wrapped in a manner to minimize compression of the surgical cotton. The 
purpose of the fourth layer of surgical cotton was to insulate the 
treatment area. 
The treatment was performed three times a day. It was necessary to assure 
that the burn solution did not dry out and allow the dressing to adhere to 
the skin. Significant relief from pain was achieved immediately after the 
dressing was applied. The hand started to heal. The skin that was burned 
to the black color started to peel and under it a new rosy skin appeared. 
The skin began to itch, a sign of a healing wound after a burn. In about 
three weeks, the hand completely healed. Mobility of the palm and fingers 
was restored. 
Example 2 
A three year old girl spilled a glass of boiling hot water on her leg. She 
was wearing cotton socks when it happened. Her mother immediately removed 
her socks and applied a treatment to the burned leg. A treatment in accord 
with the following description was commenced immediately after the 
accident. 
A mixture of 1 part, by volume, of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide in water, 7 parts, 
by volume, of water and 3 parts, by volume of 8% Aluminum Subacetate in 
water was prepared. This resulted in a final solution of water containing 
approximately 0.27% by weight of Hydrogen Peroxide and approximately 2.18% 
by weight of Aluminum Subacetate. A dressing was prepared consistent with 
the detailed description presented in EXAMPLE 1. 
The child cried from pain for a while, then fell asleep. Twelve hours 
later, on the following morning, when the compress was removed, there was 
not a mark on the leg and the child did not evidence any pain or 
irritation. Immediate application of the treatment resulted in dramatic 
results. 
Example 3 
A man of sixteen years overturned a pot containing one and a half liters of 
boiling soup on his leg. He was wearing pants at the time and he burned 
the leg affecting about 30 square inches. Half of the burn area developed 
blisters. He applied a treatment in accord with the following description 
within two hours. 
A mixture of 1 part, by volume, of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide in water, 9 parts, 
by volume, of water and 3 parts, by volume of 3% Aluminum Subacetate in 
water was prepared. This resulted in a final solution of water containing 
approximately 0.23% by weight of Hydrogen Peroxide and approximately 0.69% 
by weight of Aluminum Substrate. A dressing was prepared consistent with 
the detailed description presented in EXAMPLE 1. 
The dressing was changed every day for two weeks. At about ten days, the 
burn appeared completely healed. The burn area retained a slightly darker 
color for a while until it also disappeared. 
Example 4 
A seven year old boy was burned when another boy in a steam room overturned 
a pan of hot water on his back. He was treated in accord with the 
following description. 
A mixture of 1 part, by volume, of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide in water, 7 parts, 
by volume, of water and 3 parts, by volume of 3% Aluminum Subacetate in 
water was prepared. This resulted in a final solution of water containing 
approximately 0.27% by weight of Hydrogen Peroxide and approximately 0.82% 
by weight of Aluminum Subacetate. A dressing was prepared consistent with 
the detailed description presented in EXAMPLE 1. 
His back healed completely in a week. 
Example 5 
A women was doing a laundry by bringing to a boil a solution of soap, water 
and clothing in a thirty liter wash container on a large wood burning 
stove. When the mixture reached the boiling stage, she lifted the 
container from the stove and accidentally overturned the soap solution on 
herself. Blisters soon developed on extensive areas of her body. She was 
hospitalized. At the hospital it was determined that her burns were 
extremely serious. Seventy percent of her body was burned. Even her face 
was burned by steam from the soap solution. After ten days in the 
hospital, her husband, while visiting the hospital, was told that her 
burns were likely to cause her death. The doctors said there was no hope. 
At that time she was taken from the hospital by relatives. Upon arrival at 
home, a treatment in accord with the following description was applied. 
A mixture of 1 part, by volume, of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide in water, 7 parts, 
by volume, of water and 3 parts, by volume of 3% Aluminum Subacetate in 
water was prepared. This resulted in a final solution of water containing 
approximately 0.27% by weight of Hydrogen Peroxide and approximately 0.82% 
by weight of Aluminum Subacetate. A dressing was prepared consistent with 
the detailed description presented in EXAMPLE 1. The results were 
dramatically unexpected. In a week her condition was much improved. The 
treatment was maintained on major portions of her body for several weeks. 
The result was that at the end of two weeks, it was clear she would 
survive. Her whole body felt much better; healing was almost complete. 
After a month, healing was complete. Only a few scars remained. These 
scars were barely noticeable. 
Example 6 
A child, seven months old, inserted his hand into a hot teapot. The burn 
was serious enough that the skin on his hand was peeling off. A treatment 
with a burn healing solution in accord with the following description was 
administered twice a day for five days, at which time his hand was healed. 
A mixture of 1 part, by volume, of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide in water, 9 parts, 
by volume, of water and 3 parts, by volume of 3% Aluminum Subacetate in 
water was prepared. This resulted in a final solution of water containing 
approximately 0.23% by weight of Hydrogen Peroxide and approximately 0.69% 
by weight of Aluminum Subacetate. A dressing was prepared consistent with 
the detailed description presented in EXAMPLE 1. 
Example 7 
A man received a burn from a contact with unknown chemicals at his place of 
work. Treatment in accord with the following description for seven days 
resulted in complete healing. 
A mixture of 1 part, by volume, of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide in water, 7 parts, 
by volume, of water and 3 parts, by volume of 8% Aluminum Subacetate in 
water was prepared. This resulted in a final solution of water containing 
approximately 0.27% by weight of Hydrogen Peroxide and approximately 2.18% 
by weight of Aluminum Subacetate. A dressing was prepared consistent with 
the detailed description presented in EXAMPLE 1. 
Example 8 
A woman was rendering animal fat on the stove when the oil ignited. In her 
efforts to control the fire, both of her hands were very badly burned. 
After seven days of treatment with a burn healing solution in accord with 
this invention, her hands healed without any scars. A mixture of 1 part, 
by volume, of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide in water, 7 parts, by volume, of water 
and 3 parts, by volume of 8% Aluminum Subacetate in water was prepared. 
This resulted in a final solution of water containing approximately 0.27% 
by weight of Hydrogen Peroxide and approximately 2.18% by weight of 
Aluminum Subacetate. A dressing was prepared consistent with the detailed 
description presented in EXAMPLE 1. 
Example 9 
A women had an ulcerated sore that appeared after a visit to a tropical 
climate. She had it for thirty years. The sore was treated in accord with 
the following description. 
A mixture of 1 part, by volume, of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide in water, 9 parts, 
by volume, of water and 3 parts, by volume of 3% Aluminum Subacetate in 
water was prepared. This resulted in a final solution of water containing 
approximately 0.23% by weight of Hydrogen Peroxide and approximately 0.69% 
by weight of Aluminum Subacetate. A dressing was prepared consistent with 
the detailed description presented in EXAMPLE 1. 
Example 10 
A man had extensive local anesthesia applied to his mouth for performance 
of dental procedures. He inadvertently bit the inside surface of his 
mouth. After the anesthesia had worn off and for three days thereafter, 
the bite wound was painful and exhibited reluctance to heal. The wound was 
treated in accord with the following description. 
A mixture of 1 part, by volume, of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide in water, 9 parts, 
by volume, of water and 3 parts, by volume of 3% Aluminum Subacetate in 
water was prepared. This resulted in a final solution of water containing 
approximately 0.23% by weight of Hydrogen Peroxide and approximately 0.69% 
by weight of Aluminum Subacetate. 
Cotton swabs were dipped in the solution of Hydrogen Peroxide and Aluminum 
Subacetate. The moistened swabs were applied and held to the mouth wound. 
Initially, the swabs were applied to the wound for periods of three to 
five minutes, at twenty to forty minute intervals over the first three or 
four hours. After that the treatment was applied three to four times per 
day for three days. Pain relief was significantly evident within less than 
an hour of the treatment. Pain continued to abate and was eliminated 
entirely by the second day. The wound healed without further treatment. 
Example 11 
A man was stirring up a campfire. In the process a small, red hot coal 
skipped into the inside of his boot. In the several seconds required to 
remove the coal, a burn of second to third degree in severity developed. 
A mixture of 1 part, by volume, of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide in water, 7 parts, 
by volume, of water and 3 parts, by volume of 3% Aluminum Subacetate in 
water was prepared. This resulted in a final solution of water containing 
approximately 0.27% by weight of Hydrogen Peroxide and approximately 0.82% 
by weight of Aluminum Subacetate. 
The injury, which was approximately one (1) centimeter in diameter, was 
covered with a porous fluorocarbon treated, non adhering dressing. Cotton 
balls were held in place with a saran film. The cotton balls, which were 
moistened with the treatment solution dressing, were positioned over the 
fluorocarbon treated dressing. The cotton balls were moistened with the 
treatment solution whenever dryness was ascertained. The cotton and 
fluorocarbon treated dressing were kept in place with ordinary Saran wrap. 
The treatment was continued for a ten day period. 
Progress in healing was monitored by the patient's father, a medical 
doctor. Wounds of this type and severity would be expected to be very 
painful. They would generally require one to two months to heal 
completely. The healing process of this type of wound would be expected to 
develop a scabrous surface, followed by a debridement phase in which a 
small pit would develop. The small pit could take many months to heal to 
the normal surface of the skin. In this instance, with treatment in accord 
with this invention, the intensity of pain was minimal, complete healing 
occurred in less than two week's time without any scarring normally 
associated with such a burn. 
Example 12 
A man was barbecuing on a gas fired patio grill. The cover had been closed 
to increase the heat of the ceramic coals. The man raised the grill cover 
by means of the wooden handle provided for that purpose. After adjusting 
the food on the grill, he inadvertently started to close the lid by 
pushing down on the metal lid. Contact with the lid of the grill caused a 
sizzling sound and immediate whitening of an oval shaped burn area on the 
fingerprint area of the man's left index finger and his left middle 
finger. The injury was immediately treated with cold running water. When 
the injury was removed from the running water, significant pain was 
experienced. 
A solution was hastily prepared with readily available kitchen implements. 
The solution prepared consisted of two and one half cups of tap water, 3 
tablespoons of Aluminum Acetate (Al(CH.sub.3 COO).sub.3) Topical Solution 
U.S.P. (BUROW'S SOLUTION), 3 tablespoons of Hydrogen Peroxide (H.sub.2 
O.sub.2) U.S.P. 3% Topical Solution, and 3 tablespoons of commercial 
dimethyl sulfoxide ((CH.sub.3).sub.2 SO.sub.2) water solution. The 
dimethyl sulfoxide solution was a 99.99% purity diluted to 90% with water 
at 10%. Subsequent calculations ascertained that the solution was 
approximately 90.4% water, 1.33% Aluminum Acetate, 0.27% Hydrogen 
Peroxide, 7.9% dimethyl sulfoxide and 0.09% Boric Acid (H.sub.3 BO.sub.3). 
Boric Acid is a stabilizer present in the Topical Solution U.S.P. (BUROW'S 
SOLUTION). 
The burned fingers were immersed in the solution for five minute intervals 
every fifteen minutes for two hours. Then the fingers were immersed in the 
solution for five minutes every hour for four hours. The man retired for 
the night thereafter. Immersion in the solution resulted in dramatic 
lessening of the pain. The pain relief persisted though not as 
successfully when the fingers were not immersed. Pain on the following 
morning was negligible. The burn which looked initially as if it were 
going to blister significantly, did not blister at all. Several days 
later, the oval areas of the burn were still discernible. The area under 
the skin remained sensitive to touch. Healing was accomplished without any 
blistering. The injured area on the index finger was more seriously burned 
than the area on the middle finger. The burned area on the index finger 
turned somewhat translucent in two weeks time. Eighteen days after the 
injury, the skin on the index finger flaked off revealing a sound skin 
surface. The area on the middle finger injury flaked off on the twentieth 
day after the injury, also revealing a sound skin surface. 
When an unusual synergistic effect manifests itself it is difficult to 
define the scientific mechanism for the unexpected result. Once the 
desired result is achieved, a catalog of common properties can be 
assembled. With these common properties, a workable theory of 
functionality can be developed. 
In this invention the notable common properties are; the presence of a 
peroxide, the presence of an Aluminum salt of an organic acid, a pH in the 
weak acid range and the need for a reasonable contact time of the mixture 
with the injury being treated. 
It is a known medical fact that the body attempts as part of the healing 
process to deliver oxygen to an injury site. Experiments with oxygen 
augmentation have resulted in some beneficial effect. For example, burn 
injuries have been subjected to hyperbaric oxygen with some modest 
improvement noted. As a general rule, Hydrogen Peroxide has been known as 
an effective anti-bactericide. However, its use has been spurned in favor 
of a variety of broad spectrum antibiotics. The antibiotics have been 
judged more effective. 
Aluminum salts of organic acids have been available for a long time. There 
use has been as an astringent. They have the property of being a 
desiccant. They have been employed as a component in embalming processes. 
Wounds, particularly burns, are known to require moisture. Serious 
impairment of burn healing is a consequence of excessive drying of the 
injury. Therefore, it would be counter intuitive to use a substance that 
would be a desiccant as burn treatment agent. 
Burn injury sites are known to be acidic and anoxic. Conventional treatment 
has attempted to counter these conditions. Many burn treating substances 
are neutral or basic in pH at levels of 7 to 9. The substances claimed in 
this patent all exhibit pH in the weak acid range of 3 to 6. 
Our theory of the mechanism of the action of this invention embraces the 
foregoing common properties. We believe that the properties of the 
Aluminum ion are at the heart of the performance. The Aluminum ion is 
responsible for inhibiting the migration of moisture from the injury. An 
equilibrium is established at the treatment site stabilizing cell membrane 
autolysis, thus preventing cell destruction. The equilibrium is such that 
passage of the moisture in the treatment solution with its high Hydrogen 
Peroxide concentration is promoted into the heart of the wound 
environment. Thus two vital aspects of wound healing are enhanced. 
Moisture is maintained and anti-bacterial activity is spread intensively 
throughout the injury. 
The solutions that are claimed consist of aqueous solutions containing 
Hydrogen Peroxide (H.sub.2 O.sub.2) and Aluminum esters of the formula 
AlOH(R).sub.2 and Al(R).sub.3 where R can be a monocarboxylic group of the 
general formula RCOOH or a dicarboxylic group of the general formula 
R(COOH).sub.2 or alpha hydroxy carboxylic groups of the general formula 
R(HOCH.sub.2 COO). R is an appropriate organic species suitable as a means 
of solubilizing the Aluminum ion. Examples of monocarboxylic groups 
exhibiting an appropriate level of solubilizing capacity are HCOO, the 
formate, CH.sub.3 COO, the acetate, CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 COO, the propionate, 
and CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 COO, the butyrate. Examples of dicarboxylic 
groups exhibiting an appropriate level of solubilizing capacity are 
(COO).sub.2, the oxalate, CH.sub.2 (COO).sub.2, the malonate, 
(CH.sub.2).sub.2 (COO).sub.2, the succinate, (CH.sub.2).sub.3 
(CO.sub.0).sub.2, the glutarate and the acetotartrate ((CH.sub.3 
COO)(CHOHCOO).sub.2) or alpha hydroxy carboxylic groups derived from acids 
such as glycolic acid (HOCH.sub.2 COOH) and lactic acid (CH.sub.3 
CHOHCOOH). 
In addition to Hydrogen Peroxide, there are other soluble pharmacologically 
acceptable per oxides and other soluble anti-bactericidal materials which 
can be carried to the internals of the wound by the action of the Aluminum 
salt. 
Pharmacologically active substances which are applied topically have been 
formulated in a variety of ways to promote ease of application. Such 
formulations are hydrophillic and hydrophobic. It is expected that the 
materials claimed will find ready utilization in hydrophillic 
formulations. These will include lotions, aerosol sprays, toothpastes and 
mouthwashes. Those skilled in the art will find other means of delivery to 
the treatment 
The manufacture of Aluminum Acetate (Al(CH.sub.3 COO).sub.3) and Aluminum 
Substrate (AlOH(CH.sub.3 COO).sub.2) is described to insure enabling of 
this invention. Many of the examples cited in this patent employed 
material manufactured in accord with the following process. Others 
employed material manufactured in the United States. 
In the first step an aqueous solution of Potassium Aluminum Sulfate salt 
Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.2 K.sub.2 SO.sub.4 .multidot.24H.sub.2 O is 
reacted with a slurry of finely crushed Calcium Carbonate (CaCO.sub.3). 
The Potassium Aluminum Sulfate salt is commonly known as kalinite. The 
Calcium Carbonate commonly known as Calcite reacts with the Potassium 
Aluminum Sulfate salt precipitating a mixture of Calcium Sulfate and 
Aluminum Hydroxide. Gaseous Carbon Dioxide (CO.sub.2) is evolved during 
the reaction. The combination of the two precipitates can be repeatedly 
washed with water and filtered to remove soluble impurities, in 
particular, Potassium Sulfate (K.sub.2 SO.sub.4). 
In the second step, the mixture of washed precipitates are then reacted 
with Acetic acid (CH.sub.3 COOH). The Aluminum Hydroxide reacts with the 
acetic acid to form either Aluminum Acetate or Aluminum Subacetate. Both 
these salts are quite soluble in the aqueous reaction medium. The Calcium 
Sulfate is relatively insoluble. The Aluminum salt solution may then be 
separated from the Calcium Sulfate residue by filtration. The acetate 
which is formed is a function of the proportion of Acetic acid employed. 
The process as described employs 39 parts of diluted acetic acid to form 
Aluminum Subacetate. If Aluminum Acetate were to be the desired end 
product, the dilute Acetic acid would be increased to 58.5 parts. 
The first step of the reaction is conducted in a well stirred jacketed 
reaction vessel to which 46.5 parts of Potassium Aluminum Sulfate salt and 
600 parts of water are added. The reaction vessel should be sized so that 
the solution occupies less than two thirds of the reactor vessel volume. 
This is necessary so that when Calcium Carbonate slurry is added the 
evolution of Carbon Dioxide gas will not cause the vessel contents to 
surge out of the vessel. The contents of the reaction vessel should be 
brought to and maintained at ninety degrees centigrade (90.degree. C.) 
during the reaction phase. In a separate vessel a slurry of 14.5 parts of 
Calcium Carbonate with 24.5 parts of water is prepared. This mixture 
should be transferred slowly to the reaction vessel. The speed of addition 
is dictated by two constraints. The first constraint is that the transfer 
should be slow enough to prevent the vessel contents from overflowing as 
Carbon Dioxide evolves as a product of the reaction. The second constraint 
is that the transfer should be slow enough to allow the contents of the 
reaction vessel to be kept at approximately ninety degrees centigrade 
(90.degree. C.) by suitable heating and cooling means. 
After the Calcium Carbonate slurry addition is completed, the stirring is 
stopped and the mixture of precipitates is allowed to settle. The 
supernatant liquid is removed by decantation. The precipitate mixture is 
reslurried with water and stirring is resumed. The stirring is stopped, 
the supernatant liquid is again decanted and the precipitate mixture is 
again reslurried. This process is repeated as often as necessary to assure 
that the precipitate is washed free of residual unreacted Potassium 
Aluminum Sulfate or Potassium Sulfate. Upon completion of the washing 
process, the slurry of Aluminum Hydroxide and Calcium Acetate precipitates 
should be passed through a suitable filtering device which permits 
recovery of the mixed precipitate. 
In the second step of the process, the mixed precipitate from the first 
step is transferred to second vessel. Acetic acid, which has been diluted 
to a thirty percent (30%) concentration in water, will be added to the 
mixed precipitates in the amount of 39 parts. This phase of the process 
should be conducted at a temperature of ten to twelve degrees centigrade 
(10.degree. C. to 12.degree. C.). Temperature control is important because 
there are competing reactions taking place between the Acetic acid and the 
Aluminum Hydroxide. There are three possible Aluminum Acetate salts which 
can be formed. Two of the salts are soluble They are Aluminum Acetate 
(Al(CH.sub.3 COO).sub.3), sometimes designated as the normal salt and 
Aluminum Subacetate (AlOH(CH.sub.3 COO).sub.2), sometimes designated as 
the basic salt. The third, (Al(OH).sub.2 CH.sub.3 COO), a twice 
substituted salt or dibasic salt as it is sometimes designated is 
relatively insoluble. Once the dibasic salt is formed, it is difficult and 
time consuming to convert it back to the normal or basic salt. The second 
step reaction takes place over a period of two to three days to reach 
equilibrium. The second step reaction is judged complete by testing the 
specific gravity of the reaction solution. The assay of the product can be 
adjusted to the desired composition by the addition of more Acetic acid or 
of mixed precipitate. Once the assay of the solution is within the desired 
range, the solution is filtered from the residual precipitate of Calcium 
Sulfate, the other component of the mixed precipitate. 
It is important to comment that the solution that is the subject of this 
invention can contain small amounts of dissolved Calcium Sulfate 
(CaSO.sub.4), and the dibasic salt, (Al(OH).sub.2 CH.sub.3 COO). 
Admittedly, the concentrations of these salts, due to their limited 
solubility, is very small. The chemical, physical, pharmacological and 
physical phenomena that takes place in a wound environment is very 
complex. Many substances are present in minute quantities. It is not 
possible to define the exact synergy that explains the dramatic 
performance of this invention. Adequate disclosure requires that the 
chemistry of this invention be as completely defined as possible. 
Chemistry involving Aluminum compounds is complex in that Aluminum exhibits 
amphoteric behavior. Aluminum compounds can react with both Hydrogen 
(H.sup.+) and Hydroxyl (OH.sup.-) ions in solution. Aluminum compounds can 
sometimes behave as a covalent organic compound. 
Other methods of manufacture of the Aluminum salts which are the subject of 
this invention are employed in the United States. The manufacturing 
processes employed in the United States differ in that they employ purer 
raw materials. One such process starts with pure Aluminum Sulfate 
(Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3) and pure Calcium Carbonate. Another process 
starting with dry food grade Aluminum Hydroxide Gel is also a feasible 
manufacturing route. Several Aluminum salts which are the subject of this 
invention are sold commercially in the United States. Among these are 
Aluminum Subacetate Topical Solution (U.S.P.), Aluminum Acetate Topical 
Solution (U.S.P.) and Aluminum acetotartrate Solution 
The term "treatment" as expressed in this patent and as claimed is intended 
to encompass each one of the following objectives individually and each 
possible combination of all of them. Treatment means accomplishing the 
goals of promoting broad spectrum anti-bacterial activity without 
undesirable side effects, enhancing the curing process in terms of speed 
of healing, eliminating or reducing scarring and disfigurement compared 
with other burn treatment procedures, and providing significant 
alleviation of pain associated with the injury being treated. Disease or 
trauma as claimed is intended to encompass the plain "Webster's New World 
Dictionary" definition.