METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF THE SKIN

Abstract: Skin regions associated with excess sebum production, eg oily regions, seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff may be treated by the topical application to such regions of a cosmetic composition containing an effective amount of a topically acceptable lithium salt.

Description: This invention relates to methods for the treatment of skin conditions associated with excess sebum production as well as to cosmetic compositions for use in such treatment. US-A-3 639 625 and CA-A-849491 disclose topical compositions containing lithium succinate for the treatment of various skin diseases. In particular, it is stated that the compositions may be useful in the treatment of exfoliative dermatitis, vaginal pruritis, heat rash such as diaper rash, contact dermatitis, poison ivy, acne vulgaris, dry skin conditions, burns and abrasions. I have now found that a variety of topically acceptable lithium salts will reduce the oiliness of the skin surface, apparently due to a reduction in sebum formation. This discovery is particularly surprising in view of the reference in US-A-3 639 625 to the treatment of dry skin conditions. I have also found that seborrheic dermatitis responds favourably to the application of lithium salts. Moreover, the application of lithium salts to the scalp has been found to give an anti-dandruff effect, dandruff being a condition commonly associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Thus, in one aspect the invention is the use of a topically acceptable lithium salt for the manufacture of a medicament for use in the topical treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, other than seborrheic dermatitis so extensive as to be classifiable as exfoliative dermatitis. The compositions of the invention may be applied topically to regions of the skin associated with excess sebum production, eg oily skin, seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. Skin regions susceptible to seborrheic dermatitis may also have applied thereto the compositions according to the invention even when sebum secretion is not excessive. The compositions of the invention suitably comprise a cosmetic base and it is particularly preferred that the base comprises a cosmetic cleansing composition such as a soap, shampoo or cleansing lotion. Thus, the compositions may take the form of solid or liquid soaps or shampoos (including hair shampoos) containing the lithium salt and one or more natural or synthetic surfactants optionally together with one or more conventional soap or shampoo additives such as perfumes and colouring agents. Other lithium-containing compositions may also be used in the method according to the invention and examples of such compositions include lipsticks, ointments, creams, solutions, lotions, emulsions, suspensions and powders. Any topically acceptable lithium salt may be used according to the invention since it is believed that the nature of the anion in the salt is not important. Examples of such salts include lithium chloride, succinate, citrate, acetylsalicylate and orotate. The compositions for use according to the invention conveniently contain from 0.001 to 30%, and preferably from 1 to 10%, by weight of lithium ions. The following Examples serve to illustrate compositions which may be used in the method according to the invention (all percentages are by weight):-

Claims: The use of a topically acceptable lithium salt for the manufacture of a medicament for use in the topical treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, other than seborrheic dermatitis so extensive as to be classifiable as exfoliative dermatitis. Use as claimed in claim 1 for the manufacture of a composition comprising from 0.001 to 30% by weight of lithium ions. Use as claimed in claim 2 for the manufacture of a composition comprising from 1 to 10% by weight of lithium ions. Use as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 of a lithium salt selected from lithium chloride, lithium citrate, lithium acetylsalicylate, lithium orotate and lithium succinate. Use as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 for the manufacture of said medicament in the form of a cosmetic cleansing composition. Use as claimed in claim 5 for the manufacture of said medicament in the form of a soap or cleansing lotion. Use as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 for the manufacture of said medicament in the form of a lipstick, cream, ointment, solution, lotion, emulsion, suspension or powder.

Inventors: HORROBIN, DAVID FREDERICK
Applicants: SCOTIA PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED
Application year: 1984
Main classification: A61K7
IPC codes: C07F9, A61K33, C07D213, A61K8, A01N37, A61Q19, A01N43, A61Q5