Abstract:
A topical formulation for treating toenails and fingernails is provided. This formulation includes a mixture of calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, an antifungal agent, and an applicating agent. The formulation is topically applied to a patient&#39;s fingernail or toenail to treat a fungal infection, to remove discoloration, and/or to thin an overly thick nail.

Description:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a formulation for treating fungal infections. More specifically, this formulation is a topical formulation for use on fingernails and toenails. 
     Many people have fingernails or toenails with fungus underneath. Still others have nails that are extremely thick even approaching approximately 1 inch in thickness. Still others have yellowed or discolored nails. Some have combinations of the above-mentioned conditions. 
     Some medications available for treating these unsightly conditions are not able to kill fungal infections underneath the nail because they are not able to penetrate the nail. Still other medications cause the nail to become brittle. In addition, other medications simply do not work. Therefore, many people are unable to remove these unsightly conditions. 
     In order to overcome the disadvantages of medications currently available, a formulation that is able to penetrate the nail to kill fungus without permanently damaging the nail is needed. This formulation should be able to be applied topically. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a formulation for killing fungus on or underneath toenails or fingernails so that the appearance of the nails is improved. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of administering a topical nail formulation so as to rid a person of a nail fungal infection. 
     According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects are achieved by a topical formulation for treating fungus on or beneath toenails and fingernails. This formulation includes a mixture of calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, an antifungal agent, and an applicating agent. The formulation is topically applied to a patient&#39;s fingernail or toenail to treat a fungal infection or to thin an overly thick nail. 
     Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The formulation of the present invention is an effective topical treatment for fighting fungal infections, removing discoloration, and/or thinning overly thick nails. It is used for treating deformed, disfigured or discolored toenails and fingernails. This formulation includes a mixture of calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, an antifungal agent, and an applicating agent. Antibiotics may also be added to the formulation. The formulation is made by mixing these components together. 
     The calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide in the formulation function to penetrate the nail so that the antifungal medication may contact any fungal infection underneath the nail and/or so as to thin the nail. Preferably, the calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide are present in the formulation in about a 40:60 to 60:40 ratio by weight. Most preferably, these components are present in approximately a 50:50 ratio by weight. 
     The antifungal agent may be any agent that is able to kill fingernail and toenail fungus. Preferably, the antifungal medication is benzalkonium chloride, which is able to kill nail fungus upon contact. 
     The applicating agent may be an ointment, a lotion, nail polish, or combinations thereof. If nail polish is used as the applicating agent, preferably, it is clear nail polish. The ointment that may be used in the formulation of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, oxyquinoline, petrolatum, lanolin, glycerine, or combinations thereof. 
     The calcium hydroxide is about 0.5 to 50% by weight of the formulation. Preferably, it is about 0.5 to 30% by weight of the formulation. Most preferably, it is about 0.5 to 8% by weight of the formulation. 
     The sodium hydroxide is about 0.5 to 50% by weight of the formulation. Preferably, it is about 0.5 to 30% by weight of the formulation. Most preferably, it is about 0.5 to 8% by weight of the formulation. 
     The antifungal agent is about 0.5 to 80% by weight of the formulation. Preferably, it is about 5 to 50% by weight of the formulation. Most preferably, it is about 20 to 35% by weight of the formulation. 
     The applicating agent is about 20 to 95% by weight of the formulation. Preferably, it is about 30 to 80% by weight of the formulation. Most preferably, it is about 40 to 75% by weight of the formulation. 
     If the formulation of the present invention is formulated to be obtained over-the-counter, it most preferably should include about 5% by weight of a calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide mixture, about 20% by weight benzalkonium chloride, and about 75% by weight applicating agent. If this formulation is formulated to be prescribed by a physician, then most preferably, it should include about 15% by weight of a mixture of calcium and sodium hydroxide, about 25% by weight benzalkonium chloride, and about 60% by weight applicating agent. 
     The formulation is made by mixing calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, an antifungal agent, and an applicating agent together. No heating or cooling is required in making the formulation. Preferably, the formulation is made by first combining the calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide into a mixture. The calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide mixture is then added to the applicating agent. The antifungal agent is then added to the mixture. The mixture is agitated or stirred to form the formulation of the present invention. 
     The formulation of the present invention may be used to treat nails with fungus thereon or underneath, yellowed nails, nails with other discolorations, and/or nails that are overly thick, such as nails that are approximately ¼ to 1 inch thick. 
     In use, a patient applies an emollient to the skin surrounding the affected nail. The emollient may be, but is not limited to, an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly. Next, the formulation is applied directly to the affected nail so as to cover the nail. Following application of the formulation, a bandage is placed over the nail. The formulation is applied approximately once per day. If irritation is noticed, it may be applied once every other day. It can be applied for up to about 6 months. 
     When treating thick nails, they can be thinned in approximately 2 to 3 weeks. When treating nails with fungus thereunder, the actual antifungal effect is not seen for 4 months to 1 year, the time frame for a nail to completely grow out and be replaced. 
     The present invention provides a topical treatment for thick nails due to fungus or other causes. It has been found to be able to penetrate the nail and reduce the thickness of the nail without causing major debrittlement. Also, the antifungal medication in the product is able to penetrate the nail and rid the nail of fungal infections beneath the nail. 
     The following example describes a formulation of the present invention and a method of using this formulation. The formulation and method are within the scope of this invention. This example is not meant in anyway to limit the scope of this invention. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     A topical nail formulation was prepared by mixing calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, benzalkonium chloride, and ointment together. The formulation contained 7.5% by weight calcium hydroxide, 7.5% by weight sodium hydroxide, 25% by weight benzalkonium chloride, and 60% by weight ointment. 
     An elderly woman had a thick fungus infected toenail for approximately 15 years. She was unable to wear shoes for more than a couple of hours because they were uncomfortable. Furthermore, her toenail would damage her shoes. Her toenail was approximately ¾ of an inch thick. After 1½ weeks of applications, her toenail was thinned down to a normal thickness. Following this, she was able to wear her shoes all day long. 
     From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects herein above set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent to the formulation. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.