Patent ID: 7601360

Claim:
A method for treating dysaesthesic sensations of sensitive skin or scalp in an individual, where said dysaesthesic sensations result only from at least one factor or challenge selected from the group consisting of: rubbing, shaving, soap, surfactants, hard water having a high calcium concentration, temperature variations, wool, foods, the wind, the environment and emotions, said method comprising: decreasing the release, synthesis or binding of an aspartate or glutamate excitatory amino acid by nerve fibers in the epidermis or dermis of said individual having sensitive skin or scalp by topically applying to said sensitive skin or scalp of said individual, a cosmetic or dermatological composition comprising at least one inhibitor of said aspartate or glutamate excitatory amino acid selected from the group consisting of memantine, (±)-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid, (±)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid, (±)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid, D-γ-glutamylaminomethanesulfonic acid, 1,2,3,6,7,8-hexahydro-3-(hydroxyamino)-N,N,7-trimethyl-2-oxobenzo[2,1-b:3,4-c']dipyrrole-5-sulfonamide hydrochloride (NS 257, HC1), aniracetam, riluzole, and mixtures thereof in an amount effective to treat dysaesthesic sensations of said sensitive skin or scalp, formulated into a physiologically acceptable medium therefor wherein said sensitive skin is determined to be sensitive by applying 0.05 ml of a cream containing 0.075% capsaicin to about 4 cm 2 of skin and said application of capsaicin results in the appearance of subjective signs caused by this application, such as stinging, burning and itching, where these signs appear between 3 and 20 minutes after topical application and are followed by the appearance of an erythema which begins at the periphery of the zone of application.