Patent · US Expired

Method of iontophoretically treating acne, furuncles and like skin disorders

US4979938A · kind A · utility

113Cited by
3References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 11, 1989
Grant dateDec 25, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 11, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61N1/30
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method is disclosed for treating acne, boils and similar skin disorders which are characterized by closed, blocked channels in the epidermis of the skin. The method comprises applying an applicator electrode on the skin of the person to be treated; providing a relatively small amount of water containing dissolved ions in contact with the applicator electrode and the affected tissue; applying a dispersive electrode on the skin of the person to be treated; applying a voltage differential to the applicator and dispersive electrodes such that the applicator electrode has a negative charge and the dispersive electrode has a positive charge; producing hydroxyl ions at the applicator electrode to develop a strongly alkaline solution therein, and driving the ions down the channels of the affected tissue by iontophoresis; continuing the application of the voltage differential to the applicator and dispersive electrodes for a time sufficient to disrupt the blockage of the channels in the affected tissue and to establish drainage from the channels.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.