Body surface treatment composition and method

A method for killing microorganisms on a mammal skin surface comprising:

• applying a composition that comprises an antimicrobial agent onto the skin surface;
• in the coating, killing or neutralizing microorganisms encountered on the surface and encountered from the environment after the applying step is performed;
• forming a coating layer on the skin surface;
• the composition comprising a humectant and an antimicrobial agent;
• the antimicrobial comprising a monoquaternary ammonium compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;
• the coating layer having antimicrobial cidal or static activity for at least about one hour.

A composition for body surface treatment, the composition comprising:

• about 0.0001%≦C≦about 0.4%;
• about 0.07%≦H≦about 70%;
• optionally an antimicrobial A;
• and
• a therapeutically effective amount of X;
• or
• 0%≦C≦about 0.4%;
• about 55%≦H≦about 70%;
• optionally an antimicrobial A;
• and
• a therapeutically effective amount of X;
• wherein all percentages are by weight of the total composition;
• wherein C is a carbohydrate gum, H is a humectant, A is an antimicrobial, and X is an active agent;
• the active agent being selected from the group consisting of one or more of:
• antacids, probiotics, vitamins, nutraceuticals, silver, anti-oxidants, cold and flu symptom medicaments, anti-prions, immunostimulators, anti-diarrheals, anti-nausea, topical anesthetics, topical analgesics, anti-pruritics (anti-itch), anti-allergen medicaments, topical steroids, decongestants, cough suppressants, burn or sunburn treatments, expectorants, anti-histamines, topical NSAIDs, topical salicylates, hair-regrowth agents, erectile dysfunction treatment agents, topical antibiotics, topical wound care agents, antioxidant agents, hemorrhoid treatment agents, topical antifungal agents, anti-acne agents, sear treatment agents, psoriasis treatment agents, dry scalp treatment agents, anti-dandruff agents, lice killing agents, hair care agents, body odor amelioration agents, antiperspirants, and foot odor amelioration agents.