Composition, barrier film, and method for preventing contact dermatitis

A dermatologically-compatible barrier film comprising:

• (1) a polysaccharide, said polysaccharide is a nonionic cellulose derivative selected from the group consisting of methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxybutylcellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, methylhydroxypropylcellulose, methylhydroxybutylcellulose, hydroxyethylhydroxypropylcellulose, and ethylhydroxyethylcellulose;
• (2) a low molecular weight, synergistic saccharide, said low molecular weight, synergistic saccharide is selected from the group consisting of a fructose, glucose, mannose, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, corn syrup solids, derivatized monosaccharide, derivatized disaccharide, and derivatized starch hydrolysate,
• said derivatized monosaccharide is selected from the group consisting of ethoxylates of methyl glucoside, propoxylates of methyl glucoside, propoxylates of methyl glucoside distearate, and methyl glucose dioleate,
• said derivatized disaccharide is selected from the group consisting of about 10 mole ethoxylates, about 20 mole ethoxylates, about 10 mole propoxylates, about 20 mole propoxylates,
• said derivatized starch hydrolysate is selected from the group consisting of about 10 mole ethoxylates, about 20 mole ethoxylates, about 10 mole propoxylates, and about 20 mole propoxylates;
• and
• (3) optionally one or more additives.