Stable sulfide compositions, uses, and process for preparation thereof
AssigneeSchering-Plough Healthcare Products, Inc.
InventorsJoseph A. Haslwanter, Gerald R. Dever, Thomas J. Laughlin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Stable sulfide-containing compositions have been developed. The stable sulfide-containing composition comprises a) a sulfide, a polysulfide or mixtures thereof, of an alkali or an alkaline earth metal, and b) a carrier, such that after maintaining the sulfide-containing composition at a temperature of about 37.degree. to about 50.degree. Celsius for about 2 weeks to one month, the sulfide content remaining in the sulfide-containing composition is about 90% or greater of the initial sulfide content. The sulfide-containing compositions can be used for relieving the pain of ingrown toenail by softening the nail, or as a depilatory for removing human hair or hair from animal hides.
Claims16
A method for softening nails or for treating ingrown toenail, comprising contacting the nail with a stable sulfide-containing composition containing an inert atmosphere comprising:
- a) a sulfide, a polysulfide or mixtures thereof, of an alkali or an alkaline earth metal;
- and
- b) a carrier containing water, such that after maintaining the sulfide-containing composition at a temperature of about 37.degree. to about 50.degree. Celsius for about 2 weeks to one month, the sulfide content remaining in the sulfide-containing composition is about 90% to about 100% of the initial sulfide content;
- for a time effective to soften the nail, and optionally, trimming the nail or ingrown toenail.
A process for preparing a stable sulfide-containing composition containing an inert atmosphere comprising,
- a) initially treating water, by removing entrapped and dissolved gases therein that can decompose the sulfide;
- or alternatively, using treated water in which entrapped and dissolved gases have been removed that can decompose the sulfide;
- b) followed by dispersing an inert gas into said treated water to replace said entrapped and dissolved gases;
- and
- c) subsequently adding the sulfide and the carrier to the water prepared as in step b).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.