Methods and compositions for treating dermatoses

#Field of the Invention

#This invention is directed to methods and compositions for treating active dermatoses (e.g., dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema).

#Specifically, in one aspect, this invention is directed to methods for forming in situ a coherent polymeric film over the active dermatosis by topical application of a polymerizable cyanoacrylate ester composition to the affected skin areas and subsequent polymerization of the composition. The coherent polymeric film acts as an occlusion layer over the affected skin areas. Preferably, the polymerizable cyanoacrylate ester composition comprises a corticosteroid which is released from the polymeric film in therapeutically effective amount.

#This example examines the compatibility of a corticosteroid agent in a cyanoacrylate ester composition. In particular, the composition employed monomeric n-butyl cyanoacrylate containing 100 ppm sulfur dioxide and 20 weight percent of dioctyl phthalate absent the corticosteroid. Five (5) weight percent of hydrocortisone (Aldrich), based on the total weight of the composition, was added thereto and the properties of the resulting composition evaluated.

#The evaluation included assessing whether the corticosteroid was soluble or suspendable in the composition; whether the resulting composition cured upon contact with skin; whether curing provided for a polymeric film in situ on the skin; whether the polymeric film was flexible and durable. Solubility and suspendability were determined by conventional standards (visual observation). The ability of the resulting composition to cure in situ upon application to skin was measured by applying the cyanoacrylate ester composition onto the upper arm of a male human subject and determining whether polymerization proceeded (up to 5 minutes) and, if so, the time required for polymerization. Film forming capabilities on the skin were assessed by visual evaluation. Durability was assessed by determining whether the film was retained on the skin surface for at least 24 hours and flexibility was measured by the ability of the film to be retained on the skin without cracking or peeling for at least 24 hours. The results of this evaluation are summarized in Table I below:

#TABLE I ______________________________________ Film Corticosteroid Conc. Soluble Curable Formed Flex. Dur. ______________________________________ Hydro- 5% Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes cortisone ______________________________________