USPTO Application #: 20050238597
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the search for a safe and effective sebossuppressive agent that could be used topically, applicants screened a number of classes of pharmaceuticals that are commonly in use for various pharmacological activities, including topical antihistamines. Antihistamine drugs or H-1 antagonists are not known to have any effect on the sebaceous gland or the production of sebum.

[0004] Applicants have discovered that certain topical antihistamine preparations typically sold over the counter and used to relieve itching, in particular, diphenhydramine hydrochloride [1-2%] and tripelennamine hydrochloride [0.5-2.0%], when used in various formulations, can be used to reduce generation of sebum, and moreover, once sebum is reduced, subsequent treatment of acne, seborrhea or dermatitis by known conventional methods is more effective and less objectionable to patients so treated.