Cosmetic and Dermatological Cryotherapy Device

Abstract

A dermatological device for cooling the skin comprised of an ice pack and a heat conductive shield configured to operate as an aseptic separator between said skin and the ice pack and to conduct heat from the skin to the ice pack. This invention is also a method of cooling the skin which comprises cooling an ice pack, placing the ice pack over an aseptic shield and applying the other side of the shield to the skin. Heat flow is controlled by adjusting the contact surface between components within the shield.

Description

[0001]This invention is a divisional continuation of application Ser. No. 12 / 838,397. It claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 233,480 with the title, “Cosmetic and Dermatological Skin Treatment Device” filed on Aug. 12, 2009 and which is hereby incorporated by reference. Applicant claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. Par 119(e)(i). The present invention relates to cosmetic and dermatological devices and methods. More specifically it is concerned with the application of cold temperatures to the skin for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes, for example for the treatment of swelling and redness as is found in, but not limited to, acne.[0002]U.S. Pat. No. 4,378,025 by Bontemps R. Gaston and U.S. Pat. No. 3,168,895 by Motoharu Okuhara are also incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTIONBackground[0003]Acne vulgaris is a common dermatologic disorder with a high prevalence in teenagers and young adults, and especially in women. It consists of both inflammatory and n...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a way to minimize heat transfer in a device by tapering the thickness of a tube and covering it with a thermal insulating layer. This helps to protect the device from excessive heat and minimizes heat flow when it is not in use. The front of the tube can also be covered with a thermally insulating cap to further reduce heat flow.

Problems solved by technology

Moderate cold temperature has been shown to cause localized vasoconstriction, decreased cellular permeability, decreased cellular metabolism, and to decelerate bacterial replication.

Bontemps' invention, however, poses a risk to the user.

If the blocks of cosmetics are frozen in a conventional household freezer, they may become contaminated with microorganisms from the freezer environment, which may infect the very sores that the user is treating.

In addition, if the blocks are returned to the freezer after use, they may transfer organisms from the user to the food stored in the freezer.

In addition, since these frozen blocks cannot be easily cleaned after being applied to one sore, they may promote the transfer of microorganisms from one place on the skin to a different place or from one person to another.

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