Skin care weblog

Date: 2 August 2003

Hi List,
I’m on a mission. It’s a simple mission. I want to cure my dog
of dermititus of the ear. Can you help me?

Please ignore the eat treatment problem.

Here’s a sample of my research:

Hi List,

I have a question:
1) What is your risk assessment of the repeated use
of Aluminium Sulfate on external tissue such as an

area where there are repetitive out breaks of
dermatitis in the ears of a pet?

My Bull-Terrier Jake requires his ears and eyes to
be cleaned every day. I noticed that of late Jakes
been having larger than normal production of mucus from
the eyes and itchy ears. I found some sort of white mite
in his ears it could just be dead skin as I haven’t look
under a microscope.

He was in pain so I used "Stingose" to mask
the pain and not only did it kill the mite it gave
him a lot of relief.

What’s the lists opinion of the risk of dermal
toxicology occurring from the repeated use of
Aluminium Sulfate?

Composition:
Aluminium Sulphate 20% in an aqueous solution or gel
containing an anionic surfactant; contains no preservatives.

Actions:
Relieves pain of stings and bites and minimises after
effects of inflammation, swelling. blistering, itching and
allergic reactions, and helps prevent long-term scarring
from stings. Relief is obtained within minutes of application.

Pharmacology:
Virtually all characterised insects and marine venoms are
primarily proteinaceous. The ability of aluminium ions to
precipitate proteins has been well documented. It is
proposed that aqueous solutions of aluminium ions interact
with macromolecules of biologically and botanically produced
venoms or toxins to denature them. This is due to the
aluminium positive electric charge penetrating the
complicated lattice formed by macromolecular substances,
causing changes in structure and subsequent denaturation.
The venoms and toxins are thus converted into harmless entities.

It has been found that the denaturing effect of Al3+ is not
only restricted to proteins, and relief is obtained from
plant stings and toxins of a nonprotein nature. Laboratory
tests have shown aluminium sulfate tightly binds to starch
molecules and hence, carbohydrates can be modified by this
compound.

It is also proposed that part of the effect of the product
is due to an osmotic movement of fluid towards the treated
skin surface owing to the high ionic concentration of Stingose.

Some toxins contain enzymic accelerators, similar to
hyaluronidase; which speed the rate of diffusion of venom
into animal tissues. All enzymes are proteins, and
denaturing by the positively charged aluminium ion inhibits
their action.

Aluminium sulfate, as well as possessing astringent
properties, inhibits the multiplication of bacteria and
reduces the bacterial flora of the skin. (It yields a
bacterial destruction curve similar to that of a 70%
solution of alcohol).

Surfactant is used in the formulation to aid in cleaning the
skin, especially of natural oils or suncream preparations.
It also aids in wetting the skin with active ingredient.
This component enables better penetration and quicker action
of the aluminium sulfate. Photomicrographs found in the
literature show the deep penetration of aluminium salts into
the epidermis. The ability of aluminium sulfate to increase
the permeability of skin had been documented many years
previously after extensive studies on frog skins. Thus,
combination with surfactant enhances the ability of the
aluminium to come into contact with toxins from deeper
stings. However, the nature of the product precludes
activity against venom already systemically absorbed.

Indications:
Helps to minimise the pain, inflammation and itching
associated with stings and bites of most insects and plants.
Including ants, bees, wasps, mosquitoes, sandflies, sea
lice, vines and nettles.

Precautions:
In the event of serious stings or bites, use Stingose as
first aid and seek medical advice as allergic reactions vary
with each individual.

Keep out of eyes.

In patients with proved sensitivity to aluminium salts the
use of Stingose should be reserved for major sting treatment.

Adverse Reactions:
Aluminium sulfate is widely used in other skin preparations
with the rate of dermatological reactions being within
acceptable cosmetic standards. It is known to possess
astringent properties and susceptible individuals may have
limited skin reactions of short duration.

Interactions:
Prior treatment of the affected area with alcohol or
methylated spirits will markedly reduce the effectiveness of
Stingose. Apply directly in all situations.

Stingose will not interfere with the traditional treatments
of stings or bites. Antivenenes are unaffected by prior
application of Stingose. Consequently, other forms of
medication can be used after application of Stingose.

Dosage and Administration:
Apply promptly and liberally to all affected areas. Reapply
if necessary. In case of jellyfish stings, remove tentacles
and reapply. In the case of spikings, a tetanus vaccine may
be necessary and medical advice should be sought.

Pack:
Spray: 25 mL, 100 mL

Gel: 25 g.

Sachet: 10 mL.

No Restriction-Any State and A.C.T.

September 1998

Additional note

Relevant Pharmacy Self Care Fact Card

First Aid in the Home

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