Abstract: The skin disorder acne, as well as one or more isolated pimples, are treated by applying to the skin, over the skin disorder, a flexible moisture-containing hydrophilic hydrogel patch that includes a backing support such as paper, cloth or plastic and a water-based hydrogel layer applied to the backing. The hydrogel layer comprises a hydrophilic natural or synthetic polymer dispersed in water to provide body and can be a tacky adhesive. The polymer can comprise any high molecular weight hydrophilic carbohydrate such as karaya, cornstarch, or kelp and/or a synthetic hydrophilic polymer such as polyacrylamide or polyacrylic acid. A humectant such as an alcohol containing two or more hydroxyl groups, i.e., a polyhydric alcohol, keeps the adhesive layer moist. A solute such as salt, protein, sugar or an alcohol is dissolved in the water in a quantity sufficient to raise the osmotic pressure enough to maintain the adhesive hydrogel layer in a hypertonic state with respect to the underlying skin tissue.

Abstract: Blisters of the skin are treated by applying to the skin over the blister a flexible moisture-containing hydrophilic hydrogel patch that includes a backing support such as paper, cloth or plastic and a water-based hydrogel layer applied to the backing. The hydrogel layer comprises a hydrophilic natural or synthetic polymer to provide body dispersed in water and can be a tacky adhesive. The polymer can comprise any high molecular weight hydrophilic carbohydrate such as karaya, cornstarch, or a kelp gel and/or a synthetic hydrophilic polymer such as polyacrylamide or polyacrylic acid. A humectant such as a polyhydric alcohol, keeps the gel layer moist. A solute such as salt, protein, sugar or an alcohol is dissolved in the water in a quantity sufficient to raise the osmotic pressure enough to maintain the hydrogel layer in a hypertonic state with respect to the blister.

Abstract: Blisters of the skin are treated by applying to the skin over the blister a flexible moisture-containing hydrophilic hydrogel patch that includes a backing support such as paper, cloth or plastic and a water-based hydrogel layer applied to the backing. The hydrogel layer comprises a hydrophilic natural or synthetic polymer to provide body dispersed in water and can be a tacky adhesive. The polymer can comprise any high molecular weight hydrophilic carbohydrate such as karaya, cornstarch, or a kelp gel and/or a synthetic hydrophilic polymer such as polyacrylamide or polyacrylic acid. A humectant such as a polyhydric alcohol, keeps the gel layer moist. A solute such as salt, protein, sugar or an alcohol is dissolved in the water in a quantity sufficient to raise the osmotic pressure enough to maintain the hydrogel layer in a hypertonic state with respect to the blister.

Abstract: A flexible, liquid-absorbing, adhesive skin reservoir includes a backing element and a substrate attached to the backing element. The substrate comprises a homogeneous, hydrophilic, stable matrix including a solid phase formed of a synthetic polymer and/or a long chain natural or synthetic polysaccharide, or a combination thereof. The liquid phase of the matrix consists of water, hydric alcohol, carbohydrates and/or proteins in an aqueous solution, and/or a combination thereof. The matrix contains a medicament therein for release to the affected areas for local and/or systemic medicinal effect.

Abstract: A flexible, liquid absorbent, adhesive bandage includes a backing element and a substrate attached to the backing element. The substrate comprises a homogeneous, hydrophilic, stable matrix including a solid phase formed of a synthetic polymer, a long chain polysaccharide, or a combination thereof. The liquid phase of the matrix consists of a hydric alcohol, carbohydrates and/or proteins in an aqueous solution, and/or water or a combination thereof. The matrix contains a medicament therein for release to the affected areas.

Abstract: A flexible, liquid absorbent, adhesive bandage includes a backing element and a substrate attached to the backing element. The substrate comprises a homogeneous, hydrophilic, stable matrix including a solid phase formed of a synthetic polymer, a long chain polysaccharide, or a combination thereof. The liquid phase of the matrix consists of a hydric alcohol, carbohydrates or proteins.

Abstract: An improved combination electrode for use in monitoring and stimulation medical applications is provided having an electrical current conductor including a connector plug and a skin-interfacing substrate material, this substrate being a composition including a karaya gum matrix containing an electrically conductive substance.

Abstract: An improved combination electrode for use in monitoring and stimulation medical applications is provided having an electrical current conductor including a connector plug and a skin-interfacing substrate material, this substrate being a composition such as mixture of a natural organic polysaccharide and hydric alcohol having electrically conductive and adhesive properties.

Abstract: An improved combination electrode for use in monitoring and stimulation medical applications is provided having an electrical current conductor including a connector plug and a skin-interfacing substrate material, this substrate being a composition such as mixture of a natural organic polysaccharide and hydric alcohol having electrically conductive and adhesive properties.