Abstract: A method of treating wounds caused by the bites of small insects or jellyfish includes applying a water-based wax emulsion to the wound. When the emulsion dries, it forms a thin, protective film over the wound. Application of the emulsion has been found to provide temporary and immediate relief of pain and/or itching. The protective film shields the wound, and therefore aids in healing. The emulsion can be made of any of a variety of waxes, and the emulsion can be formed with long-chain alcohol or fatty acid soaps, such as oleic acid or triethanolamine, or any other materials that form a water-wax emulsion.

Abstract: A method of detecting gas leaks includes applying a foam to a surface to be tested, and watching for bubbles, or other movement, in the foam. The foam is formed of a liquid having air dispersed in the liquid. The bubbles formed in the presence of a leak are visible to the naked eye, and are different from the tiny bubbles which define the original foam. The foam adheres readily to the surface, and does not run off or drip. Moreover, a relatively small quantity of liquid is needed, because the foam includes mostly air. The method is thus more economical, and more reliable, than leak detecting methods of the prior art.