Abstract: A chemical compound and a method for its use as a topical medication that can reverse the effects of sun-damage, reverse the signs of aging, demonstrate anti-scarring properties and allow for the treatment of acne while still permitting the patient the ability to simultaneously expose the affected area to the sun without damage that includes a combination of curcumin, alcohol, carbomer, diazolidinylurea, additional penetration enhancer—such as alliin, additional agent capable of blocking both UVA and UVB such as pearl powder, anti-inflammatory agent such as aloe vera, water, glycerin and preservative as needed, and an acidifying agent to product the correct pH. Allinin is used as an s-allyl side chain to increase the penetration of curcumin into the cells. Pearl powder is used to block the effects harmful UVA and UVB.

Abstract: A method treating psoriasis and more specifically toward a protocol that involves the use of a specialized curcumin gel composition, the use of topical steroid cream, the avoidance of contact with allergens, and lactose-free diet and treatment of bacterial superinfection with antibiotics and bleach/chlorox baths.

Abstract: A composition and method of applying to skin which has psoriasis a gel that contains curcumin and/or curcuminoids. Prior to applying of the gel to the skin, the affected layer is soaked in one-hundred percent alcohol. The alcohol functions to dissolve the curcumin and/or curcuminoids with the alcohol not only comprising a solvent but functions as a carrier to cause the freshly dissolved (nascent) curcumin to penetrate through the stratum corneum layer of the skin and into the epithelial layer of the skin.

Abstract: The compound curcumin, derived from turmeric, inhibits phosphorylase kinase and, by doing so, exhibits a number of physiological effects related to the control of inflammation and cellular proliferation. However, curcumin is effective only when in solution. Curcumin is almost completely insoluble in water or in oils, but is soluble in alcohols. Accordingly, a method for treating inflammation in a mammal comprising administering curcumin in a solution containing at least one alcohol to a mammal to detectably inhibit the activity of phosphorylase kinase in the blood of the mammal or in a tissue of the mammal. The alcohol is preferably ethanol, 1-propanol, or 2-propanol; most preferably, it is ethanol. Instead of curcumin, a curcumin derivative or curcuminoid can be administered.

Abstract: An improved method of treating psoriasis involves controlling the enhanced proliferation and terminal differentiation of psoriatic epidermis through the activity of epidermal phosphorylase kinase. In general, the method involves contacting psoriatic epidermal cells with a combination of substances affecting the activity of phosphorylase kinase. The combination can be: (1) a calmodulin inhibitor together with a stimulator of cAMP-dependent protein kinase II, (2) a calmodulin inhibitor together with a calcium channel blocker; (3) a stimulator of cAMP-dependent protein kinase II together with a calcium channel blocker; or (4) a calmodulin inhibitor together with a calcium channel blocker and a stimulator of cAMP-dependent protein kinase II. Alternatively, a selective phosphorylase kinase inhibitor such as curcumin can be administered, alone or with an agent such as vitamin D.sub.3 or an analogue thereof, etretinate, diltiazem, or anthralin. The invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A disposable hyperbaric oxygen chamber which is constructed of a flexible, thin-walled, polyethylene plastic bag which is of sufficient size to permit the entry of almost the entire body of an animal, most frequently that of a human, within the bag. The mouth of the bag is pleated so that the pleats can be bunched together into localized bulges to concentrate the volume of oxygen over the area of a wound such as a skin ulcer, lesion or injury. The wall of the bag includes at least one gas supply connector for connecting with a gas supply tube. The wall of the bag also includes a drain connector which is to be connected to a drain tube for removing of accumulated liquid within the internal chamber. The wall of the bag also includes at least one hand access opening which includes a thin-walled tubular glove member with this tubular glove member being locatable exteriorly of the wall of the bag or interiorly of the wall within the internal chamber.

Abstract: A disposable hyperbaric oxygen chamber includes a polyethylene bag which is substantially the length of a patient's leg and which is placed around the entire leg and thigh with the excess bag at the top thereof being folded over the thigh in order to fit snugly thereon without compression. A length of nonstretchable tape seals the top of the bag around the upper thigh just below the inguinal ligament. Another circumferential layer of tape is applied to the top of the bag to attach the same to the patient's pants to prevent displacement of the bag as the patient moves around. In an alternative embodiment, the bag may be preformed into the leg of a pair of disposable shorts to be worn by the patient. Oxygen is fed to the bag through the use of a hose connector secured to the bag. After the bag has been inflated with oxygen, the tubing may be clamped off and removed so that the patient can move about freely.

Abstract: Terminal hair follicles of the human scalp in the anagen phase of growth are distinguished from non-terminal follicles or from terminal follicles in phases of growth other than anagen by the presence of L-fucose on the cell membranes of the infrainfundibular portion of suprabasal keratinocytes of the follicles. L-fucose can be detected by a lectin specific for it. Accordingly, a method for identifying terminal hair follicles in the anagen phase of growth in the human scalp comprises the steps of: (1) contacting the cell membrane of the infrainfundibular portion of suprabasal keratinocytes with a lectin capable of specifically binding L-fucose on the cell membrane of the infrainfundibular portion of the keratinocytes; and (2) identifying terminal hair follicles by determining the lectin bound, the lectin preferentially binding to terminal hair follicles in the anagen phase of growth as opposed to terminal hair follicles in phases of growth other than anagen or non-terminal hair follicles.