Abstract: A hair brightening process and aqueous hair brightening compositions therefor are disclosed effective for removing discolorations from hair which is undesirably discolored due to chemical processes and environmental exposure or natural aging to provide a substantially more natural tone. The hair brightening compositions of the invention comprise certain hair brightening activating salts and organic colorants as active brightening ingredients which surprisingly remove discoloration without imparting an unnatural tone to the hair. The inventive hair brightening compositions provide a significant improvement over conventional prior-art hydrogen peroxide-based hair brightening compositions in effectiveness, are less damaging to the hair, and more varied in their useful product forms. The invention is also directed to compositions and methods for alkali relaxing and brightening hair, especially naturally gray hair, and single-use kits comprising the inventive hair brightener compositions.

Abstract: A method for protecting previously chemically processed hair fibers from damage during subsequent chemical processing comprising the steps of: (a) applying to the previously processed hair fibers a protectorant composition comprising (i) a sugar; a starch hydrolysate, sorbitol, glycerol, propylene glycol, or a polyol, and (ii) and at least one cationic or non-ionic polar polymer; and thereafter, (b) processing the hair fibers with the same chemical process previously used; and thereafter (c) rinsing the hair for a time sufficient to remove all chemicals from the hair. Also claimed is a composition for protecting previously chemically treated hair and a kit for processing previously processed hair using the compositions of the invention.

Abstract: A conformable, gas and vapor permeable, moisture-absorbing adhesive dressing particularly suitable for use as a skin-protecting covering over and about an intravenous injection site. The dressing includes a thin, stretchable, and conformable base layer of moisture-absorbing skin barrier material having both dry and wet tack and having a generally central site-inspection opening therethrough, and a thin, transparent, and conformable cover layer formed of a gas and vapor permeable polymeric film having an underside coated with a gas and vapor permeable layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive that secures the film to the upper surface of the base layer and to a patient's skin in the area defined by the opening in the base layer. An arrangement of release sheets covers the underside of the dressing, such sheets being formed and folded to facilitate application of the dressing to a wearer.

Abstract: A convex pressure ring assembly, and its combination with an ostomy appliance, for exerting peristomal pressure to cause protrusion of a stoma into the openings of a faceplate and pouch and thereby promote more effective operation of the collection appliance. The pressure ring assembly is applied to the proximal (patient-facing) surface of the faceplate and includes a distal support ring of convex configuration formed of relatively rigid plastic, an intermediate ring of resilient, thermoformable material, and a proximal ring of soft, deformable, moisture-absorbing skin barrier material having both dry and wet tack.

Abstract: An occlusive dressing for care of skin wounds includes a skin contacting barrier layer and an overlying backing layer. The backing layer is formed from a thin sheet which is stretchable, and the barrier layer is formed from a composition having an elastomeric phase integrated by a cross-linked polymer network with a particular water-absorbing hydrocolloid phase dispersed therein.

Abstract: Protective sealing compositions in the form of molded rings or sheets, which comprise gelled mixtures of water-absorbing particulate hydrocolloid gum and non-toxic liquid polyhydroxy alcohol are provided with increased resistance to the drained fluid (viz. urine or intestinal fluids) by incorporating a small amount of fumed silica or colloidal silica gel. By controlling the amount of silica added appreciable reductions in the wet tack and/or dry tack of the composition can be avoided. The compositions can be used with ostomy, wound drainage and incontinence devices.

Abstract: Protective sealing compositions in the form of molded rings or sheets, which comprise gelled mixtures of water-absorbing particulate hydrocolloid gum and non-toxic liquid polyhydroxy alcohol are provided with increased resistance to the drained fluid (viz. urine or intestinal fluids) by incorporating a small amount of colloidal silica. Fumed silica is preferred. By limiting the amount of silica added appreciable reductions in the wet tack and/or dry tack of the composition can be avoided. The compositions can be used with ostomy devices, wound drainage devices, and incontinence devices.

Abstract: Protective adhesive pastes for use with ostomy appliances which are formulated as mixtures of water-absorbing particulate hydrocolloid gums and organic solvent solutions of adhesive film-forming resins are provided with increased resistance to urine and intestinal fluids by incorporating a small amount of colloidal silica, preferably, fumed silica.