The present invention relates to a skin priming device for use in preparing the skin prior to topical application of an ointment, cream or the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a skin priming device for use by psoriasis sufferers and a skin priming kit comprising the device.

Psoriasis occurs when the usual cycle of replacing skin cells is accelerated. While psoriasis presents itself as a skin condition, in recent years it has been established that its origins lie in the immune system. Normally skin cells take about 21 -28 days to replace themselves, but in psoriasis sufferers the skin cells can be replaced as rapidly as every 2-6 days. This acceleration results in an accumulation of skin cells on the skin surface, often referred to as psoriasis plaque. Patches of psoriasis, or plaques, can occur more or less anywhere on the body, commonly on the elbows, knees and lower back. Typically, it appears as patches of raised, red skin covered in silvery white scales. The scales are the accumulation of skin cells that are waiting to be shed and the red patches occur as a result of an increase in the number of blood vessels necessary to support the raised volume of cell production.

Frequently, plaques are itchy and uncomfortable, or worse painful or sore and a range of treatments are available to alleviate the condition. Treatment options include topical therapies, phototherapy, systemic medication and biological injections. Treatment is selected according to the severity of the condition, but in most cases topical therapies are preferred, at least at the outset as they carry lower risks and are more convenient for the patient.

For many psoriasis sufferers, topical therapies, that is treatments that are applied directly to the skin, are sufficient to keep the condition under control. Conventional topical preparations include vitamin D creams and ointments, coal tar creams and ointments, dithranol creams, vitamin A gels and steroid creams.

Keeping the skin moisturized is also helpful and sometimes the use of emollients is enough to alleviate mild psoriasis symptoms. Exfoliation of the affected skin as part of the overall skin care regime has been observed to help in some instances. For example, removing plaque by exfoliation means that the topical treatments can be applied directly to the epidermis rather than to the loose scales or plaque lying on the surface. Also, gentle friction applied during exfoliation has the benefit of providing a soothing effect.

Typically, exfoliation is performed in the shower or bath using a washcloth or loofah. However, there is a risk of these items trapping exfoliated skin which, even if rinsed out afterwards, may retain some plaque. Thus the Applicant has identified a need for a convenient and hygienic means for priming or conditioning the skin of a psoriasis sufferer in preparation for the application of topical medication.

From a first aspect, the present invention resides in a skin priming device for use in the management of psoriasis, the device comprising:

a massaging head; and

a handle extending from the rear of the massaging head including a grip portion adjacent the massaging head;

wherein the massaging head includes a plurality of projections disposed on a massaging face thereof and the grip portion of the handle has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the head thereby to create a rim substantially behind the massaging face and against which a user may exert fingertip pressure for massaging the skin with the projections and loosening or removing plaque.

By means of the present invention, a psoriasis sufferer may prepare his/her skin prior to application of any ointments, creams or the like, by gently massaging the skin using the skin priming device, for example in the bath or shower, to loosen and remove loose plaque.

Advantageously, the projections provided on the massaging face are made of resilient material, preferably an elastomeric material, such as a natural or synthetic rubber or silicone. While still able to retain its shape, employing an elastomeric or rubbery material provides a soft, comfortable feeling for the user and the risk of breaking the skin using a massaging action is substantially reduced or eliminated. More preferably, both the massaging face and projections thereon are comprised of a resilient material, further assuring a gentle massaging action on the skin and improving comfort for the user. The massaging face and projections are preferably formed from the same elastomeric material, such as by moulding.

Since the device is intended for daily use, it is particularly preferred that the elastomeric material be a biocompatible material, such as a biocompatible silicone rubber, polyurethane elastomer or anti-microbial polymer.

The projections provided on the massaging face of the device head may comprise a variety of shapes and forms. For example, the projections may be in the form of a series of substantially parallel, elongate ribs. Any such ribs are desirably stiff or self- supporting, but with a degree of flexibility such as would be present if made of resilient and/or elastomeric material.

More preferably, the projections comprise a plurality of spaced apart, discrete protrusions, such as convex, cylindrical or inverted conical protrusions, or combinations thereof. It is particularly preferred that the projections have smooth contours, at least at their extremities. Thus, the tips of cylindrical or conical protrusions are preferably truncated, more preferably rounded off. The number and/or density of projections, and their height, on the massaging face may vary and be selected to provide a balance between, for example, the comfort of the user, effectiveness in loosening and removing plaque and ease of cleaning. Typically, the projections may extend above the base surface of the massaging face by from about 2 to about 5mm, or more. Shorter or longer projections may be desirable when the massager is intended for use on specific areas of the body.

Ideally, the spacing is such as to permit a user to run his/her fingertips between the projections and over the surface of the massaging face for the purpose of ensuring that all detritus is removed, such as when rinsing the device in the bath or shower. Typically, the tips of the projections may be spaced about 5 to about 10 mm apart.

The number of projections also depends on the size of the massaging head and massaging face. In this regard, the device can be provided in a range of sizes according to the needs of the user. Where psoriasis occurs in large patches or in easily accessible parts of the body, the massage head can be proportionately larger than one for use on parts that are less accessible or where the skin is folded or creased. Since the extent, location and severity of psoriasis can vary considerably, even within relatively short periods of time, a massaging head of a specific size with a fixed arrangement of projections might not always be the most suitable for use by a patient at a particular point in time. Hence, it is preferred that the massaging head of the skin priming device be interchangeable with a range of different massaging heads. In this way, a particular massaging head may be swapped for a different massaging head having, say, a different head size or differently spaced and/or shaped projections. Thus a user can select which massaging head of a range of massaging heads to combine with the handle to achieve the most appropriate solution for the skin condition prevailing at the time.

To assist a massaging motion, the massaging face on the or each massaging head is preferably convex, ideally with a relatively gentle radius of curvature, which enables a user to apply a rocking motion to the massaging head on the skin. A convex massaging face also contributes to ease of cleaning by making it easier to release any loosened plaque on the surface, especially during rinsing of the device in water.

The or each massaging head may comprise a generally circular or elliptical skin contacting surface that includes the massaging face and which is desirably provided with rounded edges for improving the comfort of the user, particularly to avoid any risk of the massaging head cutting into or abrading already inflamed and sore skin. Smooth contours also contribute to hygiene in that cleaning of the head and device as a whole becomes easier.

The skin contacting surface may include a profiled portion that narrows towards an apex or tip to allow the device to be used not only over larger body areas but also in smaller, more awkward areas such as around the nose or behind the ear. Massaging may not be possible or practical where the psoriasis occurs in skin creases, such as at the side of the nose or on an ear lobe. For this reason, the device of the present invention may further comprise a scraper, extending laterally from the skin contacting surface of the massaging head adjacent to the massaging face. The scraper is preferably in the form of a rib having a rounded edge that acts as a blade for scraping against the skin to dislodge or remove loose plaque. Again, for comfort, the scraper is preferably also made of an elastomeric material, such as rubber. While the scraper may extend around the entire circumference of the massaging head, it is preferred that the scraper extends around only a portion of its circumference, such as around about half of its circumference. Where the skin contacting surface narrows to an apex as described above, it is particularly preferred that the scraper extends around the apex portion.

From another aspect, the invention may reside in a skin priming kit comprising a skin priming device as hereinbefore described and a plectrum-like accessory (hereinafter a plectrum) for scraping loose plaque from the skin. In particular, the plectrum acts as a "soft pick" which may be used to prepare the skin in small, hard to reach areas of the body. As will be understood, the plectrum comprises a substantially flat tool, with smooth, rounded edges, preferably having a substantially triangular or tear-drop shape.

Preferably, the plectrum comprises a first scraping edge of softer, flexible material for applying a gentle scraping action against the skin and a second scraping edge of harder, more rigid material for applying a more abrasive action against the skin. More preferably, the softer, flexible edge extends across an apex of the plectrum.

Advantageously, the plectrum is of dual-material construction to provide the contrasting first and second scraping edges. Such a construction may, for example, be manufactured in a two-shot moulding process, or the first and second components can be formed separately and joined together, such as by sonic welding, adhesion or snap-fitting, thereafter. To enhance flexibility, the first, flexible portion may comprise a hollow channel extending parallel with and adjacent to the scraping edge or in the region of an apex.

Advantageously, the portion of the plectrum made from the more rigid material extends sufficiently for a user to hold this portion between his thumb and finger(s) when the device is being used. This enables a user to have a better feel for the pressure being applied by the plectrum when being used to loosen and/or remove skin plaque. The handle of the device may extend from the rear of the massaging head at an inclined angle with respect to the massaging face. It is however preferred that the handle extend substantially vertically with respect to the massaging face since this makes it easier for a user to apply a more direct, controlled pressure to the skin area being treated.

In one arrangement, the handle may terminate in a bulbous portion for cupping in the palm of a user such that the user's fingers can extend around the bulbous portion with the fingertips grasping the grip portion at the same time as applying massaging pressure to the rim behind the massaging face. The bulbous portion ideally has smooth, rounded contours, again with the aim of improving comfort of the user and aiding hygiene by maintaining an easy to clean profile.

As will be understood, the present device is desirably for use in the bath or shower and, by virtue of having smooth, rounded contours, is potentially slippery to hold when used in conjunction with bathing products such as soaps, oils and the like. Having the handle terminate in a bulbous portion helps prevent the device slipping from the grasp of user. Alternatively, or more preferably in addition thereto, at least a part of the handle has a textured surface to assist the user in holding the device firmly in use. The textured surface may comprise one or more depressions (or scooped portions) in the surface of the handle, most preferably two depressions one on each of opposing sides of the handle, such as would be engaged by the thumb and opposing finger(s) of the user. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the textured surface may, for example, comprise a raised pattern in the material of the handle, such as may be formed during a moulding process, or may comprise a material having a non-slip texture, such as a rubber or the like. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the massaging face with projections and the textured portion of the handle are formed from the same material, most preferably from an elastomeric material, such as a synthetic or natural rubber. In this way, the device is not only comfortable when massaged on the skin but has a cushioned, substantially non-slip grip making the device a pleasure to use.

Since the device may be used in a bathing situation, it is desirable that the device be waterproof. Any ingress of water is likely to lead to growth of mould in the device and hence present a potential health risk when the device is brought into contact with skin that is already in a compromised condition.

One option for ensuring the device is waterproof is to provide a unitary device, such as one formed by moulding as a single piece, either in a one-shot moulding process or multi-shot moulding process. More preferably, the device may comprise a self-skin moulding, such as may be formed by mixing together two components in a mould (or just prior to pouring into a mould) and allowing the components to cure, at least partially, before removing from the mould. Self-skin foams are particularly preferred since they exhibit a high-density skin (hence are waterproof) and a low-density core (making the device lightweight), polyurethane foam being especially preferred. Self- skin foams also exhibit a resilient property desirable in the projections on the massaging face. One piece rubber mouldings are also suitable. Alternatively, the handle and at least a part of the massaging head may comprise moulded elements that are sonically welded, glued or snapped together to provide a waterproof device. The massaging face may then be overmoulded to retain the waterproof properties of the device. In the latter case, the massaging face may be extended around the perimeter of the massaging head, hence ensuring continuity in the surface that a user is exposed to under a massaging action.

Overmoulding may be performed by means of a two-shot or multi-shot moulding process. Such a technique is particularly preferred when the massaging face and/or the textured portion of the handle is formed from a different material than the remainder of the device, or when differently coloured material is used. Overmoulding results in a "seamless" finish between the various elements which, as well as being attractive, is perceived also as being hygienic.

It is however preferred that the handle and massaging head are separable to allow interchange of one massaging head for another, different massaging head. The handle and massaging head may therefore include complementary engaging features to allow exchange of the massaging head. Engaging features may include but are not limited to complementary screw threads, bayonet fittings, snap and resilient fittings.

For example, the handle may comprise a flange or lip over which a complementary recess or channel in the massaging head fits. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the massaging head comprises an elastomeric boot for engagement with the handle. Preferably the handle includes a flange extending laterally around its perimeter over which the elastomeric boot that is the massaging head may be fitted. The elastomeric boot is provided with an internal recess around its circumference for accommodating the handle flange. By virtue of being elastomeric, the massaging head may be stretched to fit over the flange of the handle and is retained thereon once released. One massaging head may be readily exchanged for another by prising off the head currently fitted from the handle and replacing. When a user wishes to deploy the device over a relatively inaccessible portion of the body, such as on his/her back, a short, ergonomic handle such as described above may not allow the user easily to reach the affected area. Accordingly, the handle of the device may also be interchangeable with one or more different handles. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the skin priming device may be provided with a detachable extension to the handle. Such an extension may have engaging means for securely engaging with the handle, for example, the extension piece and handle may simply engage by a friction fit or a snap fit, or by means of cooperating components such as in a bayonet or screw fitting.

The handle of the device may comprise a detachable end cap which can be detached and replaced with an extension to extend the effective length of the handle, and the distal end of the extension may be configured to receive the detached end cap. For example, the extension may simply comprise a tube having an internal or external screw thread at either end to co-operate with complementary threads on the handle and end cap.

Again, to provide a secure grip for the user, the extension may be provided externally with a textured surface, preferably in the form of a pattern or material matching that of any texture provided on the handle or end cap.

In an alternative arrangement, the handle may comprise a reservoir for topical medicament, such as an ointment or other such semi-solid or flowable preparation, and the massaging head may comprise an aperture through which medicament from the reservoir is dispensed. The aperture is preferably provided in the massaging face. In this way, the skin priming device may also be used to apply ointment to the scalp or other skin areas at the same time as the skin is massaged by the projections. The handle may comprise a hollow tube that is charged with medicament, preferably the medicament is provided in a cartridge that is inserted in the handle, such as through an open, distal end of the handle. Once inserted, the open end of the handle may be closed by an end cap which may also serve to secure the cartridge in position within the handle. Desirably, the cartridge has a dispensing end that is in fluid communication with the aperture in the massaging head. Alternatively, a cartridge charged with medicament may serve as the handle, the cartridge having interengaging features for securing the cartridge to the massaging head or to a range of massaging heads, according to the needs of the user. Irrespective of whether the cartridge forms the handle or is enclosed within the handle, it remains preferable that the device is watertight so that a user may still take the device into the bath or shower to prime his or her skin prior to application of medicament.

The handle, or the cartridge, may be provided with a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a dose of medicament through the aperture and onto the massaging head. For example, the handle or cartridge may be provided with an actuator, such as a dial or a trigger mechanism, and a piston whereby movement of the actuator (rotation of the dial or operation of the trigger) advances the piston through the handle or cartridge. Typically, in the case of a dial arrangement, such a dispensing mechanism may also include a drive rod along which the piston is advanced. The drive rod may be threaded so that one revolution of the dial dispenses a suitable dose of medicament. As will be appreciated, if the drive rod is uniformly threaded, each revolution of the dial results in a repeatable dose of medicament being dispensed. Equally, each operation of the trigger results in a predictable dose of medicament being dispensed.

When the medicament is supplied in the form of a charged cartridge, the massaging head preferably comprises a cartridge port into which a dispensing end of the cartridge is inserted. The cartridge port is fluidly connected to the aperture in the massaging head, thereby providing a flow path for the medicament dispensed from the applicator to the massaging head.

To ensure that the skin priming device may be maintained in a hygienic condition, and to ensure that any medicament in the device is not overexposed to the atmosphere, which may cause deterioration in the formulation, the massaging head preferably comprises a seal for closing the aperture when not dispensing. For example, the aperture may be sealed by a valve, such as a silicone slit valve or a poppet valve. Moreover, the device may comprise a valve switch for opening and/or closing of the valve. In this way, a user of the skin priming device may choose whether or not to dispense medicament during a massaging session. It is therefore possible for a user initially to use the device with the valve in a closed position so as to prepare the skin and, once the skin has been sufficiently primed, the valve can then be opened to allow medicament to be dispensed and massaged into the skin.

Whether acting as the handle, or merely inserted within the handle, it is of course preferred that the cartridge be replaceable. Hygienic storage of the device is also an important factor for users, particularly to ensure that the skin contacting part of the device, namely the massaging face with projections, and preferably the scraper and/or plectrum too if these are included, be protected from potential external contaminants. It is also desirable that the projections be protected from damage when the device is not being used, or during transit or travelling, especially since these projections may comprise a soft, elastomeric material that could break if roughly handled. Accordingly, the device according to the present invention is preferably provided with a cover that attaches to the device and protects at least the projections of the massaging face. More preferably, the cover is adapted to house the plectrum, for example, the cover may comprise a internal ridge on which the plectrum may rest. Alternatively, the cover may be provided internally with a groove into which the edges of the plectrum are fitted and retained.

Again, bearing in mind that the device may still be wet when a user wishes to put it away, the cover is preferably vented to allow moisture to escape and the device to dry out after use. Ideally, the cover also acts as a stand or base for the device, thereby to allow a user to rest the device on a surface when not in use. While the massaging face of the device is desirably convex, the cover most preferably has a substantially level or flat base to permit the device to rest in a stationary, non-rocking position.

In its simplest form, the cover may comprise a stand in which the device sits when not in use. However, it is preferred that the cover clips on to the massaging head or otherwise fits with the same by engagement or by friction thereby enabling the device and cover to remain securely together during transit, more preferably also providing a dual function as a stand. In this way, a user can travel with the device knowing that it is packed in a safe and hygienic manner. In order to minimise storage space, the cover ideally permits the device to be stood with the handle, or cartridge acting as the handle as the case may be, extending in a substantially vertical orientation. Thus, for example, when the handle extends at an inclined angle with respect to the massaging head as is preferred, the massaging head will rest in the cover or stand at an angle inclined to the storage surface below. In this way, the footprint of the device is minimised for storage.

Since a user may only remember to use the device once in the bath or shower, it may be helpful to provide a tab or other such aid to enable a user with wet hands more easily to grip and remove the cover.

Any cover is preferably made of a resilient material to permit a degree of deformity and allow it to be "expanded" or otherwise deformed to fit around the massaging head of the device.

It is also possible to provide a clip-on holder for the device for storage purposes, or for keeping the device handy in the shower or adjacent the bath. For example, the clip-on holder may comprise a pair of arms for engaging either side of the device (such as in the region of the grip portion below the bulbous head portion) and a sucker for attaching the holder to a tiled or mirrored wall or cupboard in the bathroom.

For many people, psoriasis is a source of embarrassment and hence it is important that devices in accordance with the present invention are sufficiently compact to store easily and inconspicuously in a bathroom cupboard or washbag.

It will be appreciated that the present invention offers a waterproof, easy to clean unit having a texture that helps scrub plaque and prepare the skin prior to application of emollient, creams or ointments. Moreover, the device is able to convey the appearance of a cosmetic rather than a medical product, encouraging acceptability among users. Aside from ease of use and an attractive non-medical appearance, the device is able to enhance the efficacy of topical psoriasis treatments by gently preparing the skin prior to application. As described hereinabove, the present invention may be adapted also to dispense medicament. The present invention also resides in a skin priming kit comprising a skin priming device as hereinbefore described. The skin priming kit may further comprise one or more of the following components as also described hereinbefore, namely one or more further massaging heads having different projections with or without dispensing apertures, a handle extension, a plectrum, a massaging head cover or stand, and a clip-on holder. The skin priming kit may also include one or more replaceable cartridges charged with medicament.

From another aspect, the invention also resides in a method of priming skin for topical treatment, the method comprising massaging the skin in the presence of water by the application of a massaging pressure from a plurality of resilient, spaced apart projections disposed on a resilient surface of a hand-held massaging device.

While the present invention has been described in relation to use by psoriasis sufferers, it will be understood that the device may have uses in preparing the skin for other treatments, or indeed simply for massage therapy alone.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompany drawings in which:

Figure 1 A is a perspective view of the underside of a skin priming device according to a first aspect of the invention;

Figure 1 B is a side view of the device of Figure 1 A;

Figure 1 C is an underside view of the device of Figure 1 A;

Figure 2A is a perspective view of the underside of a skin priming device with a blade according to a second aspect of the invention;

Figure 2B is side view of the device of Figure 2A;

Figure 2C is an underside view of the device of Figure 2A; Figure 3A is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 with a first alternative massaging face; Figure 3B is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 having a second alternative massaging face;

Figure 3C is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 having a third alternative massaging face;

Figure 4 is a view of the device of Figure 1 being held by a user;

Figure 5 is a view of a skin priming device according to a further aspect of the invention;

Figure 6A is a view of the skin priming device of Figure 1 in combination with a first stand therefore; Figure 6B is a view of the device of Figure 1 in combination with a modified stand; Figure 7 is a view of the device of Figure 1 in combination with a device holder; Figure 8A is a cross-section of a device similar to that shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 8B is an exploded view of the components of the device of Figure 8A;

Figure 9A is a plan view of a plectrum in accordance with a further aspect of the invention;

Figure 9B is a plan view of an alternative plectrum to that shown in Figure 9B;

Figure 9C is a cross-section through the plectrum of Figure 9B; Figure 10 is an exploded view of a skin priming kit in accordance with a further aspect of the invention;

Figure 1 1 is a view of a partially assembled skin priming device according to a yet further aspect of the invention;

Figure 12a is cross-section through the device of Figure 1 1 ; and Figure 12b is a cross-section through the fully assembled device of Figure 1 1.

Referring to Figures 1A to 1 C, there is shown a skin priming device 10 in accordance with a first aspect of the invention. The device includes massaging head 12 in the form of an elastomeric boot having a gently convex, elastomeric massaging face 14. The massaging face 14 includes a plurality of truncated inverted conical massaging projections 16. The massaging head 12 has a rounded edge 18 ensuring a smooth surface for contacting the skin of a user. The massaging head 12 is removably fitted on a handle 20 having grip portion 22 adjacent the head, the grip portion being of smaller diameter than the head to create a rim 24 around the grip portion. Beyond the grip portion 22 the handle is bulbous, having a rounded profile at its distal end to enable it to rest comfortably against the palm of a user.

The device of Figures 1A to 1 C could alternatively be formed by moulding, with the elastomeric massaging face 14 overmoulded on the prior-formed handle 20 and massaging head body. However, such a device does not have the advantage of the massaging head being interchangeable.

In Figures 2A to 2C, the skin priming device further includes a scraper in the form of a laterally extending blade 22 extending around a portion of the massaging head 12. The blade 22 is formed integrally as part of the elastomeric boot. Figures 3A to 3C show the skin priming device 10 of Figures 1A to 1 C fitted with different massaging heads 12a, 12b, 12c, each having a differently profiled massaging face 14a, 14b, 14c. Specifically, in Figure 3A, the projections comprise a series of cylindrical protrusions 16a, the tips of which are rounded off; in Figure 3B the projections comprise substantially parallel, elongate ribs 16b, the edges of which are also rounded off; and in Figure 3C the projections comprise a series of convex nodules or protrusions 16c arranged over the convex face.

Figure 4 shows how a person would hold the device 10 in use. In particular, the user's fingers wrap around the grip portion 22 with the bulbous end portion of the handle resting against the user's palm. Owing to the reduced diameter of the grip portion, the user's fingers can apply pressure to the rear of the massaging head 12 to provide a massaging action when the device is contacted with the skin. Figure 5 shows a skin priming device 10 which has a different handle 20a. Specifically, handle 20a extends and an inclined angle with respect to massaging head 12 and terminates in an end cap 26 which is detachable from the main stem of the handle to allow insertion of an extension piece (not shown) for extending the length of the handle to allow a user more easily to reach his/her back. The end cap 26 can be attached to the distal end of the extension piece for storage and for ensuring the handle remains waterproof. For storage, the device may by provided with a cover in the form of a stand 30 as shown in Figure 6A. The cover 30 has a substantially flat base underneath a cup portion 32 in which the massaging head 12 sits. Since the massaging head 12 has a convex massaging face that would rock if placed directly on a level surface, the flat base provides stability. The cup portion 32 fits closely around the massaging head 12 to exclude dust and dirt and maintain the device 10 in a hygienic condition ready for use. A grip portion 34 extends laterally from one side of the cover 30 for a user to grasp to aid removal of the cover from the massaging head 12.

Figure 6B shows an alternative cover 30a for the device 10. The cover 30a is shaped to provide a resilient, friction-fit around the massaging head 12 of the device 10 and as such is particularly suitable when the device is going to be stored in a washbag or the like, such as when the user is travelling or if he/she prefers not wish to store the device in a bathroom cabinet. To assist the user in removing the cover 30a from the massaging head, the cover is provided with a tab 34a. When the tab 34a is gripped by one hand and the other hand used to grip the handle 20, removal of the cover 30a can be easily achieved.

As well as the option of a cover for storing the device 10 , a user may wish to hang the device on the wall of the shower or adjacent the bath, ready for use. To this end, Figure 7 illustrates a clip-on holder 40 having a suction sucker 42 for attaching by suction to a tiled wall or the like and a pair of resilient, curved arms 44a, 44b that can be forced open during insertion of the device 10 and closed together around the grip portion 22 once inserted. Skin priming devices according to the invention can be made in a number of ways. As an example, Figures 8A and 8B show respectively a cross-section and exploded view of a device 10 made from injection moulded sections A, B, each section having two pairs of internal ribs which, when sections A and B are brought together, inter- engage to hold the sections A, B together to form the handle 20. Sections A and B are sonically welded to ensure a watertight seam where the sections join. Each section has a flange 46a, 46b which, when sections A and B are joined, runs continuously around the handle. Massaging head C, in the form of an elastomeric boot having a plurality of truncated conical projections 16, is fitted by stretching over the handle flange 46a, 46b and is retained thereon.

Figure 9A shows a plectrum scraping tool 50 of substantially triangular shape having a first portion 52 made of a relatively soft, flexible material and extending across the apex and a second portion 54 of a harder, more rigid material. The plectrum 50 has rounded edges and corners to prevent damage to the skin when in use.

Figures 9B and 9C show a plectrum scraping tool 50a having a substantially teardrop shape, again with first portion made 52a of a relatively soft, flexible material extending across the apex and a second portion 54a of a harder, more rigid material. The first portion 52a includes a hollow section 56 adjacent the apex to enhance flexibility in this region. Figure 10 shows a skin priming kit including a skin priming device 10 of the type illustrated in Figures 1A to 1 C, together a dual-material plectrum 50 and a cover 30a. The cover 30a has an internal ledge 60 to support the plectrum where the latter is stored when not in use. Figure 1 1 shows a skin priming device 10 in accordance with a yet further embodiment of the invention. The device 10 includes massaging head 12 having a plurality of cylindrical protrusions 16 arranged over the massaging face 14. An aperture 70 in the massaging face 14 is sealed by a slit valve 72. The handle 20 is hollow and houses a cartridge 80 charged with ointment 82. The cartridge includes a piston 84 which is driven along a threaded drive rod 86 by dial member 90 which also acts as an end cap for the handle 20. A splined projection 92 inside the end cap 90 engages a hollow end portion 94 of the drive rod 86 so that rotation of the dial member 90 advances the piston 84 along the drive rod, thus forcing ointment out through a dispensing end 96 of the cartridge 80 and out through the slit valve 72 in the massaging face 14. Thus a user is able not only to prime the skin or scalp in preparation for topical application of medicament but is also able to apply the medicament using the same device. While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, instead of an extension piece to increase the length of the handle, the handle of the device may be telescopic. Thus, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims.