Urea, also known as carbamide-containing cream, is used as a medication and applied to the skin to treat dryness and itching such as may occur in psoriasis,

dermatitis Dermatitis is a term used for different types of skin inflammation, typically characterized by itchiness, redness and a rash. In cases of short duration, there may be small blisters, while in long-term cases the skin may become thickened ...

, or ichthyosis. It may also be used to soften nails. In adults side effects are generally few. It may occasionally cause skin irritation. Urea works in part by loosening dried skin. Preparations generally contain 5 to 50%

urea Urea, also called carbamide (because it is a diamide of carbonic acid), is an organic compound with chemical formula . This amide has two Amine, amino groups (–) joined by a carbonyl functional group (–C(=O)–). It is thus the simplest am ...

Urea Urea, also called carbamide (because it is a diamide of carbonic acid), is an organic compound with chemical formula . This amide has two Amine, amino groups (–) joined by a carbonyl functional group (–C(=O)–). It is thus the simplest am ...

containing creams have been used since the 1940s. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is available over the counter.

Medical uses

Urea cream is indicated for debridement and promotion of normal healing of skin areas with

hyperkeratosis Hyperkeratosis is thickening of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis, or skin), often associated with the presence of an abnormal quantity of keratin,Kumar, Vinay; Fausto, Nelso; Abbas, Abul (2004) ''Robbins & Cotran Pathol ...

, particularly where healing is inhibited by local skin infection, skin necrosis, fibrinous or itching debris or

eschar Eschar (; ; ; or ''an'' eschar) is a slough or piece of necrosis, dead tissue that is cast off from the surface of the skin, particularly after a Burn, burn injury, but also seen in gangrene, Ulcer (dermatology), ulcer, mycosis, fungal infection ...

. Specific condition with hyperkeratosis where urea cream is useful include: * Dry skin and rough skin *

Dermatitis Dermatitis is a term used for different types of skin inflammation, typically characterized by itchiness, redness and a rash. In cases of short duration, there may be small blisters, while in long-term cases the skin may become thickened ...

* Psoriasis * Ichthyosis *

Eczema Dermatitis is a term used for different types of skin inflammation, typically characterized by itchiness, redness and a rash. In cases of short duration, there may be small blisters, while in long-term cases the skin may become thickened ...

* Keratosis * Keratoderma * Corns * Calluses * Damaged, ingrown and devitalized nails

Side effects

Common side effects of urea cream are: * Mild skin irritation * Temporary burning sensation * Stinging sensation * Itching In severe cases, there can be an

allergic reaction Allergies, also known as allergic diseases, are various conditions caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system to typically harmless substances in the environment. These diseases include Allergic rhinitis, hay fever, Food allergy, food al ...

with symptoms such as

skin rash A rash is a change of the skin that affects its color, appearance, or texture. A rash may be localized in one part of the body, or affect all the skin. Rashes may cause the skin to change color, itch, become warm, bumpy, chapped, dry, cracked ...

, urticaria, difficulty breathing and swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.

Mechanism of action

Urea in low doses is a humectant while at high doses (above 20%) it causes breakdown of protein in the skin. Urea dissolves the intercellular matrix of the cells of the

stratum corneum The stratum corneum (Latin language, Latin for 'horny layer') is the outermost layer of the epidermis (skin), epidermis. Consisting of dead tissue, it protects underlying tissue from infection, dehydration, chemicals and mechanical stress. It is ...

, promoting desquamation of scaly skin, eventually resulting in softening of

hyperkeratotic Hyperkeratosis is thickening of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the Epidermis (skin), epidermis, or skin), often associated with the presence of an abnormal quantity of keratin,Kumar, Vinay; Fausto, Nelso; Abbas, Abul (2004) ''Robbins ...

areas. In nails, urea causes softening and eventually debridement of the nail plate.

References

External links

* {{portal bar, Medicine Dermatologic drugs Ureas World Health Organization essential medicines Wikipedia medicine articles ready to translate