UREA

  • 10-25%
  • 40-50%
  • Cream, lotion, solution, gel, foam

Low concentration (10-25%): Hygroscopic / humectant (attract water, decrease transepidermal water loss & increase hydration), moisturizing, antipruritic, mild keratolytic

  • High concentration (40-50%):

Keratolysis (indirect effect, via hydration of stratum corneum), hygroscopic

  • Increase penetration of other topical treatment

1) Low concentration:

  • Xerosis; atopic dermatitis; xerotic dermatitis; keratosis pilaris; keratodermas; ichthyosis; hyperkeratosis

2) High concentration:

  • Calluses
  • Chemical nail avulsion
  • Hyperkeratosis

Pregnancy Category B

  • Irritation, maceration (high concentration & under occlusion)

  • Very water soluble & high water-binding capacity with salt interactions
  • Urea = end product of proteins, thus ø energy source for bacteria
  • For chemical nail avulsion: dystrophic nails = 40% urea / normal nail: 20% urea + 10% salicylic acid