 2D and 3D image of urea molecule | |
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| Trade names | Decubal, Carmol 40, Keralac, others |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Multum Consumer Information |
| Routes of administration | Topical |
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Urea, also known ascarbamide-containing cream,[clarification needed] is used as a medication and applied to the skin to treat dryness and itching such as may occur inpsoriasis,dermatitis, orichthyosis.[1][2][3] It may also be used to softennails.[3]
In adults side effects are generally few.[4] It may occasionally cause skin irritation.[1] Urea works in part by loosening dried skin.[5] Preparations generally contain 5 to 50%urea.[2][3]
Urea containing creams have been used since the 1940s.[6] It is on theWorld Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[7] It is availableover the counter.[3]
Urea cream is indicated fordebridement and promotion of normal healing of skin areas withhyperkeratosis, particularly where healing is inhibited by localskin infection, skinnecrosis, fibrinous or itching debris oreschar.[5] Specific condition with hyperkeratosis where urea cream is useful include:
Common side effects of urea cream are:
In severe cases, there can be anallergic reaction with symptoms such asskin rash,urticaria,difficulty breathing and swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.[8]
Urea in low doses is ahumectant while at high doses (above 20%) it causes breakdown of protein in the skin.[9]
Urea dissolves theintercellular matrix of the cells of thestratum corneum, promotingdesquamation ofscaly skin, eventually resulting in softening ofhyperkeratotic areas.[5] Innails, urea causes softening and eventually debridement of the nail plate.[5]
