Urea-containing cream
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| Routes of administration | Topical |
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A urea- or carbamide-containing cream (trade names include Decubal, Carmol 40, Keralac and UriSec 40,[1] among many others) is a potent keratolytic emollient.[2] It generally contains about 10% to 40% urea for skin use, and 50% urea for nail use.
Mechanism of action
Urea dissolves the intercellular matrix of the cells of the stratum corneum, promoting desquamation of scaly skin, eventually resulting in softening of hyperkeratotic areas.[2] In nails, urea causes softening and eventually debridement of the nail plate.[2]
Indications
Urea cream is indicated for debridement and promotion of normal healing of skin areas with hyperkeratosis, particularly where healing is inhibited by local skin infection, skin necrosis, fibrinous or itching debris or eschar.[2] Specific condition with hyperkeratosis where urea cream is useful include:
- Dry skin and rough skin[2]
- Dermatitis[2]
- Psoriasis[2]
- Ichthyosis[2]
- Eczema[2]
- Keratosis[2]
- Keratoderma[2]
- Corns[2]
- Calluses[2]
- Damaged, ingrown and devitalized nails[2]
Side effects
More common side effects of urea cream are:
In severe cases, there can be an allergic reaction with symptoms such as skin rash, urticaria, difficulty breathing and swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.[3]
References
- ^ "List of Medications Covered by the RAMQ" (PDF). RAMQ. January 28, 2011. Retrieved February 15, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n drugs.com > Urea Cream (Prescribing Information) Revised: 04/2010 by Stratus Pharmaceuticals
- ^ a b c d e drugs.com > Urea Cream (Consumer Information) Issue Date: May 4, 2011