Can I use urea cream on my back?

Which strength should I choose?

Urea products come in different strengths and forms, and the choice depends on the condition and its severity. Choose the cream for the skin problem rather than the body part, because your back does not need its own product department. For ordinary dryness, look for a lower strength moisturizing preparation rather than automatically choosing the strongest cream available.2

Creams containing 10% to 25% urea are used for dry, cracked heels. That is heel care guidance, not a reason to choose the same strength for ordinary back dryness. A heel cream is not automatically the right back cream, even when the tub would prefer to handle the entire assignment.3

How do I apply it?

1. 1Wash with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser without dyes or perfume. Avoid bathing more often or longer than needed.
2. 2Pat your back gently with a towel instead of rubbing. Leave the skin slightly damp.
3. 3Apply a thin film of urea cream to the affected area. Applying it while the skin is still damp can improve the moisturizing effect.
4. 4Follow your product's label for how often to apply it. If you miss a scheduled application, do not use a double or extra amount.

What should I expect?

Urea helps skin hold water and helps loosen the rough surface layer, making dry skin softer and more supple. It is used for dry, scaly skin, including dryness associated with eczema and psoriasis. Dry skin can also have causes beyond a lack of moisturizer, including medicines and medical conditions. If those are responsible, treatment needs to address the cause as well as the dryness.124

When should I avoid it or stop?

Do not apply urea to cracked, bleeding, infected or oozing skin, or areas with severe widespread redness. Keep it away from your eyes and other sensitive areas. Mild stinging, irritation or a rash can occur; contact your clinician if these persist or become bothersome. Stop applying the cream and seek medical advice promptly for burning, crusting or peeling. Get urgent medical help for swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.12

Can I use it with prescriptions or during pregnancy?

Before adding urea to an area already treated with other skin products, tell your clinician what you use there. Urea can increase the penetration of substances such as corticosteroids, medicines used to reduce inflammation. Some urea preparations also contain prescription ingredients, so check more than the percentage on the pack. Tell your care team if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding before using a medicinal urea preparation.12

When does back dryness need medical attention?

Contact your clinician if symptoms do not improve. If you are receiving targeted cancer therapy, report new dryness or other skin changes to your cancer care team immediately, even if they seem mild. Fragrance free creams containing 3% to 10% urea are an option for dryness during that treatment, but reporting the reaction remains part of the care.15