Does urea cream have urine in it?

Why put urea in a cream?

Urea attracts and retains water in skin and helps reduce water loss. It also softens the outer layer, helping loosen scales and rough skin. That second action is called keratolysis, which means breaking down thickened surface skin. Lower concentrations mainly support hydration; higher concentrations have a stronger softening effect on thick skin. Urea comes in creams, lotions, gels and washes, so the ingredient has a longer wardrobe than its name suggests.12

Which strength makes sense?

For ordinary dry skin, lower strength urea is the relevant starting category. Concentrations of 2% to 12% are used to moisturize dry skin, and 10% creams have been studied for dryness. Stronger preparations target thicker skin, including calluses, and some nail problems. Choose the strength for the area and problem rather than assuming more is better. Some preparations also contain medicines such as hydrocortisone, so two tubes labelled urea can serve different purposes. The word "cream" describes the format, not the entire job description.123

How do you apply urea cream?

1. 1Read the directions for your particular cream and follow the frequency on the label or your prescription.
2. 2Clean the affected area. Many creams moisturize better on skin that is still damp after bathing, but follow any product instructions that require drying first.
3. 3Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Keep the cream away from your eyes, mouth, nose and lips.
4. 4Wash your hands after applying, unless your hands are the area being treated. Do not add extra applications or double up after a missed dose.

There is no single schedule for every urea cream. A 10% cream used for dry arms or legs was applied twice daily for two weeks in a clinical study. That is an example of a tested routine, not a direction for every strength. Using a medicated urea product too often can worsen the skin problem.35

How quickly does it help?

In a small study of 20 adults aged 65 to 82 with moderate to severe dryness, a particular 10% urea cream improved dryness, itching and scaling after seven days, with further improvement after 14 days. A separate small study of a 30% cream for hand eczema found improved hydration and reduced redness over about four weeks. Those timelines concern particular formulas and skin problems; use them as a practical reference rather than an overnight deadline. Persistent or worsening dryness needs assessment, especially if an underlying skin condition also needs treatment.2356

Who should be careful?

Avoid urea on broken, bleeding, infected, oozing or irritated skin. Use caution on the face and sensitive areas. Higher concentrations can cause irritation. If you use prescription skin treatments, check before applying urea to the same area: urea can increase penetration of medicines such as corticosteroids. Discuss medicated urea products with your clinician if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. For children, get advice about the appropriate product and strength.1245

When should you stop using it?

Stop and seek medical advice for burning, crusting or peeling of treated skin. Mild stinging, itching or irritation can occur; contact your clinician if these persist or become bothersome. Get urgent medical help for signs of a serious allergic reaction, including trouble breathing or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.145