How does urea cream work?

How does urea cream affect the skin?

Urea is naturally present in healthy skin and forms part of its natural moisturizing system. Dry skin conditions have reduced amounts of urea. In a cream, urea acts as a humectant, meaning it attracts and binds water. It also has a keratolytic effect: it softens the outer layer of skin so that built up surface skin releases more easily. Regular use helps the skin's protective barrier recover from drying influences. Urea preparations can also relieve itching associated with dry skin.1

Which strength should you use?

Urea preparations come in different strengths, and the right choice depends on the condition and its severity. For dry heels, a moisturizing cream containing 10% to 25% urea is an option. Apply it to intact skin, not open cracks. Stronger preparations and formulas containing medicines such as hydrocortisone can require a prescription. The percentage tells you the urea strength, not everything about the cream, even if the packaging gives it a starring role.12

What else in the cream matters?

A moisturizer can combine ingredients that attract water, soften dry skin and reduce evaporation. For eczema, choose a fragrance free formula with a short ingredient list. Creams contain more oil and less water than lotions and absorb more slowly, which is why 'cream' and 'lotion' are not just competing names for the same tub. A less occlusive cream can be followed with a light layer of petroleum jelly to help seal moisture in.3

How do you apply urea cream?

1. 1Wash with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Pat your skin dry rather than rubbing, leaving it slightly damp.
2. 2Apply a thin film of urea cream to the affected area while the skin is still damp. Follow the product's label for frequency.
3. 3Keep the cream away from your eyes, lips and other sensitive areas. Use caution on the face.
4. 4If you use prescription creams on the same area, follow your clinician's layering instructions rather than choosing the order yourself.

What should you expect?

The intended changes are less dryness and softer, less rough skin. For dry heels, moisturize within five minutes of bathing and whenever the heels feel dry; plain petroleum jelly can be applied before bed. For eczema, general moisturizing guidance is twice daily, but follow your urea cream's directions or treatment plan. If dryness comes from eczema, psoriasis or another underlying condition, moisturizing alone does not replace treatment for that condition.2357

Who should be careful?

Do not apply urea preparations to broken, bleeding, infected or oozing skin, or areas with severe widespread redness. Discuss use with your clinician if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask about use in children. Urea can increase the penetration of other substances, including corticosteroids, so discuss other products used on the same area.15

Mild stinging or irritation can occur. Contact your clinician if irritation persists or becomes bothersome, or your symptoms do not improve. Stop applying the cream and seek prompt medical advice for burning, crusting, peeling or signs of an allergic reaction such as hives or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.15