When should you use urea cream, and can people with diabetes use it?

What does urea cream do?

Urea is a humectant, meaning it attracts and binds water to skin. Urea cream hydrates and softens dry, tough skin and can help with dryness associated with eczema or psoriasis. Dry skin is a reason to use urea cream; owning a shelf full of skincare is not. Stronger products can also exfoliate thickened skin, so match the strength to the area you are treating.134

Which strength should you use?

How should someone with diabetes use it on their feet?

Diabetes can cause extremely dry skin, and deep cracks increase the risk of infection. Moisturize daily and check the tops, soles and spaces between your toes for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling or discoloration. Use a mirror if you cannot easily see the bottoms of your feet.25

For dry, cracked heels, follow this bedtime sequence every day until the skin heals.

1. 1Apply a cream containing 10% to 25% urea to your heels.
2. 2Apply a layer of thick ointment, such as petroleum jelly, over the cream.
3. 3Put on white cotton socks and wear them in bed.

For general foot moisturizing, apply cream to the tops and bottoms of your feet, not between your toes. Dry between your toes thoroughly after washing, and wait a few minutes for cream to absorb before walking because feet can be slippery. One specific cracked diabetic heel regimen uses Flexitol 25% Urea Heel Balm once or twice daily for approximately two weeks, then Flexitol 10% cream once the skin is repaired.56

When and how should you apply urea cream elsewhere?

Apply a thin film to the affected skin, following your product's directions. Moisturizing works better on damp skin after washing or bathing; use warm rather than hot water and gently pat dry. For example, Urevia Plus 40% directs application twice daily, rubbed in until absorbed, unless a physician directs otherwise. Do not apply extra doses to make up for a missed application. The goal is softer skin, not a longer list of products to remember.134

Who should be careful?

Tell your care team before using urea on broken, inflamed or burnt skin, or where there is an infection. Use caution on the face and keep urea away from eyes, lips and other sensitive areas. For eczema or sensitive skin, choose a fragrance free formula with a short ingredient list; humectants used alone can sting or burn. Do not use a cream containing an ingredient you are allergic to. Discuss use during pregnancy or breastfeeding with your care team.147

If you use prescription creams, follow your clinician's layering instructions; some medicines go on before an emollient. Tell your care team about other skin products used on the same area. Introduce only one new product at a time so a reaction is easier to trace.13

When should you stop or get medical care?

Stop Urevia Plus 40% and consult a physician if redness or irritation occurs. Report burning, itching, crusting or peeling with urea treatment, and seek advice if symptoms do not improve. With diabetes, get professional care for foot corns or calluses rather than treating them as ordinary rough skin. Seek immediate care for a wound that worsens or fails to heal, or signs of infection such as swelling, discoloration, tenderness or leaking fluid.124