What is Urea cream?
Urea is a natural substance made in the body to help with the metabolism and excretion of nitrogen. Scientist have learned to synthesize it and it is used for many different purposes. Urea cream typically ranges from 2% to 40% in potency and is used to help soften thick layers of skin and nails, also it decreases itching.
How does Urea work? (science jargon alert)
Urea has been shown to show cause a reduction in DNA synthesis in the cells of the basal layer, thinning of the epidermis, reduction in amount of epidermis cells, and reducing epidermal hyper proliferation. the exact mechanism is unknown but thought to be related to breaking of hydrogen bonds of the keratin structure, thus dispersing and denaturizing keratin.
What is urea used for?
Urea cream is used to hyperkeratotic(thickening of outer layer) skin conditions such as dry, rough skin, fissures, dermatitis, psoriasis, xerosis, ichthyosis, eczema, keratosis pillars, keratosis palmaris, keratoderma, hand-foot syndrome, corns, calluses and thick nails. Urea 40% can be placed on nails, left on for a week with an occlusive dressing for non-surgical debridement of nails.
Where can you get urea cream?
Low doses of urea can be found in many popular lotions such as lubriderm advanced therapy, eucerin roughness relief/intensive lotion, and cerave cream for psoriasis. High strength urea cream 40% can be found at many online retailers such as amazon and is often combined with salicylic acid.
If you have foot or ankle pain and would like a consultation. Make an appointment at Orange County Podiatry with Dr. Andrew Yang https://ocfootandankleclinic.com/appointments/ or call (949) 651-1202