Urea-containing cream

Urea cream is indicated for debridement and promotion of normal healing of skin areas with hyperkeratosis, particularly where healing is inhibited by local skin infection, skin necrosis, fibrinous or itching debris or eschar. Specific condition with hyperkeratosis where urea cream is useful include: • Dry skin and rough skin • Dermatitis • Psoriasis • Ichthyosis • Eczema • Keratosis • Keratoderma • Corns • Calluses • Damaged, ingrown and devitalized nails ==Side effects==

Common side effects of urea cream are: • Mild skin irritation ==Mechanism of action==

Urea in low doses is a humectant while at high doses (above 20%) it causes breakdown of protein in the skin. Urea dissolves the intercellular matrix of the cells of the stratum corneum, promoting desquamation of scaly skin, eventually resulting in softening of hyperkeratotic areas. In nails, urea causes softening and eventually debridement of the nail plate. == References ==