Urea-containing cream

Urea-containing cream

Clinical data
Pregnancy cat.	B(US)
Legal status	?
Routes	Topical
Identifiers
ATC code	?
Chemical data
Formula	?
N(what is this?)  cream (verify)

A urea (or carbamide)-containing cream (trade names including Decubal, Carmol 40, Keralac and UriSec 40^[1]) is a potent keratolytic emollient.^[2] It generally contains about 35% or 40% urea for skin use, and 50% urea for nail use.

Mechanism of action

Urea dissolves the intercellular matrix of the cells of the stratum corneum, promoting desquamation of scaly skin, eventually resulting in softening of hyperkeratotic areas.^[2] In nails, urea causes softening and eventually debridement of the nail plate.^[2]

Indications

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.^[2] Specific condition with hyperkeratosis where urea cream is useful include:

• Dry skin and rough skin^[2]
• Dermatitis^[2]
• Psoriasis^[2]
• Ichthyosis^[2]
• Eczema^[2]
• Keratosis^[2]
• Keratoderma^[2]
• Corns^[2]
• Calluses^[2]
• Damaged, ingrown and devitalized nails^[2]

Side effects

More common side effects of urea cream are:

• Mild skin irritation^[3]
• Temporary burning sensation^[3]
• Stinging sensation^[3]
• Itching^[3]

In severe cases, there can be an allergic reaction with symptoms such as skin rash, urticaria, difficulty breathing and swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.^[3]

References

1. ^ "List of Medications Covered by the RAMQ". RAMQ. January 28, 2011. https://www.prod.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/DPI/PO/Commun/PDF/Liste_Med/Liste_Med/liste_med_2011_02_01_en.pdf. Retrieved February 15, 2011. 
2. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i j k l m n} drugs.com > Urea Cream (Prescribing Information) Revised: 04/2010 by Stratus Pharmaceuticals
3. ^ ^{a b c d e} drugs.com > Urea Cream (Consumer Information) Issue Date: May 4, 2011