[Urea as a single drug in dry skin]

Preparations containing urea were found to be effective in the treatment of ichthyosis vulgaris and so we were encouraged to test their use in other dry skin conditions. Urea creams are well applied to dry skin which is not inflamed. In the treatment of psoriasis, which requires a stronger water-binding substance, a combination of sodium chloride and urea in equal concentrations is optimal. Urea creams can be used in the prophylactic treatment of hand eczema and also as a prophylactic against infection, but not in the treatment of already existing infections. In psoriasis and ichthyosis urea is effective in creams substitution therapy. Though urea creams provided relief from itching in neurodermatitis, their use after treatment of eczema with fat-containing salves caused burning sensations. In our experience creams with a urea concentration of 5%-10% offer possibility for treating dry skin.