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10% urea cream in senile xerosis: Clinical and instrumental evaluation
Francesco Lacarrubba1, Anna Elisa Verzì1, Franco Dinotta1
1Dermatology Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Background:
Moisturizers represent the mainstay of treatment of xerosis and related pruritus in elderly patients.
Aim:
In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a 10% urea cream in patients with senile xerosis.
Methods:
Twenty patients affected by moderate-to-severe xerosis of the upper or lower extremities were enrolled and instructed to apply twice daily for 2 weeks a cream containing 10% urea. Evaluation was performed at baseline and after 7 and 14 days by: clinical examination, itch assessment using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and dermoscopy.
Results:
After 7 and 14 days of treatment, the tested urea-based cream resulted in a significant, progressive clinical improvement of xerosis and related pruritus in all patients. The clinical results were supported by dermoscopy that showed the reduction/disappearance of scales. The cream, that had a good cosmetological acceptability, was well tolerated with no report of stinging or burning and/or other side effects.
Conclusions:
Urea confirms to represent a key molecule for the treatment of senile xerosis.
