From the Guidelines
Urea powder is primarily used as a topical treatment for dry, rough, or scaly skin conditions, functioning as a keratolytic agent to break down protein keratin and promote hydration. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, published in 2021 in the Annals of Oncology, provides guidelines for the prevention and management of dermatological toxicities related to anticancer agents. According to these guidelines, urea 10% cream is recommended for the prevention of hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) from MEK inhibitors, and possibly topical keratolytics (e.g., with salicylic acid 5%-10% or urea 10%-40%) cream for the treatment of grade ≥3 or intolerable grade 2 HFSR. Key points to consider when using urea powder include:
- Urea is typically applied to areas affected by conditions like psoriasis, eczema, xerosis (extremely dry skin), calluses, corns, and keratosis.
- For mild to moderate dry skin, preparations containing 3-10% urea are commonly used, while higher concentrations (20-40%) are employed for more severe conditions requiring stronger keratolytic effects.
- Urea works by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin while simultaneously softening the connections between skin cells, making it effective for both hydration and exfoliation.
- Some formulations combine urea with other ingredients like salicylic acid or lactic acid for enhanced effects, as seen in studies such as 1 and 1. It's essential to follow the recommended usage and concentrations to avoid potential side effects like itching, burning sensation, and irritation, as noted in 1 and 1. Overall, urea powder is a valuable treatment option for various dry, rough, or scaly skin conditions, and its use should be guided by the most recent and highest quality evidence, such as 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Indications and Usage For debridement and promotion of normal healing of hyperkeratotic surface lesions, particularly where healing is retarded by local infection, necrotic tissue, fibrinous or purulent debris or eschar. Urea is useful for the treatment of hyperkeratotic conditions such as dry, rough skin, dermatitis, psoriasis, xerosis, ichthyosis, eczema, keratosis pilaris, keratosis palmaris, keratoderma, corns and calluses, as well as damaged, ingrown and devitalized nails. Clinical Pharmacology Urea gently dissolves the intracellular matrix which results in loosening of the horny layer of the skin and shedding of scaly skin at regular intervals, thereby softening hyperkeratotic areas of the skin.
Urea powder is used for:
- Debridement and promotion of normal healing of hyperkeratotic surface lesions
- Treatment of hyperkeratotic conditions such as:
- Dry, rough skin
- Dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Xerosis
- Ichthyosis
- Eczema
- Keratosis pilaris
- Keratosis palmaris
- Keratoderma
- Corns and calluses
- Damaged, ingrown and devitalized nails 2 It works by gently dissolving the intracellular matrix, loosening the horny layer of the skin and shedding of scaly skin, thereby softening hyperkeratotic areas of the skin 2
From the Research
Urea Powder Uses
- Urea powder is used in dermatology to improve skin barrier function and as a moisturizer and keratolytic agent 3, 4, 5.
- It is effective in treating various skin conditions, including:
- Urea powder can increase skin penetration and optimize the action of topical drugs 3, 5.
- It has antimicrobial and proteolytic properties, making it useful for wound treatment 4, 6.
- Urea powder can reduce epidermal hyperproliferation and induce differentiation in psoriasis 6.
- Its mode of action involves regulating gene expression in keratinocytes, enhancing skin barrier function, and exerting efficacy in various skin diseases 3, 7.