From the Research
Dermol cream containing urea should be used with caution in 2-year-old children and only under medical supervision. The safety and efficacy of urea-based creams in young children are not well-established, and there is a risk of skin irritation, burning, or stinging, especially on sensitive skin 1. The concentration of urea matters significantly, with higher concentrations (above 10%) more likely to cause irritation and rarely appropriate for young children.
Key Considerations
- If your child has a skin condition requiring treatment, consult with a pediatrician or dermatologist first rather than using over-the-counter urea-containing products.
- Urea-based creams can cause skin irritation, burning, or stinging, especially on the sensitive skin of young children.
- Most pediatric skin conditions can be managed with gentler, specifically formulated pediatric moisturizers and treatments that don't contain potentially irritating ingredients like urea.
- Recent studies suggest that atopic dermatitis in children under 2 years is often undertreated, and there is a need for clear guidelines on management, including the use of topical corticosteroids and other treatments 2, 3.
Application and Precautions
- If a doctor does recommend Dermol for your child, apply only to the affected areas, avoid broken or inflamed skin, and stop use if any irritation develops.
- Consider alternative treatments, such as topical applications containing magnesium, which have been shown to be effective in treating diaper dermatitis and other skin conditions in children 4.
- Education and empowerment of patients and caregivers, avoidance of trigger factors, and repair and maintenance of the skin barrier are essential in managing atopic dermatitis in children 1.