Urea-containing_cream
Urea-containing cream
Dermatologic drug
Urea, also known as carbamide-containing cream,[clarification needed] is used as a medication and applied to the skin to treat dryness and itching such as may occur in psoriasis, dermatitis, or ichthyosis.[1][2][3] It may also be used to soften nails.[3]
In adults side effects are generally few.[4] It may occasionally cause skin irritation.[1] Urea works in part by loosening dried skin.[5] Preparations generally contain 5 to 50% urea.[2][3]
Urea containing creams have been used since the 1940s.[6] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[7][8] It is available over the counter.[3]