Urea-containing cream
2D and 3D image of urea molecule | |
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| Trade names | Decubal, Carmol 40, Keralac, others |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Multum Consumer Information |
| Routes of administration | Topical |
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Urea, also known as carbamide-containing cream, is used as a medication and applied to the skin to treat dryness and itching such as may occur in psoriasis, dermatitis, or ichthyosis. It may also be used to soften nails.
In adults side effects are generally few. It may occasionally cause skin irritation. Urea works in part by loosening dried skin. Preparations generally contain 5 to 50% urea.
Urea containing creams have been used since the 1940s. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is available over the counter.