Urea is a substance that patients know and is often recommended by dermatologists. It is usually found in combination preparations. It can be found both in a pharmacy recipe and in ready-made preparations. Check how it works and how to dose urea.
Urea action
Urea occurs naturally in the human body as a protein metabolite. Initially, the human body converts amino acids into ammonia and then into urea. The latter is excreted from the human body in the urine or through the skin.
Urea is a component of the natural moisturizing factor NMF. It is a mixture of various substances in which urea constitutes approx. 7%. These substances are located inside the stratum corneum and have a significant impact on how much water our body loses through the skin.
All substances that make up the NMF factor have the ability to bind water in common. Thanks to these compounds, water is "trapped" in the deeper layers of the skin. It is believed that due to the fact that urea occurs in the human body as a natural metabolite, it should not cause allergies. However, there are isolated cases of patients who are hypersensitive to this substance.
The action of urea is determined by its concentration in the medicinal preparation and the base that was used to make the cream:
- Concentration from 3% - 10%: moisturizing effect. Within these concentration limits, urea reduces the water loss through the epidermis. An additional benefit is the anti-itching effect by binding more water.
- Concentration 10% - 30%: keratolytic effect. In increased concentrations, this compound affects the hydrogen bonds between atoms in the collagen molecule, breaking them. This exfoliates the stratum corneum of the area where the cream has been applied. Additionally, there is a noticeable softening of the skin.
The keratolytic effect of urea is often used in complex preparations. The antifungal cream available on the market, containing urea and bifonazole, is a good example of a preparation that uses the exfoliating effect of urea. Urea softens the nail plate, allowing the anti-fungal substance to penetrate into the affected area - the nail bed.
High urea concentrations used underwith occlusive dressing, they allow the nail to be softened so that its removal is as simple and painless as possible.
Urea also has an antiseptic effect at a concentration of about 10%. This feature is used in the care of acne skin.
In Poland, urea is used in open treatment, only externally.
Urea dosage
Lubricate the affected skin with the preparation twice a day. If the therapy is long-term and does not bring the desired effect, the patient should consult a specialist in order to change the preparation or modify the concentration of urea in the cosmetic.
Due to the fact that the substance is administered externally, no cases of overdose have been observed.
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Contraindications to the use of urea
The preparation with urea is not recommended for people who are hypersensitive to this substance.
Precautions when using urea
Urea should not be applied to injured areas where tissue continuity has been broken. Additionally, the doctor should not prescribe the preparation to the patient if the treated area is infected, because in such a situation urea preparations are not recommended.
Urea side effects
Irritation may occur when applied to the skin. The patient may feel a burning sensation, itching. Eczema and / or redness may appear in this area.
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