We use a lot of the urea-based creams, specifically the Walker’s brand. We have found it very effective for the dryer skins and the Walker’s comes in two concentrations (15 and 25), so we can choose which is more effective.
Urea based creams have been widely used for since the 1940’s to treat dry skin and conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis. It has next to no side affects, though an allergic reaction is a rare one. Below a concentration of about 20 (ie the Walker’s 15) the action of the urea is to act as a humectant, which means it helps the skin retain moisture. Above a concentration of about 20 (ie the Walker’s 25) it causes a breakdown of proteins in the skin and the dry skin can flake of and soften the skin. We will often choose to use one or the other depending on the clinical needs. Varying the use of the two can prove to be quite effective.
