Medical Uses of Urea

Although urea (or carbamide) is a common chemical in the epidermis, most urea utilized medically and pharmaceutically is synthesized in laboratories. Urea is considered a natural moistening factor when produced by the body, and the synthetic alternative enhances the body’s natural ability to moisturize. Urea has further uses in medicine, however, and USP ingredient supplier Bell Chem would like you to be more aware of them.

Dry Skin Alleviator

When water is lost in the epidermis, the result is dry skin. Typical dry or itchy skin symptoms may be alleviated with a topical lotion, but many disorders – including callused areas, corns, diaper rash, onychomycosis, psoriasis, and xerosis – necessitate a more powerful treatment regimen that often includes urea. As a humectant, urea captures moisture from the air as well as the tissues below the epidermis to provide relief from excessively dry skin.

Ear Drops 

The buildup of cerumen (ear wax) is alleviated with ear drops containing urea, which break down cerumen for easier evacuation. 

Exfoliator 

Urea is a keratolytic agent. Keratin tends to adhere dead skin cells together, which may lead to fungal infections. Urea breaks keratin into smaller areas, releasing dead skin cells and the propensity of fungal infections. Generally, medications containing 10% or greater urea are effective exfoliators. For more significant exfoliation, ointments with 40% urea are recommended for nail removal, such as for cases of onychomycosis. 

Sodium Adjuster 

If a patient’s blood sodium levels are elevated, urea may be used to bring the pH back into balance.

Medication Distribution

Topical medications, such as antifungal creams or corticosteroids are better penetrated into the skin with urea. Additionally, the keratolytic effect of urea aids in wound healing as dead tissue is sloughed away.

Urea Breath Test 

Urea tagged with either carbon-13 or -14 can help a doctor determine the presence of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori in the digestive system. H. pylori is associated with ulcers. 

Bell Chem is a USP ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including urea. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.