10% urea cream in senile xerosis: Clinical and instrumental evaluation.

Background: Moisturizers represent the mainstay of treatment of xerosis and related pruritus in elderly patients.

Aim: In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a 10% urea cream in patients with senile xerosis.

Methods: Twenty patients affected by moderate-to-severe xerosis of the upper or lower extremities were enrolled and instructed to apply twice daily for 2 weeks a cream containing 10% urea. Evaluation was performed at baseline and after 7 and 14 days by: clinical examination, itch assessment using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and dermoscopy.

Results: After 7 and 14 days of treatment, the tested urea-based cream resulted in a significant, progressive clinical improvement of xerosis and related pruritus in all patients. The clinical results were supported by dermoscopy that showed the reduction/disappearance of scales. The cream, that had a good cosmetological acceptability, was well tolerated with no report of stinging or burning and/or other side effects.

Conclusions: Urea confirms to represent a key molecule for the treatment of senile xerosis.