Evidence supporting the use of: Urea
For the health condition: Athlete's Foot

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Urea is scientifically validated as a supportive treatment for athlete's foot (tinea pedis), though it is not an antifungal agent itself. Urea is a keratolytic, meaning it helps to break down and soften thickened or callused skin. In the context of athlete's foot, urea creams (usually at concentrations of 10-40%) are used to enhance the penetration of topical antifungal medications by removing the outermost layers of dead skin. This can make antifungal treatments more effective, especially in cases with significant scaling or hyperkeratosis. Several clinical studies and reviews have demonstrated that urea, when used in combination with antifungal drugs such as terbinafine or clotrimazole, improves treatment outcomes compared to antifungal treatment alone. However, urea does not possess direct antifungal activity, and thus is not used as a standalone therapy for athlete's foot. Its primary role is as a supportive adjunct to enhance the efficacy of standard antifungal regimens. The evidence base is moderate, with multiple randomized controlled trials supporting its adjunctive use, which justifies an evidence rating of 3.

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Products containing Urea

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.