Urea Gel to Reduce Hyperkeratosis and Prevent Cracks in Epidermolytic Ichthyosis
“It’s a 40% urea gel product designed to break down calluses and hyperkeratotic plaques, and it truly works wonders for EI scale and PPK.”
Part 4 of 10 in our “EI Skincare Showcase Series” we focus on how to use UREA to manage a number of common epidermolytic ichthyosis skin symptoms.
UREA is a well-researched, safe, and effective skincare ingredient that can be used to help:
Increase hydration to thick skin to prevent cracks and fissures from forming;
Aid exfoliation by softening scale and making it easier to remove;
Slows down the rate of hyperkeratosis, thereby increasing mobility, and reducing the burden of exfoliation.
A recent review of Urea Use in Skincare (Cellano, 2018) revealed some interesting findings regarding the strength of topical urea used. These findings are summarised in the table below.
Urea at a strength of 10% or less, helps to hydrate the skin. But Urea at strengths between 10% and 40% also have a keratolytic effect AND reduce the rate of hyperkeratosis at a cellular level. The greater the strength of urea, the more it can achieve.
It took us a very long time to find the right urea product to meet our needs. Over a 1-year period, we tried 6 different topical products until we found ISDIN Ultra 40.
I cannot tell you enough how GREAT this product is. It’s a 40% urea gel product designed to break down calluses and hyperkeratotic plaques, and it truly works wonders for EI scale and PPK.
With our dermatologists approval, we use ISDIN Ultra 40 to great effect on all the flexures and folds where dense scale develops. This includes the neck, ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, umbilicus, and natal cleft.
This product prevents cracks, reduces the build-up of darkened skin, makes exfoliation much easier, AND reduces hyperkeratosis in the first place. It also has a very pleasant fragrance that helps mask any skin odours.
The only word of warning, as with all urea products, please don’t put it on any skin with an open wound because it can really sting.
If you’d like to learn more, please follow the link and “Meet Arienne”.
This product has really been one of our game-changers, so I hope it works just as well for you too!