Effect of topical treatment with 7.5% urea in Ichthyosis Vulgaris: A randomized, controlled, double blinded, split body study evaluating the effect of urea cream compared to the vehicle (moisturizing) cream

Abstract

Abstract Background Ichthyosis Vulgaris (IV) is a common genetic skin disease, characterized by dry, scaling skin and itch. Urea cream has been a central part of IV treatment for decades, but only few studies have evaluated the effect of urea compared to basic moisturizers. Objective To evaluate the treatment effect of 7.5% urea cream compared to a basic moisturizer in patients with IV. Methods Participants (n = 14) were randomized to apply the 7.5% urea cream on one body half and a basic moisturizer on the other during a study period of 4 weeks. Measuring points on participants arms and legs were evaluated at baseline and at endpoint with a patient questionnaire visual assessment scale (VAS), a clinical scoring, and electronic skin hydration analysis to assess the treatment effects. Results On the arms, no significant differences between the two treatments were found. On the legs, however, the urea treated areas had a significantly higher decrease in SRRC score (0.7 points [95% CI: 1.1–0.3, p < 0.005]) and increase in hydration (32.1 μS [95% CI: 10.9‐53.2, p < 0.006]). Conclusion Skin hydration improved significantly with both urea and moisturising treatment. On the legs, with most keratinization, urea was superior. Trial registry: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02978209?cond=Ichthyosis+Vulgaris&draw=1&rank=2.