Foot xerosis is commonly reported in type 2 diabetic patients. Its improper management can cause painful cracks and fissures and perhaps neuropathic ulcers and infections. 

These people are recommended to use moisturizers regularly to help manage and prevent xerosis from developing. Urea is a natural moisturizing agent because of its highly hygroscopic nature and a keratolytic, making it an ideal moisturizer element. 

The present study assessed the effectiveness and safety of a moisturizing lotion holding 10% urea (CSL) in 20 patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. Subjects with moderately dry feet, including fissuring, received CSL for daily application on one randomly selected foot for 28 days. The other foot was used as a control. The study conducted clinical assessments (dryness, fissures and calluses) and instrumental assessments (hydration, transepidermal water loss [TEWL], skin pH and roughness). 

The study observed:

• Ninety percent of the treated feet showed normal or mildly dry skin, than 25% of the untreated feet after 28 days. 
• Significant improvement in the number of fissures, calluses, skin hydration and skin roughness on the treated feet compared with baseline.
• No improvement on the untreated foot. 
• No significant differences between TEWL and pH between the feet. 
• No related adverse events. 

This study proves CSL effectively improves xerotic feet in diabetic patients.

Source: Nussbaum D, Friedman A, Lachman N, Meckfessel MH. 38512: A 10% urea moisturizer improves the signs and symptoms of foot xerosis in diabetic patients. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022;87(3):AB129.