Efficacy and safety of Eucerin® 10% Urea cream in xerotic aged skin: Results of a vehicle-controlled double-blind clinical study

The aim of this double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was to examine Eucerin® Cream 10% Urea (verum A) and verum B (Eucerin® Cream 10% Urea with 1% Panthenol and 0.07% Bisabolol) for its efficacy and tolerability in volunteers with aged xerotic skin. The study was carried out by contralateral half-body comparison with placebo (vehicle, urea replaced by water). The difference in corneometrically determined skin moisture content before and after 4 weeks of treatment was the primary efficacy variable. Skin dryness and itching score were secondary parameters. 72 patients, aged over 65 years, took part in this study. One group (n = 36) was treated with verum A and placebo, the other group (n = 36) with verum B and placebo. Both verum treatments showed a statistically significant increase in skin moisture content compared to placebo (p < 0.01; verum A and B resp.). Already after the first application of verum a remarkable increase in skin moisture content could be demonstrated. This positive effect remained throughout the whole treatment. A distinct decrease in skin dryness and itching scores was noted, with no clear difference between verum and placebo. Slight itch and/or exanthema was noticed in 5 patients (3 of the verum A, 2 of the verum B group). Both test preparations showed good efficacy and good skin tolerance in the treatment of aged dry and itchy skin.