A 10% urea-based moisturizing lotion rapidly improved lower-leg xerosis and quality of life in older adults.
Study Overview in Aging Xerosis
Xerosis in aging skin is prevalent and often concentrated on the lower legs, contributing to discomfort, impaired mobility and increased risk of eczema and skin infections. Investigators conducted an observational, open label, single group study in 59 adults aged 60 to 75 years with moderate to severe senile xerosis of the lower legs. Participants applied a 10% urea moisturizing lotion twice daily for four weeks, and physicians assessed hydration, barrier function and skin texture at baseline and day 28.
Clinical Response to 10% Urea Moisturizing Lotion
After four weeks, physicians reported meaningful improvements across multiple global clinical assessment domains. Scores for overall xerosis, dry skin, skin roughness and dryness, and total xerosis severity of the lower legs all improved. Improvements also extended to erythema, lichenification, desquamation and affected body surface area, indicating more than cosmetic benefit in this older population. Instrument based corneometry demonstrated decreased trans epidermal water loss, consistent with enhanced skin barrier function after sustained use of the 10% urea moisturizing lotion.
Patient Reported Benefits and Quality of Life
Patient reported outcomes collected at day 7 and day 28 showed marked perceived benefit and better quality of life with treatment. Patients noted improvements in dry, uncomfortable skin and daily functioning in line with relief from xerosis related symptoms. These findings reinforce the role of a 10% urea based moisturizing lotion as a practical, non invasive option that aligns with real world patient priorities in the management of age related xerosis and pruritus of the lower legs.
Clinical Implications for Everyday Practice
For clinicians caring for older adults with senile xerosis, these data support incorporating a 10% urea moisturizing lotion into routine skin care plans when moderate to severe xerosis is present on the lower legs. The consistent clinical and patient reported improvements over four weeks suggest benefits for both skin barrier restoration and symptom relief, with effectiveness and tolerability evaluated in this observational cohort.
Reference: Seifert CL et al. Effects and patient benefits of a 10% urea-based moisturizing lotion on xerosis in aging skin. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2025;:1-17. doi: 10.1159/000549265.
