The efficacy and safety of 20% urea cream and 10% urea cream in the treatment of acanthosis nigricans in adolescents, a randomized comparative double-blind study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Acanthosis nigricans is commonly associated with obesity. It is characterized by brown-black skin thickening on the neck and the flexural areas. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of topical 20% urea cream compared to 10% urea cream in the treatment of acanthosis nigricans in adolescents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

A randomized comparative, double-blind study was conducted on participants aged 12-18 years with acanthosis nigricans of the neck. Treatment efficacy was assessed via narrowband reflectance spectrophotometer, while the overall success rates at weeks 2, 4, and 8 were evaluated by the investigator- and participant-assessed global evaluation scales.

RESULTS:

A total of 40 participants with acanthosis nigricans were enrolled and completed the study. Throughout the period of 8 weeks of treatment, 20% urea showed greater improvement of hyperpigmentation compared to 10% urea (p = 0.001), with 22.5 ± 11.9% and 10.7 ± 8.1% improvements, respectively. Findings from the overall global evaluation scales were consistent with the results from the narrowband reflectance spectrophotometer. Treatment with 10% urea and 20% urea was well-tolerated without any local serious adverse reactions.

CONCLUSION:

Urea cream improves neck hyperpigmentation associated with acanthosis nigricans in adolescents, in which the 20% concentration shows superior efficacy to the 10% concentration.

• Authors: Arucha Treesirichod, Sorrawis Chuenboonngarm, Chawan Kritsanaviparkporn
• Journal: Journal of cosmetic dermatology (J Cosmet Dermatol) Vol. 21 Issue 7 Pg. 2859-2864 (Jul 2022) ISSN: 1473-2165 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 34619001 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Chemical References

• Keratolytic Agents
• Urea

Topics

• Acanthosis Nigricans (drug therapy)
• Adolescent
• Double-Blind Method
• Humans
• Hyperpigmentation
• Keratolytic Agents
• Urea (adverse effects)