Q. I developed a skin condition on my lower leg for which my dermatologist recommended skin cream with 20 percent urea (OTC). The area was near some spider veins, and during the course of treatment the spider veins faded where some of the urea cream got on them.
I began to cover the entire spider vein area with the urea cream and now they are almost completely gone. Have you heard of using urea cream to treat spider veins?
The change was really dramatic. I assume it was due to the action of the urea on these superficial veins.
A. Yours is the first report we’ve received about urea-containing cream making spider veins (telangiectasia) fade. There is good evidence that topical urea can strengthen the skin’s barrier function and boost its resistance to microbes (Journal of Investigative Dermatology, June, 2012). That may be why it is often helpful for conditions such as eczema.
Although we don’t know why or how urea-containing cream could make small red or blue veins on the legs become less visible, the cream is readily available as a moisturizer. Our favorite is Redex Udderly Smooth Extra Care 20. Products with urea are especially effective for moisturizing skin, and the Udderly Smooth product is affordable.
To locate Extra Care 20 with 20% urea you can find it at this link.
