Comparison of salicylic acid and urea versus ammonium lactate for the treatment of foot xerosis. A randomized, double-blind, clinical study.

Author(s): Jennings MB, Alfieri D, Ward K, Lesczczynski C

Affiliation(s): New York College of Podiatric Medicine, NY 10035, USA.

Publication date & source: 1998-07, J Am Podiatr Med Assoc., 88(7):332-6.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Xerosis is defined as dehydration of skin characterized by redness, dry scaling, and fine crackling that may resemble the crackling of porcelain. The present double-blind trial was a randomized paired comparison study evaluating the keratolytic effect of 5% salicylic acid and 10% urea ointment (Kerasal) on one foot and 12% ammonium lactate lotion (Lac-Hydrin) on the other foot in mild-to-moderate xerosis. Seventy patients were initially enrolled in the trial. Fifty-four patients were evaluated after 2 weeks of treatment; of those 54 patients, 39 were evaluated after 4 weeks of treatment. Although there was significant improvement in severity of xerosis after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, there was no statistically significant difference between treatment groups. Irrespective of the mechanism of action, this study shows that both Kerasal and Lac-Hydrin 12% lotion result in reduction in the severity of xerosis after 4 weeks of therapy.