[Effect of urea nail lacquer on nail quality. Clinical evaluation and biophysical measurements].
BACKGROUND
Urea is a well-known humectant. The aim of our study was to evaluate the in vivo effect of 10% urea lacquer on nail quality.


METHODS
60 healthy probands with brittle nails were included in a randomized, controlled study. The nail lacquer was applied once (n=30) or twice daily (n=30) on one hand for 28 days, while the other hand served as untreated control. Assessments included clinical evaluations and bioengineering measurements.


RESULTS
Application of the nail lacquer was well-tolerated and led to a significant clinical improvement of nail surface morphology, nail plate consistency, reflection of the nail plate surface, appearance of the cuticle and the nail fold. Sonographic nail density was slightly increased. No relevant changes were found in nail thickness and transonychial water loss.


CONCLUSIONS
Nail lacquer containing urea improves the cosmetic appearance of fingernails.
Krüger
N
N
Studiengang Kosmetik und Körperpflege, Department Chemie, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg.
Reuther
T
T
Williams
S
S
Kerscher
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000379:methods; D001703:Biophysics / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006244:Hardness; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009262:Nails / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D013499:Surface Properties; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014508:Urea / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D014508:Urea