Aquadrate

What is Aquadrate cream used for?

Aquadrate cream is a moisturiser which contains the active ingredient Urea. It is used for treating dry skin conditions such as:

• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Ichthyosis
• Psoriasis
• Xeroderma

How does dry skin develop?

As we age, the natural oils (lipids) on the surface of our skin diminish. Some common reasons for developing dry skin conditions are:

• Washing too regularly
• Using harsh soaps and cosmetics
• Taking certain medicines (antihistamines, blood pressure and cholesterol medicines)
• Genetics

The outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) comprises many cells packed tightly together with natural oils (lipids). This layer of the skin is responsible for protecting against infection and dehydration.

When the amount of natural oil or lipids on the skin reduce, moisture is able to escape easily, resulting in dry skin. The top layer of cells, which are normally held together with the lipids, becomes brittle and flake away.

How can I tell if I have dry skin?

The signs and symptoms of dry skin may not be present all the time. Certain conditions may cause your skin to flare up, making the symptoms of dry skin more obvious. Some common symptoms of dry skin include:

• Ashy skin
• Cracks in the skin
• Deep cracks in the skin which may bleed
• Flaking, scaling or peeling
• Itching (pruritus)
• Redness and inflammation
• Rough texture to skin
• Tight feeling skin

How can I prevent dry skin from developing?

In many cases, simple lifestyle changes can reduce the signs and symptoms of dry skin. Possible changes you could make to reduce your symptoms include:

• Decreasing the length of time your skin is exposed to water
• Drying your skin by patting, not rubbing
• Reducing the temperature of your bath or shower
• Using a moisturiser regularly
• Using a humidifier
• Using gentle soaps and body washes

Who is at a greater risk of developing dry skin?

Some people are at a higher risk of developing dry skin than others. People at an increased risk include those who:

• are aged 40 or older
• have a job which involves regularly exposing their skin to water, such as nursing, cleaning or hairstyling jobs
• live in dry, cold and low humidity climates
• regularly swim in chlorinated pools

If making lifestyle changes have not improved your dry skin, you could benefit from using Aquadrate cream.

How does Aquadrate cream work?

Aquadrate cream's active ingredient is called urea. This compound penetrates the surface of the skin and helps the skin retain water, keeping the skin hydrated for longer.

This compound is mixed with a moisturiser, which provides an impermeable barrier to the surface of the skin to prevent moisture from evaporating too quickly.

In short, the cream locks in moisture within the skin and replenishes the protective layer on the skin’s surface to provide an effective treatment for dry skin.

How do I use Aquadrate cream?

Aquadrate cream should be applied twice daily to dry skin areas.

Apply a small amount of the cream to the affected area and gently massage it until it is absorbed by the skin.

Do not apply Aquadrate cream to broken or weeping skin.

Wash your hands after using the cream to prevent getting any of the product in your eyes.

Aquadrate side effects and cautions

All medicines have the potential of causing side effects, though not everybody experiences them. Understanding the risks associated with your treatment and possible side effects which may occur, is important to your health.

You can find more information about the side effects and cautions of using Aquadrate cream in the patient information leaflet that comes packaged with your medicine.

Side effects may include:

• Fluid retention (swelling)
• Skin irritation (itching, burning or redness)

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of Aquadrate cream, including a complete list of known side effects, can be found within the patient information leaflet.

Who should not use Aquadrate?

Do not use Aquadrate cream if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed on the label. 

If you experience an allergic reaction to Aquadrate cream, stop using the cream and seek immediate medical attention. Go straight to your nearest A&E department. Remember to take the packaging and any remaining medicine with you so doctors treating you know exactly what you took.

Can I use Aquadrate cream while pregnant or breastfeeding?

You should tell our doctors if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding, before ordering Aquadrate cream.

Aquadrate cream may be used by pregnant women if the benefits of its use outweigh any possible risk to their child.

Breastfeeding women should use caution when using Aquadrate cream.

Do not apply Aquadrate cream to your breasts before breastfeeding.

Other safety information

If you have any questions about Aquadrate, you can send a message to one of our online doctors via the online messaging service.

Do not use Aquadrate cream past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of the specified month.

Never throw away medicine via household or water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your local pharmacy and ask them to dispose of it safely on your behalf.

Always store medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anyone else, even if they are exhibiting the same symptoms as you.

Frequently asked questions about Aquadrate

Additional resources

How can eczema be treated?