[Water content of the skin following salicylic acid and urea treatment].

Water content of the epidermis was measured before and after a 3-h , 4-day, and 10-day treatment using 10% salicylic acid or 10% carbamide ointment. The measurement was performed using the Corneometer CM 420 from the firm "Schwarzhaupt Medizintechnik GmbH". Salicylic acid ointment was applied on one and carbamide ointment on the other back of the hand. Neither salicylic acid nor carbamide seem to influence significantly the water content of the healthy epidermis. In two patients with more severe hyperkeratosis carbamide increased the water content more than salicylic acid did.