Is it true that human urine is a cure for Tinea Pedis?
Proponents of urine therapy claim that urine is very effective at killing athlete’s foot. Urea, the “active ingredient” in urine, is already used in many drugs and treatments made by pharmaceutical companies to treat athlete’s foot. This controversial treatment method recommends urinating on the infected area once a day in the shower. According to supporters, urine therapy not only kills existing fungi, it prevents new fungi from growing in the infected area. However, at least one biochemist states that urea is only used to soften the outer layers of skin so that antifungal drugs can reach fungi below the surface, and that the urea must be concentrated and applied for a long period of time in order to be effective [1]. The existence of prescription creams such as Vanamide ® which are indicated for dry or rough skin and consist of up to 40% urea supports this claim. Thus, it is unlikely that urinating on one’s feet in the shower will significantly improve a case of athlete’s foot.
