Arginine

Proteinogenic, semi-essential amino acid that is important in protein synthesis, precursor of nitric oxide. Occurs in numerous foods, e.g. buckwheat, peas, peanuts, hen's eggs, milk, pumpkin and pine nuts, etc. Used as an externum in a 2.5 % concentration for dry and pruritic skin (e.g. in dialysis patients). It achieves similar results to preparations containing urea.

1. Durrant-Finn et al (2008) Topically applied L-arginine hydrochloride improves skin dryness and pruritus in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis - a vehicle-controlled prospective randomized study in half-side comparison.