How fast can Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) improve my tinea versicolor?

Typically, it takes 2 weeks for [antifungal creams](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/tinea-versicolor-treatment), such as ketoconazole 2% in Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea), to completely treat your tinea versicolor (a type of fungal skin infection that can cause dry, itchy, and scaly [spots](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/tinea-versicolor-symptoms)). Keep in mind that even though the infection is gone after treatment, it might take weeks or months for your skin to return to normal color. In the meantime, make sure to [protect your skin](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/dermatology/should-you-wear-sunscreen-everyday) from the sun and use sunscreen to prevent skin damage.

Can Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) damage the liver?

According to the [FDA](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-warns-prescribing-nizoral-ketoconazole-oral-tablets-unapproved#:~:text=The%20topical%20forms%20of%20ketoconazole%20that%20are%20applied%20to%20the%20skin%20or%20nails%20have%20not%20been%20associated%20with%20liver%20damage%2C%20adrenal%20problems%2C%20or%20drug%20interactions), topical ketoconazole products, such as ketoconazole 2% cream in Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea), haven't been shown to damage the liver when used on the skin as directed by your provider. Make sure to only use Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) on the outside of your body on the skin. To avoid side effects, don't put this medication in your mouth or eyes or use it on the inside of your nose or ears.

What's the purpose of the urea cream in Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea)?

[Urea cream](https://www.goodrx.com/urea/urea-cream-10-20-40-over-the-counter-strengths) is a keratolytic medication, which means it helps to soften dry, rough, or thick skin. When used with antifungals like ketoconazole cream in Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea), urea helps the antifungal [go through and absorb into the skin better](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.00385/full). This might help your fungal infection improve.

Is Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) an over-the-counter medication?

No, Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) is a prepackaged kit that requires a prescription. By themselves, the [ketoconazole 2% cream](https://www.goodrx.com/ketoconazole/what-is) is a prescription medication, whereas the [urea 20% cream](https://www.goodrx.com/urea/what-is) is available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. OTC [urea products](https://www.goodrx.com/urea/urea-cream-10-20-40-over-the-counter-strengths) are available in different strengths. Talk with your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about any individual ingredient in this product.

Dermetazole

Used for Athlete's Foot, Jock Itch, Ringworm, Seborrheic Dermatitis

Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) is a prepackaged kit with two different products that are both applied on the skin. It contains ketoconazole cream and urea cream. Together, the medications help fight various fungal skin infections. Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) is only available as a brand-name, prescription medication.

Reviewed by:

Ally Tsai, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on November 27, 2022

What is Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea)?

What is Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) used for?

Fungal skin infections, including:

Ringworm
Jock itch
Athlete's foot
Tinea versicolor
Skin yeast infection
Seborrheic eczema (scaly patches of skin)

How Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) works

Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) is a prepackaged kit with two different medications that help with skin infections.

Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that kills fungi by damaging their protective outer layer.
Urea is a topical skin product that loosens the outer layers of the skin. This helps soften areas that are abnormally thick or tough.

Are you looking for information on ketoconazole cream or urea cream instead?

Drug facts

Common BrandsDermetazole

Drug ClassAntifungal / Topical skin product

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

Side effects of Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Ketoconazole 2% cream

Itching (5%)
Skin irritation (5%)
Stinging (5%)

Urea 20% cream

Irritation
Stinging
Skin burning
Itching

Source: DailyMed

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Avg retail price

$Infinity(Save 100.00%)

GoodRx discount

$18.02

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Pros and cons of Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea)

Pros

Packaged as two medications into one kit for convenience
No significant interactions with other medications or supplements
Has very few side effects for most people if used as directed

Cons

Might take 2 to 6 weeks before infection is completely cleared, depending on the skin problem
Only treats some fungal skin infections, not bacterial or viral skin infections
Can sometimes cause a skin reaction where applied

Pharmacist tips for Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea)

Only use Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) on the outside of your body on skin that's not broken. You shouldn’t use it on wounds or on damaged skin. Don't put Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) in your mouth or use it in your eyes or nose to avoid side effects.
When using urea cream on the skin, make sure to rub it in gently and completely.
Most people who use Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) to treat fungal skin infections will notice results soon after starting this medication. If you've been using Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) longer than recommended by your provider, talk with them before continuing treatment so they can evaluate your skin condition again.
Let your provider know if you get a lot of skin irritation, rash, or swelling after using Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) so they can help manage these reactions to the medication.
Put Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) up and away and out of children's reach and sight. This prevents them from accidentally swallowing medication that was left out. If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea), call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away, even if you aren't completely sure.
Store Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) at room temperature, and protect it from heat or freezing since this could damage the medication.

Common questions about Dermetazole

Typically, it takes 2 weeks for antifungal creams, such as ketoconazole 2% in Dermetazole, to completely treat your tinea versicolor (a type of fungal skin infection that can cause dry, itchy, and scaly spots). Keep in mind that even though the infection is gone after treatment, it might take weeks or months for your skin to return to normal color. In the meantime, make sure to protect your skin from the sun and use sunscreen to prevent skin damage.

No. Dermetazole shouldn’t be used to treat a bacterial skin infection. It only works against fungi and is only meant to help with fighting off a fungal skin infection. Don't use Dermetazole to treat a bacterial skin infection even if you already have the medications at home. Doing so might not help your infection get any better since you might not be getting the right kind of treatment. If you have a skin infection, talk with your provider right away so they can determine the best treatment for you.

According to the FDA, topical ketoconazole products, such as ketoconazole 2% cream in Dermetazole, haven't been shown to damage the liver when used on the skin as directed by your provider. Make sure to only use Dermetazole on the outside of your body on the skin. To avoid side effects, don't put this medication in your mouth or eyes or use it on the inside of your nose or ears.

Urea cream is a keratolytic medication, which means it helps to soften dry, rough, or thick skin. When used with antifungals like ketoconazole cream in Dermetazole, urea helps the antifungal go through and absorb into the skin better. This might help your fungal infection improve.

No, Dermetazole is a prepackaged kit that requires a prescription. By themselves, the ketoconazole 2% cream is a prescription medication, whereas the urea 20% cream is available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. OTC urea products are available in different strengths. Talk with your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about any individual ingredient in this product.

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Risks and warnings for Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea)

Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

For topical use only

Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) should only be used on your skin. Don’t put it in your eyes or inside your nose, mouth, or ears. If you think that your child might have accidentally swallowed this medication, call a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) dosage

The average cost for 1 kit of 60g/85g of 2%/20% of Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) is $18.02 with a free GoodRx coupon.

Kit

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
60g/85g of 2%/20%	1 kit	$18.02	$18.02

Typical dosage for Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea)

Ringworm, jock itch, tinea versicolor, skin yeast infection: Each day, apply ketoconazole 2% cream and urea 20% cream on the affected and surrounding area of skin. First, apply a thin layer of ketoconazole 2% cream on the skin once a day. Then, apply a thin layer of urea 20% cream on the skin two times on the same day. Follow these directions for 2 weeks.
Athlete's foot: Each day, apply ketoconazole 2% cream and urea 20% cream on the affected and surrounding area of skin. First, apply a thin layer of ketoconazole 2% cream on the skin once a day. Then, apply a thin layer of urea 20% cream on the skin two times on the same day. Follow these directions for 6 weeks.
Seborrheic eczema: Each day, apply ketoconazole 2% cream and urea 20% cream on the affected and surrounding area of skin. First, apply a thin layer of ketoconazole 2% cream on the skin twice a day. Then, apply a thin layer of urea 20% cream on the skin two times on the same day. Follow these directions for 4 weeks or until the affected area is clear.

How much does Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) cost?

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Dermetazole (brand)

GoodRx lowest price

$18.02

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What are alternatives to Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea)

Used for:

Fungal skin infections, including:

Ringworm
Jock itch
Athlete's foot
Tinea versicolor
Skin yeast infection
Seborrheic eczema (scaly patches of skin)

$18.02Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Ketoconazole cream

Used for:

Ringworm
Jock itch
Athlete's foot
Tinea versicolor (a fungal infection that causes discolored patches on the skin)
Seborrheic dermatitis
Yeast infection on the skin (caused by Candida)

$11.73Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)

Used for:

Treatment and symptom relief (e.g., itching, irritation, redness) of the following fungal skin infections:

$10.21Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Dermetazole

What is Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea)?

What is Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) used for?

How Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) works

Are you looking for information on ketoconazole cream or urea cream instead?

Drug facts

Side effects of Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea)

Common Side Effects

Get your GoodRx coupon

Pros and cons of Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea)

Pros

Cons

Pharmacist tips for Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea)

Common questions about Dermetazole

How fast can Dermetazole improve my tinea versicolor?

Can I use Dermetazole to treat a bacterial skin infection?

Can Dermetazole damage the liver?

What's the purpose of the urea cream in Dermetazole?

Is Dermetazole an over-the-counter medication?

How to save using GoodRx

Risks and warnings for Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea)

For topical use only

Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) dosage

Typical dosage for Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea)

How much does Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea) cost?

$18.02

What are alternatives to Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea)?

Get savings updates for Dermetazole (ketoconazole / urea)

Common questions about Dermetazole

How fast can Dermetazole improve my tinea versicolor?

Can I use Dermetazole to treat a bacterial skin infection?

Can Dermetazole damage the liver?

What's the purpose of the urea cream in Dermetazole?

Is Dermetazole an over-the-counter medication?