What are the side effects of Keragel (keratin wound gel)?

[No side effects](https://molecularbiologicals.com/faq) have been reported with Keragel (keratin wound gel) during clinical trials. But some people who participated in other studies involving keratin wound products did report [infected wounds](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7949970/). But it's unclear whether the infections were related to the keratin products themselves or to wound care. If you think you might be experiencing a reaction to Keragel (keratin wound gel) or if your wound becomes infected, let your provider know.

Is Keragel (keratin wound gel) available over the counter (OTC)?

No. You can only get Keragel (keratin wound gel) with a prescription from your healthcare provider.

Keragel

Used for Wound Care

Keragel (keratin wound gel) is a prescription gel that's used to help heal wounds and burns that are closer to the surface of the skin. It can even be applied to wounds that are opened. Keragel (keratin wound gel) comes sterile (free from germs) in a tube for easy application. It's typically applied to the skin 1 to 3 times daily. There haven't been any reports of side effects linked to Keragel (keratin wound gel).

Reviewed by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Connie Zheng, PharmD

Last reviewed on April 3, 2023

What is Keragel (keratin wound gel)?

What is Keragel (keratin wound gel) used for?

Wounds that are closer to the surface of the skin, such as:

Leg ulcers
Foot ulcers from diabetes
Bed sores (pressure ulcers)
Skin graft donor sites
First- and second-degree burns, including sunburns

How Keragel (keratin wound gel) works

Keragel (keratin wound gel) is a hydrogel wound dressing that creates a moist environment for the skin. It contains keratin, a protein that's involved in wound healing. One of the ways it does this is by speeding up the creation and movement of new cells at the wound area.

Drug facts

Common Brands	Keragel, KeragelT
Drug Class	Wound dressing
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Keragel, KeragelT

Drug Class

Wound dressing

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Pros and cons of Keragel (keratin wound gel)

Pros

Easy to apply
Can be used on both intact skin and open wounds
No known side effects

Cons

Requires a prescription from a healthcare provider
Might take one month or more to see potential benefits
No lower-cost generic available

Pharmacist tips for Keragel (keratin wound gel)

Before using Keragel (keratin wound gel), clean and dry the wound as directed by your provider.
If you'll be applying Keragel (keratin wound gel) yourself, become familiar with the instructions on how to apply it properly. If you're using a new tube of Keragel (keratin wound gel) for the first time, you'll need to use the cap to pierce the seal on the tube before you can use the medication.
Depending on your wound, your provider might ask you to use a sterile gauze pad to help you apply Keragel (keratin wound gel).
If your wound is drying up, let your provider know. They might ask you to apply more Keragel (keratin wound gel) to dry wounds.
Check with your provider if you should cover your wound after using Keragel (keratin wound gel), or if you should leave it uncovered.

Common questions about Keragel

Both products contains keratin protein as the main ingredient, but KeragelT has a thinner feel (consistency) than Keragel. Because of this, KeragelT tends to dry faster on the skin. This makes KeragelT more ideal for people with delicate skin or medical conditions that cause your skin to be more fragile. The slightly thicker Keragel might be more suitable for wounds in areas that are more difficult to cover up with protective bandages, such as around the face, neck, and hands. Your provider will help you decide which product is best for your wound.

Your wound should be checked daily or as instructed by your provider. Let them know if you notice anything unusual or if your wound seems to be getting worse. If you develop an infection, your provider can tell you if you should continue using Keragel.

No side effects have been reported with Keragel during clinical trials. But some people who participated in other studies involving keratin wound products did report infected wounds. But it's unclear whether the infections were related to the keratin products themselves or to wound care. If you think you might be experiencing a reaction to Keragel or if your wound becomes infected, let your provider know.

No. You can only get Keragel with a prescription from your healthcare provider.

No. Keratin is a protein that's found in hair, nails, and skin. It's thought to speed up wound healing and closure. Collagen is a different protein that's found in your skin, tendons, bones, and other parts of your body. It also plays a large role in wound healing. Keragel is thought to stimulate certain collagens that help with wound healing.

Risks and warnings for Keragel (keratin wound gel)

Keragel (keratin wound gel) 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.

Only for use on the skin

You should only use Keragel (keratin wound gel) on wounds or burns on your skin, as instructed by your provider.

Keragel (keratin wound gel) dosage

Typical dosage for Keragel (keratin wound gel)

The typical dose is to apply a 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch layer of medication to cover the entire wound surface 1 to 3 times daily as instructed by your provider.

What are alternatives to Keragel (keratin wound gel)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Keragel (keratin wound gel). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Keragel (keratin wound gel)

Used for:

Wounds that are closer to the surface of the skin, such as:

Leg ulcers
Foot ulcers from diabetes
Bed sores (pressure ulcers)
Skin graft donor sites
First- and second-degree burns, including sunburns

View prices

Bionect (hyaluronic acid)

Used for:

To cover and protect wounds and burns, including:

Skin ulcers (e.g., pressure sores, diabetic ulcers)
Cuts and scrapes
Surgical cuts
Skin irritations
First and second degree burns

$147.45Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

References

Batzer, A. T., et al. (2016). The use of keratin-based wound products on refractory wounds. International Wound Journal.

Dhivya, S., et al. (2015). Wound dressings - A review. BioMedicine.

Konop, M., et al. (2021). Keratin biomaterials in skin wound healing, an old player in modern medicine: A mini review. Pharmaceutics.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

What is Keragel (keratin wound gel)?

What is Keragel (keratin wound gel) used for?

How Keragel (keratin wound gel) works

Drug facts

Pros and cons of Keragel (keratin wound gel)

Pros

Cons

Pharmacist tips for Keragel (keratin wound gel)

Common questions about Keragel

What's the difference between Keragel and KeragelT?

How often should my wound be checked while I'm using Keragel?

What are the side effects of Keragel?

Is Keragel available over the counter (OTC)?

Is the keratin in Keragel the same as collagen?

Risks and warnings for Keragel (keratin wound gel)

Only for use on the skin

Keragel (keratin wound gel) dosage

Typical dosage for Keragel (keratin wound gel)

What are alternatives to Keragel (keratin wound gel)?

References

View All References (8)

Common questions about Keragel

What's the difference between Keragel and KeragelT?

How often should my wound be checked while I'm using Keragel?

What are the side effects of Keragel?

Is Keragel available over the counter (OTC)?

Is the keratin in Keragel the same as collagen?