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urea

Generic Utopic

Used for Eczema, Psoriasis, Wound Care, Dry Skin, Hyperkeratosis, Keratosis Pilaris

Urea is used to treat abnormally thick or tough skin or nails. It's available over-the-counter in different formulations.

Reviewed by:

Aileen Chu, PharmD, BCPS

Michelle Nguyen, PharmD

Last reviewed on August 12, 2021

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Cost Alternatives Latest news Images Prices Medicare

What is Urea?

What is Urea used for?

Hyperkeratosis (abnormally thick or tough skin or nails)

How Urea works

Urea is a topical skin product that loosens the outer layers of the skin and nails. This helps soften areas that are abnormally thick or tough.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsUtopic, Keralac, Umecta

Drug ClassTopical skin product

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription or over-the-counter

More on Urea essentials

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Written by Nikki Javit, PharmD

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Avg retail price

$166.19(save 95.45%)

GoodRx discount

$7.57

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What are the side effects of 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

Stinging
Burning
Itching
Irritation

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Allergic reactions

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness

Pros and cons of Urea

Pros

Few side effects if used for short periods of time

Available in different topical forms (e.g., cream, foam, gel, lotion)

Some forms are available over-the-counter (OTC).

Available as lower-cost, generic forms

Cons

Doesn't usually treat the cause of the abnormal skin (e.g., eczema, psoriasis) or nail (e.g., fungal infection)

Usually takes several weeks to fully work

Pharmacist tips for Urea

Before applying urea, make sure the affected area(s) of skin are clean and dry. After using the medication, wash your hands well to prevent it from getting in your eyes, unless your hands or fingernails are the areas being treated. If urea gets in your eyes, rinse them well with water.

When using urea on the skin, only apply the smallest amount needed to cover the affected area(s), and be sure to rub it in gently and completely. When using urea nail products, try not to get it on the skin next to the nails.

Shake the container well before using the lotion, foam, or suspension formulations.

Stinging, burning, itching, or irritation are typical side effects of urea, and should go away after you stop using the medication. Talk to your provider if these side effects are bothersome, or if you notice redness or rash.

Avoid putting urea on or near your eyes, lips, and genitals (groin area) unless your provider tells you to do so. Those areas tend to be more sensitive and are more likely to get side effects.

It's best not to use cosmetics or other products on the affected skin after applying urea, since you want to make sure that the medication works well and the area is able to heal. If you are using this medication on thickened nails, which are often due to fungal infection, you may want to ask your provider for antifungal recommendations to get the best effect.

Stop using this medication once your condition is under control. If you don't see improvement after about 2 weeks, talk to your provider.

Frequently asked questions about Urea

Is urea made from urine?

Urea is not made from urine. The urea in your medication is man-made. When your body breaks down protein, it naturally makes urea, which can be detected in the urine.

Can you put urea on your face?

Some forms of urea are safe to use on the face, especially if they are milder. Stronger forms of urea should only be used on the face if recommended by your provider. The skin on your face is a lot more sensitive and more likely to have side effects from topical medications. Only use the smallest amount necessary for the shortest time possible, and try to keep this medication away from your eyes and lips.

Is urea good for feet?

Urea can be good for your feet if the skin is prone to drying and cracking. Damaged skin on the feet can lead to pain and even infection. If you have diabetes, it's especially important to take care of your feet, because you are more likely to get foot infections. Urea can also help if you have toenails that are damaged or abnormally thick.

Can urea cure nail fungus?

Urea is not an antifungal, so it won't cure nail fungus if used on its own. Urea does help soften and thin the nails so that antifungal medications can penetrate the nail and treat the fungal infection underneath.

How to save using GoodRx

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What are the risks and warnings for Urea?

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 external use only

Urea is only for external use on the skin and nails. Avoid contact with your eyes, lips, and genitals (groin area). Keep this medication out of the reach of children to avoid accidental exposure. Ingesting this medication can cause serious side effects.

Skin reaction

Use urea only as directed by your prescriber, or based on the package instructions. If you notice any redness, irritation, or rash, stop using this medication and contact your provider.

Risk of injury (foam canisters)

Urea foam canisters can contain a lot of pressure. Do not puncture or break the canister, and keep it away from high temperatures and open flames to avoid accidental injury.

Urea dosage forms

The average cost for 1 bottle of 85g of 40% of Urea is $27.81 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 83.27% off the average retail price of $166.19.

Bottle of cream

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
85g of 20%	1 bottle	$7.57	$7.57
227g of 39%	1 bottle	$70.83	$70.83
28.35g of 40%	1 bottle	$18.00	$18.00
85g of 40%	1 bottle	$27.81	$27.81
198.4g of 40%	1 bottle	$47.07	$47.07
227g of 41%	1 bottle	$210.93	$210.93
142g of 47%	1 bottle	$186.17	$186.17

Bottle of gel

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
28ml of 45%	1 bottle	$50.19	$50.19

Bottle of lotion

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
227g of 40%	1 bottle	$50.60	$50.60
236.6ml of 40%	1 bottle	$52.55	$52.55

Can of foam

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
150g of 35%	1 can	$274.87	$274.87

Jar of cream

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
227g of 39.5%	1 jar	$1394.05	$1394.05

Tube of cream

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
85g of 10%	1 tube	$7.63	$7.63
28.35g of 40%	1 tube	$11.76	$11.76
198.4g of 40%	1 tube	$14.83	$14.83
255g of 45%	1 tube	$48.08	$48.08
142g of 47%	1 tube	$166.92	$166.92
142g of 50%	1 tube	$26.70	$26.70
255g of 50%	1 tube	$45.96	$45.96

Typical dosing for Urea

Urea is usually applied to the affected area(s) 2 times a day. It may be used more or less frequently depending on your condition and the specific product you are using.

How much does Urea cost?

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Urea (generic)

GoodRx lowest price

$7.57

(save 95.45%)

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What are alternatives to Urea?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Urea. Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Urea

Used for:

Hyperkeratosis (abnormally thick or tough skin or nails)

$7.57 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

Lactic acid

Used for:

Moisturizing dry, scaly skin

View Prices

Imiquimod

Used for:

Face or scalp actinic keratosis (scaly precancerous spot or growth on the skin) in adults - all brands and strengths
Genital and anal warts in adults and children 12 years and older - Zyclara 3.75% and Aldara 5% only
Superficial basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) in adults - Aldara 5% only

$31.26 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices