urea
Urea is used to treat abnormally thick or tough skin or nails. It's available over-the-counter in different formulations.
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
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
Urea serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reactions
The following Urea 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
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Pros and cons of Urea
Pros
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.
Common questions about Urea
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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
Bottle of cream| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28.35g of 40% | 1 bottle | $28.25 | $28.25 |
| 227g of 39% | 1 bottle | $70.83 | $70.83 |
| 227g of 41% | 1 bottle | $225.24 | $225.24 |
| 198.4g of 40% | 1 bottle | $38.61 | $38.61 |
| 85g of 40% | 1 bottle | $31.87 | $31.87 |
| 142g of 47% | 1 bottle | $186.17 | $186.17 |
| 85g of 20% | 1 bottle | $10.00 | $10.00 |
Bottle of gel| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28ml of 45% | 1 bottle | $49.94 | $49.94 |
Bottle of lotion| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 236.6ml of 40% | 1 bottle | $52.55 | $52.55 |
| 227g of 40% | 1 bottle | $50.60 | $50.60 |
Can of foam| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150g of 35% | 1 can | $284.77 | $284.77 |
Jar of cream| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 227g of 39.5% | 1 jar | $1,587.45 | $1,587.45 |
Typical dosage 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?
$7.63
What are alternatives to Urea?
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