Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (2024)

Homechevron_rightDrugschevron_rightUrea Prices

Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (3)

Generic Utopic

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

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:

Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (4)

Aileen Chu, PharmD, BCPS

Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (5)

Michelle Nguyen, PharmD

Last reviewed on March 13, 2021

chevron_left

BasicsSide effectsPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare

chevron_right

Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (6)

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

Urea Cream: Why Are There Different Over-the-Counter Strengths?Written by Nikki Javit, PharmD

Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (8)

Get your GoodRx coupon

local_offer_outlined

Avg retail price

$165.71

savings_outlinedGoodRx lowest price$132.81(save 19.85%)

View GoodRx coupons

Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (9)

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

Advertisement

Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (10)

Pros and cons of Urea

Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (11)

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

Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (12)

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

Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (13)

Pharmacist tips for Urea

Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (14)

  • 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.

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (15)

                Frequently asked questions about Urea

                Is urea made from urine?

                expand_more

                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?

                expand_more

                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?

                expand_more

                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?

                expand_more

                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.

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (16)

                How to save using GoodRx

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (17)

                1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (18)

                2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (19)

                3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.

                Get free couponLearn more

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (20)

                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.

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (21)

                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.

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (22)

                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.

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (23)

                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: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (24)

                Urea dosage forms

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (25)

                Bottle of cream

                DosageAs low as
                85g of 20%$7.57 for 1 bottle
                227g of 39%$59.40 for 1 bottle
                28.35g of 40%$13.91 for 1 bottle
                85g of 40%$132.81 for 1 bottle
                198.4g of 40%$43.46 for 1 bottle
                227g of 41%$173.05 for 1 bottle
                142g of 47%$172.13 for 1 bottle

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (26)

                Bottle of gel

                DosageAs low as
                28ml of 45%$44.24 for 1 bottle

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (27)

                Bottle of lotion

                DosageAs low as
                227g of 40%$38.20 for 1 bottle
                236.6ml of 40%$39.63 for 1 bottle

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (28)

                Can of foam

                DosageAs low as
                150g of 35%$139.18 for 1 can

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (29)

                Jar of cream

                DosageAs low as
                227g of 39.5%$512.51 for 1 jar

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (30)

                Tube of cream

                DosageAs low as
                85g of 10%$7.63 for 1 tube
                28.35g of 40%$11.23 for 1 tube
                198.4g of 40%$13.76 for 1 tube
                255g of 45%$52.14 for 1 tube
                142g of 47%$137.84 for 1 tube
                142g of 50%$26.70 for 1 tube
                255g of 50%$45.46 for 1 tube

                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.

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (31)

                How much does Urea cost?

                To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

                Urea (generic)

                savings_outlinedGoodRx lowest price$132.81(save 19.85%)

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (32)

                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)

                $132.81 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

                Lactic acid

                Used for:

                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

                $20.68 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (33)

                What is the latest news about Urea?

                Autoimmune Rashes: Causes, Treatments, Pictures, and MoreAutoimmune diseases occur when the immune system targets normal parts of your body. When this happens in the skin, it can cause specific rashes and skin changes. Learn about autoimmune rashes, with pictures.
                Urea Cream: Why Are There Different Over-the-Counter Strengths?Urea cream moisturizes dry skin and may help treat conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Learn when to use urea lotion and which strength is best for your needs.

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (36)

                Urea images

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (37)

                This medicine is Colorless Bottle Of Cream.

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (38)

                This medicine is White Bottle Of Cream.white - Urea 40% Topical Cream

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (39)

                This medicine is Colorless Bottle Of Cream.

                Get savings updates for Urea

                Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Urea and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                Browse medications

                View All

                Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

                Urea: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (2024)

                References

                Top Articles
                Latest Posts
                Recommended Articles
                Article information

                Author: Annamae Dooley

                Last Updated:

                Views: 5955

                Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

                Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

                Author information

                Name: Annamae Dooley

                Birthday: 2001-07-26

                Address: 9687 Tambra Meadow, Bradleyhaven, TN 53219

                Phone: +9316045904039

                Job: Future Coordinator

                Hobby: Archery, Couponing, Poi, Kite flying, Knitting, Rappelling, Baseball

                Introduction: My name is Annamae Dooley, I am a witty, quaint, lovely, clever, rich, sparkling, powerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.