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Overview: Topical urea is used for a variety of skin conditions, usually involving thick, dry, or itchy skin. It may work by adding moisture, softening the area, or helping your body shed dead skin, allowing you to replace it with new and healthy skin. Common side effects are stinging, burning, or irritation. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash or swelling while using topical urea. Topical urea is available in multiple dosage forms.

Uses

What is topical urea used for?

Topical urea is commonly used to treat certain skin and nail conditions, such as the following.

Topical urea may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not found this medicine to be safe and effective, and the label is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about unapproved drugs here.

How does topical urea work (mechanism of action)?

Topical urea may work by adding moisture, softening thick areas of skin or nails, or helping your body shed dead skin, which allows you to replace it with new and healthy skin.

How is topical urea supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Aquacare
  • Carmol
  • Gordon's Urea
  • Keralac
  • Ureacin
  • Utopic
  • Vanamide

Dosage forms and strengths

  • Various forms that are applied to the skin or nails

How should I store topical urea?

Topical urea should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Some products may allow you to store it at slightly higher or lower temperatures, such as down to 59 F (15 C) or up to 86 F (30 C). It is best to avoid exposing topical urea to extreme temperatures, such as freezing or excessive heat. Check the label of your specific product or ask your pharmacist if you have questions about how to store topical urea.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical urea?

The most common side effects of topical urea are burning, stinging, itching, and irritation where it is applied. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of topical urea that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical urea?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical urea are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical urea may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical urea and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical urea?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical urea.

  • Urea
  • Aquacare
  • Carmol
  • Gordon's Urea
  • Keralac
  • Ureacin
  • Utopic
  • Vanamide
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product you are using

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical urea products they stock.

What should I know about topical urea before using it?

If topical urea was prescribed to you by a healthcare provider, use it as prescribed. If you are using over-the-counter topical urea, follow the instructions that come with the product.

Do not share topical urea that was prescribed for you by a healthcare provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep topical urea out of the reach of children.

Avoid using topical urea on your lips or in your nose, mouth, eyes or vagina. If you get topical urea in or on an area that should be avoided, wash the area with water.  Topical urea should not be used on broken, irritated, or damaged skin. 

Different topical urea products may have different instructions for use or areas that should be avoided. Read the instructions for the product you are using and ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to use it properly. 

You should apply topical urea to clean, dry skin. Rub it in until it is absorbed (you can no longer see it on your skin). Wash your hands after using topical urea. 

Stop using topical urea and contact your healthcare provider if your skin or nail condition seems to get worse while using it or if you have significant redness or irritation when you use it. 

Shake urea topical foam well before using it. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical urea?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical urea is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical urea could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use topical urea while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical urea passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use topical urea while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does topical urea interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical urea and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical urea.

Does topical urea interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Topical urea may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

 

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical urea?

If you or someone else has used too much topical urea, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical urea?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.