Urea skin cream, gel, lotion, ointment, or nail lacquer

Urea cream helps soften dry, rough or thick skin as a result of eczema, psoriasis or other skin conditions. It can also help with non-surgical nail removal. This cream works best if you apply it to your skin while your skin is damp, like after a bath or shower.

What is this medication?

UREA (yoo REE uh) is used to soften thick, rough, or dry skin caused by certain skin conditions. It is also used to soften and remove damaged or diseased nails without surgery.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aluvea, BP-50% Urea, BP-K50, Carmol, CEM-Urea, Cerovel, DermacinRx Urea, DERMASORB XM Complete, Epimide-50, Gord Urea, Gordons Urea, Hydro 35, Hydro 40, Kerafoam, Kerafoam 42, Keralac, Keralac Nailstik, Keratol, Keratol Plus, Kerol, Kerol AD, Kerol ZX, Latrix, Mectalyte, Nutraplus, RE Urea 40, RE Urea 50, RE-U40, Rea Lo, Remeven, RYNODERM, U-Kera, U40, Ultra Mide 25, Ultralytic-2, Umecta, Umecta Nail Film, URALISS, Uramaxin, Uramaxin GT, URE-K, Urea, Ureacin, Ureacin-10, Ureacin-20, Urealac, Uredeb, Uremez-40, Uresol, Utopic, Vanamide, X-VIATE, Xurea

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•broken, inflamed, or burnt skin

•infection

•an unusual or allergic reaction to urea, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Apply a thin film to the affected area. The moisturizing effect may be better if this medicine is applied while the skin is still damp after washing or bathing. If applying to the nails, cover to protect the surrounding area. Apply generously to the affected nail. Let it dry uncovered or cover with an adhesive bandage or gauze secured with tape. The treated nail can be removed after several days. On exposure to air the nail bed hardens within 12 to 36 hours. Apply with caution to the face or on broken skin. Do not get this medicine in or near the eyes, lips or other areas of sensitive skin.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other skin products on the affected area without telling your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•redness or irritation that does not go away

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

•skin rash

•stinging, or irritation

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep in a well closed container. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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