hydrocortisone and urea topical Health Article

Generic name(s):

hydrocortisone and urea topical

Brand name(s):

hydrocortisone-urea topical, Carmol HC, Keratol HC

What is the most important information I should know about hydrocortisone and urea topical?

Use this medication exactly as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with hydrocortisone and urea topical can increase the amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Avoid using this medication on your face, near your eyes, or on body areas where you have skin folds or thin skin.

Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more sensitive to the effects of hydrocortisone and urea topical.

Hydrocortisone and urea topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.

Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using this medication for several days.

What is hydrocortisone and urea topical?

Hydrocortisone is a steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.

Urea is a skin softener. It is used to moisturize the skin.

Hydrocortisone and urea topical is used to treat inflammation of the skin caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, or psoriasis.

Hydrocortisone and urea topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using hydrocortisone and urea topical?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrocortisone.

Hydrocortisone and urea topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether hydrocortisone and urea topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more sensitive to the effects of hydrocortisone and urea topical.

How should I use hydrocortisone and urea topical?

Use this medication exactly as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or use it for longer than recommended.

Wash your hands before and after each application, unless you are using this medication to treat a hand condition.

Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin.

Avoid using this medication on your face, near your eyes or mouth, or on body areas where you have skin folds or thin skin.

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with hydrocortisone and urea topical can increase the amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions. Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using this medication for several days. It is important to use hydrocortisone and urea topical regularly to get the most benefit. Store the medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.