How is 40% urea used to treat fungal infections of the toe nail?

What you'll learn:

1. How does Urea help with toenail fungus?
2. What else can I do to restore my damaged fungal nails?
3. Which products are the most effective? 

Reading time:  4 minutes
Updated:  6/21/2021

Jeffrey A. Oster, DPM Medical Advisor

What is urea and why does it help to treat fungal nail infections?

Urea debridement of mycotic nails - safe, easy and effective.

Urea, also known as carbamide, is an organic chemical compound that was first synthesized in 1828.  Urea is often referred to as one of the most basic and important chemicals used in healthcare today.   In addition to medical uses, urea is used as a resin in making plywood, as an adjunct in animal feed and is actually used as the main ingredient that makes pretzels their distinctive brown color. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urea )

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Urea's primary uses though are in medicine.  Urea is used in skin preparation to soften keratin, treating psoriasis, eczema, and corns and calluses.  Urea is particularly helpful in treating thick, dystrophic fungal (onychomycosis) nails.  40% urea effectively debrides the diseased nail while leaving healthy nail intact and unaffected.   

In the early years of my podiatry practice, I would follow a chemical recipe from the Russian literature to make a 40% urea preparation for my patients to use to treat thick, mycotic nails.  With the help of our in-house skin care team (Myfootshop.com's Natural's line of products), we've formulated a 40% urea paste we call Natural Antifungal Nail Butter.  To treat the fungal infection of the nail, we've also added tea tree oil and lavender to naturally treat fungal nail infections.

I want to stress that Natural Antifungal Nail Butter with 40% urea is intended to treat fungal nail infection, but more importantly, the 40% urea is intended to debride diseased nail.  The images below show two stages of a fungal nail infection.  On the left, the image shows an early infection.  This nail is easily treated with a topical antifungal like Terpenicol or Clearzal.  The nail on the right will require both mechanical and chemical debridement.  In this case, the use of a nail cutter and Nail Butter with 40% urea is indicated. 

Helpful Products

Terpenicol - Antifungal Cream

Terpenicol Antifungal Cream (formerly Tineacide) is one of our favorite remedies for fungal infections. It's a great mix of traditional and alternative antifungal medicine in one solution that's strong enough to wipe out tough fungus fast. By Blaine Labs. 1.25 oz. 1/pkg.

As low as $20.36!

Natural Healthy Nail Butter™

Natural Healthy Nail Butter™ moisturizes and thins thick, yellow toenails with the combined power of Lavender oil, tea tree oil, and urea. A safe, effective, painless, daily treatment for problem toenails. 2 tubes/pkg, each tube weighs 0.19oz for a total of 0.38 oz. By Myfootshop.com.

As low as $16.96!

Natural Healthy Nail Solution

Natural Healthy Nail Solution is made with all-natural ingredients, including tee tree oil and lavender oil, to restore thick or discolored nails to a healthy condition. One 1oz. bottle/pkg. By Myfootshop.com

As low as $16.96!

ClearZal® BAC Antimicrobial Nail Solution

ClearZal Nail Care Solution is a topical solution for infected nails that kills bacteria and fungus on contact. Use twice daily for safe and effective treatment of your thick or discolored nails. By ClearZal. 1 fluid oz. 1 bottle/pkg.

As low as $15.26!

Tea Tree Ultimates® FungaSoap®

This patented liquid soap is enriched with Tea Tree Oil , which has been used for centuries as a disinfectant, antibacterial, antifungal and as an antiseptic to help prevent infection. Comes in 3 sizes. By PediFix, Inc.

As low as $4.21!

Just For Toenails Enhanced Nail Polish

Just For Toenails Enhanced Nail Polish is the fun way to hide toenail fungus! Made with tea tree oil, a natural antifungal and antiseptic, to cover and fight nail damage in a variety of colors. By Just For Toenails. 1/2 fluid oz. bottle. 1/pkg.

$11.95