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Compare Clobetasol vs. Desonide

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Clobetasol (Clobex, Olux) and desonide (DesOwen, DesRx, Verdeso) are both topical corticosteroids used to treat skin inflammation and irritation. They are similar in that they help reduce redness, itching, and swelling. However, they differ in potency and specific uses. Clobetasol is a super potent steroid, making it suitable for more severe skin conditions like psoriasis, while desonide is a low-potency steroid often used for milder conditions like eczema. Clobetasol is available in various forms, including cream, shampoo, lotion, and spray, and is typically used for up to 2 weeks (4 weeks for shampoo). Desonide comes in forms like foam, gel, and ointment, and can be used for up to 4 weeks for foam and gel. Clobetasol is generally for adults, but some forms can be used by children 12 and older, whereas desonide can be used by children as young as 3 months. Common side effects of clobetasol include burning and skin irritation, while desonide may cause stinging and dry skin. Both medications should not be used on broken skin or covered with a bandage unless directed by a healthcare provider.

  • Clobetasol
    Desonide
  • Clobetasol
    Desonide

  • Summary of Clobetasol vs. Desonide

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Clobetasol is a super potent (very strong) corticosteroid that's applied to the skin. It helps relieve skin inflammation and irritation from moderate-to-severe skin problems, like psoriasis. Clobetasol is available in many different formulations. This includes a cream, ointment, shampoo, topical solution, and foam. Most formulations are for people 12 years and older. But others, like the shampoo and lotion, are for adults only. Some side effects include burning, stinging, and irritation where it's applied. Clobetasol has both brand-name and generic options.

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Desonide is a low-potency (lower strength) topical steroid medication that comes in many forms, such as foam, gel, and ointment. It's used on the skin to relieve inflammation and itching caused by various skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis (eczema). While adults and children 3 months and older can use desonide foam and gel to treat eczema, other topical steroid products can only be used in adults.

  • Indications of Clobetasol vs. Desonide

    Indications for
    •Skin rashes and itchy skin - all topical forms except shampoo
    •Plaque psoriasis not on the scalp - all topical forms except shampoo
    •Moderate-to-severe scalp psoriasis - shampoo and certain foams only
    Indications for
    •Treatment of skin rashes and other skin irritation - cream, lotion, and ointment
    •Treatment of eczema in adults and children 3 months and older - foam and gel only

  • Pros and Cons of Clobetasol vs. Desonide

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •One of the most potent (strongest) topical steroids
    •Applied directly to the affected area(s) of skin
    •Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, and spray
    •Works well for managing psoriasis symptoms
    Cons
    •For short-term use only (usually no more than 2 weeks at a time) to prevent skin thinning and other problems
    •Not safe to use on the face, armpits, or groin
    •Some formulations are only for adults (e.g., shampoo, lotion, spray)
    •Not known if safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication for most formulations
    •Low strength topical steroids, so it has lower risk of side effects
    •Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, and gel
    •Foam and gel forms can be used to treat eczema in children as young as 3 months old
    Cons
    •Not the strongest topical steroid, so it might not work well for more severe skin conditions
    •Short-term use only, otherwise it might cause skin thinning and changes in skin color
    •Can cause eye problems (e.g., glaucoma) if medication gets into the eye
    •Limits your body's ability to fight infections

  • Common Side Effects of Clobetasol vs. Desonide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning
    •Stinging
    •Skin irritation
    •Itching
    Common Side Effects for

    Verdeso topical foam

    •Upper respiratory infection (10%)
    •Cough (4%)
    •Skin burning (3%)

    Desonide topical products

    •Stinging or burning sensation on skin
    •Itchy skin
    •Peeling of the skin
    •Dry or flakey skin
    •Redness on the skin
    •Hardening of skin - ointment only
    •Skin oiliness - ointment only

  • Warnings of Clobetasol vs. Desonide

    Common Side Effects for
    •More skin reactions with longer use and coverings
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Topical steroid withdrawal
    •Higher risk of cataracts and glaucoma
    •Treat any skin infections appropriately
    •Flammable (clobetasol foam, solution, and spray only)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in hormone levels
    •New or worsened skin infection
    •Skin irritation

  • Prices with our coupons for Clobetasol vs. Desonide

    Learn more about Clobetasol
    Learn more about Desonide

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