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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

 

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Desonide

 

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Summary for Clobetasol

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.

Indications for Clobetasol

  • 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

Pros and Cons for Clobetasol

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

Common Side Effects for Clobetasol

  • Burning
  • Stinging
  • Skin irritation
  • Itching

Warnings for Clobetasol

  • 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)

Summary for Desonide

Prescription only

Desonide is a topical steroid used on the skin to reduce inflammation, itching, and redness from certain skin conditions, including eczema. It comes in many forms, such as a cream, lotion, gel, and ointment. You apply it directly to the affected skin 2 to 4 times a day, depending on how serious the condition is. Potential side effects include burning, itching, and stinging where it's applied.

Indications for Desonide

  • Skin rashes and other skin irritations - cream, lotion, and ointment
  • Eczema in adults and children 3 months and older - gel only

Pros and Cons for Desonide

Pros

  • Applied directly to the affected area(s) of skin
  • Low strength topical steroid, so it has lower risk of side effects
  • Comes in forms like an ointment, cream, lotion, and gel

Cons

  • Short-term use only, otherwise it might cause skin changes
  • Doesn’t treat the cause of skin conditions, only the symptoms
  • Requires a prescription

Common Side Effects for Desonide

Cream:

  • Itching (1%)
  • Pain (1%)
  • Rash (1%)
  • Redness (1%)
  • Irritation (1%)
  • Burning (1%)

Lotion:

  • Irritation (3%)
  • Peeling of the skin (3%)
  • Itching (3%)
  • Redness (3%)
  • Dryness (3%)

Ointment:

  • Redness (6%)
  • Itching (6%)
  • Irritation (6%)
  • Oily skin (6%)

Gel:

  • Headache (2%)
  • Burning (1%)
  • Rash (1%)
  • Itching (1%)

Warnings for Desonide

  • Changes in stress hormone levels
  • Skin infection
  • Skin irritation

Prices with our coupons for Clobetasol vs. Desonide

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Clobetasol1 tube / 60g of 0.05%
$16.01$124.71
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Desonide1 tube / 15g of 0.05%
$15.42$43.66
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