Desonide vs. Hydrocortisone for Itching and Psoriasis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Desonide

topical hydrocortisone

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

Summary for Hydrocortisone

Prescription or over-the-counter

Topical hydrocortisone is a steroid medication used to treat different skin conditions, such as eczema. It's available in many different formulations, including cream, ointment, lotion, and solution. Some strengths are found over the counter (e.g., hydrocortisone 1%), while you need a prescription for others (e.g., hydrocortisone 2.5%). In general, most people experience few to no side effects while using topical hydrocortisone as directed. Rarely, topical hydrocortisone might cause topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Watch out for skin rashes and irritations that get worse after stopping this medication.

Indications for Hydrocortisone

Short-term relief of skin irritations (e.g., itching) due to:

Skin inflammation
Skin rashes
Eczema
Psoriasis
Insect bites
Poison ivy or oak
Skin allergies
Dry scalp
Genital or rectal irritation

Pros and Cons for Hydrocortisone

Pros

Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
Available over the counter
Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, and solution

Cons

Short-term use only, otherwise it might cause skin thinning and high blood sugar
Applied multiple times a day
Might affect your body's ability to fight off infections

Common Side Effects for Hydrocortisone

Burning
Itching
Skin irritation
Dry skin
Inflamed hair follicles

Warnings for Hydrocortisone

Hormone problems and withdrawal
High blood sugar
New or worsened skin infection
Skin problems

Prices with our coupons for Desonide vs. Hydrocortisone

Desonide1 tube / 15g of 0.05%

$15.42$45.05

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Hydrocortisone1 tube / 30g of 2.5%

$12.15$13.99

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Desonide vs. Hydrocortisone

Desonide

topical hydrocortisone

Summary for Desonide

Indications for Desonide

Pros and Cons for Desonide

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Desonide

Warnings for Desonide

Summary for Hydrocortisone

Indications for Hydrocortisone

Pros and Cons for Hydrocortisone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Hydrocortisone

Warnings for Hydrocortisone

Prices with our coupons for Desonide vs. Hydrocortisone

Compare other Itching and Psoriasis drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Desonide

topical hydrocortisone

Summary for Desonide

Indications for Desonide

Pros and Cons for Desonide

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Desonide

Warnings for Desonide

Summary for Hydrocortisone

Indications for Hydrocortisone

Pros and Cons for Hydrocortisone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Hydrocortisone

Warnings for Hydrocortisone