Desonide vs. Mometasone for Eczema and Psoriasis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Desonide

mometasone nasal spray

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 Mometasone

Prescription or over-the-counter

Mometasone nasal spray is used to prevent the nose symptoms of seasonal allergies, as well as to treat nose and sinus inflammation in adults with nasal polyps. Some side effects this medication can cause include headache and bloody nose. Mometasone nasal spray is available both with a prescription and over the counter (OTC).

Indications for Mometasone

Temporary relief of allergy symptoms (e.g., stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose) (OTC only)
Prevention of seasonal allergies (prescription only)
Treatment of long-term nose and sinus inflammation with nasal polyps (prescription only)

Pros and Cons for Mometasone

Pros

Works well to prevent and treat allergy symptoms
Available OTC
Can be used to help control allergy symptoms in children 2 years or older (OTC only)
Available as a lower-cost generic with a prescription

Cons

Can take 1 to 2 weeks or longer to see the full effects
Doesn't have a counter on the spray bottle, so it can be hard to remember how many sprays are left
Can cause side effects like headache and nose bleeds in some people
Unknown if safe while pregnant or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Mometasone

Headache (26%)
Viral infection (14%)
Sore throat (12%)
Bloody nose or mucus (11%)
Coughing (7%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (i.e., common cold; 6%)
Period cramps (5%)
Muscle pain (5%)
Congestion, pressure near the nose or forehead, and other symptoms of sinus infection (5%)