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

Desonide

mometasone furoate

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 only

Mometasone furoate is a topical steroid medication that's applied onto the skin. It's used to treat certain conditions that involve red, itchy, or dry skin, such as eczema and psoriasis. It comes in different formulations for adults and children. The cream and ointment are for people 2 years and older. And the topical solution and lotion are for people 12 years and older. You apply the medication to the affected area(s) of skin once daily. Temporary side effects include burning and itching where you applied the medication.

Indications for Mometasone

Inflammatory and itchy skin conditions (e.g., rash, eczema, psoriasis)

Pros and Cons for Mometasone

Pros

Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, and solution
Safe to use on children of certain ages (depends on formulation)
Only applied once a day

Cons

Not safe to use on sensitive areas, like the face, armpits, or groin
Should only use for short periods of time to lower the risk of skin thinning
Risk of topical steroid withdrawal after regularly using for a long time

Common Side Effects for Mometasone

Side effects aren't common. See other side effects.

Warnings for Mometasone

More side effects with longer use and coverings
Changes in stress hormone levels
Topical steroid withdrawal
Higher risk of cataracts and glaucoma
Worsening of skin infections
Allergic skin reaction

Prices with our coupons for Desonide vs. Mometasone

Desonide1 tube / 15g of 0.05%

$15.42$45.31

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Mometasone1 nasal spray / 17g of 50mcg

$38.73$135.98

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Desonide vs. Mometasone

Desonide

mometasone furoate

Summary for Desonide

Indications for Desonide

Pros and Cons for Desonide

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Desonide

Warnings for Desonide

Summary for Mometasone

Indications for Mometasone

Pros and Cons for Mometasone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Mometasone

Warnings for Mometasone

Prices with our coupons for Desonide vs. Mometasone

Compare other Eczema and Psoriasis drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Desonide

mometasone furoate

Summary for Desonide

Indications for Desonide

Pros and Cons for Desonide

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Desonide

Warnings for Desonide

Summary for Mometasone

Indications for Mometasone

Pros and Cons for Mometasone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Mometasone

Warnings for Mometasone