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Desonide vs. Triamcinolone

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

Key takeaways

Desonide (DesOwen, DesRx, Verdeso) and triamcinolone (Triderm, Triasil, Tritocin, Kenalog) are both topical corticosteroids used to treat skin conditions like eczema. They work by reducing inflammation and calming the immune response. However, they differ in potency and usage. Desonide is a low-potency steroid available in forms like foam, gel, and ointment, and is safe for children as young as 3 months when using foam and gel. Triamcinolone is a medium-strength steroid available in cream, ointment, lotion, and spray, and is used for a wider range of inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis. Desonide is typically applied 2 to 4 times daily for up to 2 weeks (or 4 weeks for foam and gel), while triamcinolone's application frequency varies by formulation, ranging from 2 to 4 times daily. Both medications are available by prescription only and are available as a lower-cost generics. Common side effects for both include skin irritation and dryness, but triamcinolone may also cause excessive hair growth and acne-like bumps. Both medications should be used for short-term treatment to avoid side effects like skin thinning and hormonal changes.

Desonide

 

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Triamcinolone

 

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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 Triamcinolone

Prescription only

Triamcinolone is a topical corticosteroid used to treat different inflammatory skin conditions, like eczema psoriasis, or skin allergies, in adults and children. It works by reducing inflammation, redness, and irritation. The medication is available in various formulations, such as cream, ointment, lotion, and topical spray. Depending on the formulation, it's typically applied between 2 to 4 times a day. Side effects are rare, but can include burning, itching, and dryness at the application site.

Indications for Triamcinolone

  • Inflammatory skin conditions

Pros and Cons for Triamcinolone

Pros

  • Symptoms typically start to improve within a few days
  • Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, lotion, and spray
  • Might have less side effects compared to oral steroids that you take by mouth

Cons

  • For short-term use only
  • Children might absorb more of this medication, raising the risk of side effects
  • Needs to be applied multiple times a day

Common Side Effects for Triamcinolone

  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Skin irritation
  • Dry skin

Warnings for Triamcinolone

  • Reduced adrenal gland function
  • Skin infection
  • Skin problems

Prices with our coupons for Desonide vs. Triamcinolone

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Desonide1 tube / 15g of 0.05%
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Triamcinolone1 jar / 430g of 0.05%
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