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Compare 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
    Triamcinolone
  • Desonide
    Triamcinolone

  • Summary of Desonide vs. Triamcinolone

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Desonide is a low-potency (lower strength) topical steroid medication that comes in many forms, such as foam, gel, and ointment. It's used on the skin to relieve inflammation and itching caused by various skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis (eczema). While adults and children 3 months and older can use desonide foam and gel to treat eczema, other topical steroid products can only be used in adults.

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    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 of Desonide vs. Triamcinolone

    Indications for
    •Treatment of skin rashes and other skin irritation - cream, lotion, and ointment
    •Treatment of eczema in adults and children 3 months and older - foam and gel only
    Indications for
    •Inflammatory skin conditions

  • Pros and Cons of Desonide vs. Triamcinolone

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication for most formulations
    •Low strength topical steroids, so it has lower risk of side effects
    •Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, and gel
    •Foam and gel forms can be used to treat eczema in children as young as 3 months old
    Cons
    •Not the strongest topical steroid, so it might not work well for more severe skin conditions
    •Short-term use only, otherwise it might cause skin thinning and changes in skin color
    •Can cause eye problems (e.g., glaucoma) if medication gets into the eye
    •Limits your body's ability to fight infections
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    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 of Desonide vs. Triamcinolone

    Common Side Effects for

    Verdeso topical foam

    •Upper respiratory infection (10%)
    •Cough (4%)
    •Skin burning (3%)

    Desonide topical products

    •Stinging or burning sensation on skin
    •Itchy skin
    •Peeling of the skin
    •Dry or flakey skin
    •Redness on the skin
    •Hardening of skin - ointment only
    •Skin oiliness - ointment only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning
    •Itching
    •Skin irritation
    •Dry skin

  • Warnings of Desonide vs. Triamcinolone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in hormone levels
    •New or worsened skin infection
    •Skin irritation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Reduced adrenal gland function
    •Skin infection
    •Skin problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Desonide vs. Triamcinolone

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