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Compare Desoximetasone vs. Hydrocortisone

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

  • Desoximetasone (Topicort)
    Topical hydrocortisone
  • Desoximetasone (Topicort)
    Topical hydrocortisone

  • Summary of Desoximetasone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Desoximetasone, also known by its brand name, Topicort, is a topical corticosteroid that's used to treat inflammatory skin conditions. It works by lowering certain chemicals in your body that cause inflammation. Desoximetasone (Topicort) comes as a brand-name and generic cream, ointment, gel, and spray. It's applied to the affected area(s) of the skin twice per day. Side effects aren't common but can include skin irritation and burning.

    Summary for Corticosteroid

    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 of Desoximetasone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Indications for
    •Inflammatory skin conditions
    •Plaque psoriasis in adults - desoximetasone spray (Topicort Spray) only
    Indications for

    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 of Desoximetasone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Available in different forms (cream, gel, ointment, spray)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Few side effects
    Cons
    •Must apply to the affected area of skin twice per day
    •Not for long-term use because of a higher risk of side effects
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    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 of Desoximetasone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning
    •Itching
    •Skin irritation
    •Dry skin
    •Inflamed hair follicles

  • Warnings of Desoximetasone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Altered stress hormone levels
    •Cataracts and glaucoma
    •Flammable (topical spray only)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Hormone problems and withdrawal
    •High blood sugar
    •New or worsened skin infection
    •Skin problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Desoximetasone vs. Hydrocortisone

    Learn more about Desoximetasone
    Learn more about Topical hydrocortisone

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