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Compare Halog vs. Desonate

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

Key takeaways

Halcinonide (Halog) and desonide (DesOwen, DesRx, Verdeso) are both topical corticosteroids used to treat skin inflammation and itching, but they differ in strength and usage. Halcinonide is a strong steroid, making it effective for severe skin conditions like psoriasis, but it can be expensive without insurance. Desonide, on the other hand, is a low-potency steroid, suitable for milder conditions like eczema and can be used in children as young as 3 months. Halcinonide is available in cream, ointment, and solution forms, while desonide comes in foam, gel, cream, lotion, and ointment. You need to apply halcinonide 2 to 3 times a day, whereas desonide is applied 2 to 4 times daily depending on the form. Desonide is generally safer for short-term use due to its lower strength, but both medications can cause side effects like skin irritation and infections if used improperly. Desonide is available in generic forms, which can be more affordable, while halcinonide's ointment and solution are only available as brand names.

  • Halcinonide (Halog)
    Desonide
  • Halcinonide (Halog)
    Desonide

  • Summary of Halog vs. Desonate

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Halcinonide (Halog) is a prescription topical steroid. It's used to treat many types of inflammatory and itchy skin conditions. Halcinonide (Halog) is applied directly to the skin 2 or 3 times per day. This medication comes as a cream and topical solution. Side effects aren't common, but can include skin burning and irritation.

    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.

  • Indications of Halog vs. Desonate

    Indications for
    •Inflammatory and itchy skin conditions
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Halog vs. Desonate

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •High-potency steroid that's useful for many different types of more severe skin conditions
    •Fewer side effects compared to oral steroids
    •Available as a cream and topical solution
    Cons
    •Available by prescription only
    •Need to apply up to 3 times per day
    •Not meant for long-term use due to the risk of side effects
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Halog vs. Desonate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning
    •Itching
    •Irritation
    •Dryness
    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

  • Warnings of Halog vs. Desonate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Hormone problems and withdrawal
    •High blood sugar
    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in hormone levels
    •New or worsened skin infection
    •Skin irritation

  • Prices with our coupons for Halog vs. Desonate

    Learn more about Halcinonide
    Learn more about Desonide

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