Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Halcinonide (Halog) and betamethasone (Diprolene, Luxiq, Sernivo) are both topical corticosteroids used to treat inflammatory and itchy skin conditions. However, they differ in several ways. Halcinonide is a high-potency steroid available as a cream and topical solution, typically applied 2 or 3 times a day. Betamethasone, on the other hand, comes in various formulations, including creams, ointments, gels, lotions, sprays, and foams, and is usually applied once or twice daily. Betamethasone is also FDA-approved for mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis in adults, specifically with the Sernivo brand. While both medications can cause skin irritation, betamethasone has a broader range of potential side effects, including hormone changes and eye problems. Halcinonide is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas betamethasone is mostly available as a generic, with some formulations being more expensive. Additionally, betamethasone should not be used on sensitive areas like the face, groin, or armpits, and most of its formulations are not recommended for use longer than 2 weeks.
Halcinonide (Halog)
Betamethasone
Halcinonide (Halog)
Betamethasone
Summary of Halog vs. Diprolene
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
Betamethasone is a potent (strong) medication used to relieve the inflammation (redness, swelling, warmth, pain) and itching from different skin conditions. This medication is available as many different formulations, but most can only be used for up to 2 weeks at a time.
Indications of Halog vs. Diprolene
Indications for
•Inflammatory and itchy skin conditions
Indications for
•Inflammation and itchy skin conditions
•Mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis in people 18 years or older - Sernivo brand only
Pros and Cons of Halog vs. Diprolene
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 different formulations (creams, ointments, gels, lotions, sprays, and foams)
•Certain forms can be used in both children and adults.
•Most available as a lower-cost generic medication
Cons
•Can affect hormone levels
•Can't be applied to sensitive areas like the face, groin, or armpit
•Most products can't be used for longer than 2 weeks at a time.