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Compare Diprolene vs. Desonate

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

Key takeaways

Betamethasone (Diprolene) and desonide (DesOwen) are both topical corticosteroids used to treat skin conditions, but they differ in strength and usage. Betamethasone is a potent corticosteroid available in various formulations like creams, ointments, gels, lotions, sprays, and foams, and is typically used for up to 2 weeks. It treats inflammation and itching from skin conditions and mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis in adults. Desonide, on the other hand, is a low-potency corticosteroid available as foam, gel, and ointment, and can be used for up to 4 weeks. It is used to treat skin rashes and eczema in both adults and children as young as 3 months. Betamethasone is generally stronger and may have a higher risk for side effects, while desonide has a lower risk of side effects but might not be as effective for severe conditions. Both medications should not be used on sensitive areas like the face, groin, or armpits, and should be applied as directed by your healthcare provider.

  • Betamethasone
    Desonide
  • Betamethasone
    Desonide

  • Summary of Diprolene vs. Desonate

    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.

    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 Diprolene vs. Desonate

    Indications for
    •Inflammation and itchy skin conditions
    •Mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis in people 18 years or older - Sernivo brand only
    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 Diprolene vs. Desonate

    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.
    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 Diprolene vs. Desonate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning or stinging of the skin
    •Itchy skin
    •Skin irritation
    •Dry skin
    •Skin redness
    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 Diprolene vs. Desonate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in hormone levels
    •Eye problems
    •Skin infections
    •Allergic skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in hormone levels
    •New or worsened skin infection
    •Skin irritation

  • Prices with our coupons for Diprolene vs. Desonate

    Learn more about Betamethasone
    Learn more about Desonide

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