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. DesOwen
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 topical steroid used on the skin to reduce inflammation, itching, and redness from certain skin conditions, including eczema. It comes in many forms, such as a cream, lotion, gel, and ointment. You apply it directly to the affected skin 2 to 4 times a day, depending on how serious the condition is. Potential side effects include burning, itching, and stinging where it's applied.
Indications of Diprolene vs. DesOwen
Indications for
•Inflammation and itchy skin conditions
•Mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis in people 18 years or older - Sernivo brand only
Indications for
•Skin rashes and other skin irritations - cream, lotion, and ointment
•Eczema in adults and children 3 months and older - gel only
Pros and Cons of Diprolene vs. DesOwen
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
•Applied directly to the affected area(s) of skin
•Low strength topical steroid, so it has lower risk of side effects
•Comes in forms like an ointment, cream, lotion, and gel
Cons
•Short-term use only, otherwise it might cause skin changes
•Doesn’t treat the cause of skin conditions, only the symptoms