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Compare Vanos vs. Desonate

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

Key takeaways

Fluocinonide (Vanos) and desonide (DesOwen, DesRx, Verdeso) are both topical corticosteroids used to treat skin inflammation and irritation, but they differ in potency and usage. Fluocinonide is a stronger corticosteroid available in two strengths (0.05% and 0.1%) and is typically not recommended for long-term use or for sensitive areas like the face, underarms, or groin. In contrast, desonide is a low-potency corticosteroid that can be used in children as young as 3 months old and is available in various forms, including foam, gel, and ointment. While both medications are used to treat conditions like eczema, desonide is more suitable for milder cases and has a lower risk of side effects. Both medications may need to be applied up to 4 times a day. Both medications should not be used for extended periods to avoid side effects like skin thinning and hormonal changes.

  • Fluocinonide (Vanos)
    Desonide
  • Fluocinonide (Vanos)
    Desonide

  • Summary of Vanos vs. Desonate

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Fluocinonide (Vanos) is a strong topical steroid that treats skin inflammation and irritation, but it's not meant for long-term use. The medication comes in many different forms, such as a cream, ointment, gel, and topical solution.

    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 Vanos vs. Desonate

    Indications for
    •Skin inflammation disorders, including psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis
    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 Vanos vs. Desonate

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Treats a variety of skin conditions
    •Has few side effects when used for short periods of time
    •Available as a cream, gel, ointment, and topical solution
    •Comes in two different strengths, providing some flexibility based on your symptoms
    Cons
    •Not meant for long-term use
    •Might have to apply it up to 4 times a day
    •The higher strength (0.1%) shouldn't be used in children under 12 years old.
    •Not the best option for treating the face, underarms, or groin (higher strength can't be used for these areas at all)
    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 Vanos vs. Desonate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (4%)
    •Burning where fluocinonide (Vanos) was applied (2%)
    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 Vanos vs. Desonate

    Common Side Effects for
    •CHANGE IN HORMONES
    •SKIN REACTIONS
    •SKIN INFECTIONS
    •ALLERGIC REACTIONS
    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in hormone levels
    •New or worsened skin infection
    •Skin irritation

  • Prices with our coupons for Vanos vs. Desonate

    Learn more about Fluocinonide
    Learn more about Desonide

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