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Desonide

Desonide Side Effects

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmDDaisy Chau, PharmD
Reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD, Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 27, 2026

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Cream:

  • Itching (1%)
  • Pain (1%)
  • Rash (1%)
  • Redness (1%)
  • Irritation (1%)
  • Burning (1%)

Lotion:

  • Irritation (3%)
  • Peeling of the skin (3%)
  • Itching (3%)
  • Redness (3%)
  • Dryness (3%)

Ointment:

  • Redness (6%)
  • Itching (6%)
  • Irritation (6%)
  • Oily skin (6%)

Gel:

  • Headache (2%)
  • Burning (1%)
  • Rash (1%)
  • Itching (1%)

Less Common Side Effects

  • Dry skin
  • Acne
  • Rash
  • Skin infections
  • Skin thinning
  • Stretch marks
  • Lighter skin color
When do Desonide possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Stinging or burning
Itchiness
Dry skin

Source: DailyMed

The following Desonide side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin

burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site

flushing or redness of the skin

irritation

itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin

peeling of the skin

raised, dark red, wart-like spots on the skin, especially when used on the face

stinging and burning

unusually warm skin

Incidence not known

Blindness

blurred vision or other change in vision

decreased vision

eye pain

headache

loss of vision

nausea

redness and scaling around the mouth

tearing

thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together (eg, between the fingers)

vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Body aches or pain

chills

cough

difficulty with breathing

ear congestion

fever

headache

loss of voice

runny or stuffy nose

sneezing

sore throat

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Hoarseness

irritability

noisy breathing

tender, swollen glands in the neck

tightness in the chest

trouble with swallowing

voice changes

Incidence not known

Acne or pimples

burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters

burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair

lightening of normal skin color

lightening of treated areas of dark skin

reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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