desonide
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.
What is Desonide?
What is Desonide used 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
How Desonide works
Desonide is a topical corticosteroid. When it’s used on the skin, it has two actions:
It lowers the amount of inflammatory chemicals that cause redness, itching, and swelling. This helps to lower skin inflammation.
It lessens the immune response of your body, which can help with certain skin problems that are caused by a sensitive immune system (e.g., eczema).
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What are the side effects of Desonide?
Common Side Effects
- Upper respiratory infection (10%)
- Cough (4%)
- Skin burning (3%)
- 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
Other Side Effects
- Thinning of skin
- Changes in skin color
- Acne
- Inflamed hair follicles
Source:Â DailyMed
The following 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
headache
loss of vision
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
difficulty with breathing
ear congestion
headache
loss of voice
runny or stuffy nose
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
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.
Pros and cons of Desonide
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
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
Pharmacist tips for Desonide
Desonide skin products should only be used on the outside of your body on skin that's not broken. You shouldn’t use it on wounds or on damaged skin because this could cause you to absorb more medication. Don't take this medication by mouth, and never use it in your eyes, nose, or ears.
Wash your hands before and after using desonide to help prevent getting the medication in your eyes. This is because desonide has been shown to raise the risk of certain eye problems, such as glaucoma or cataracts. If it does get into your eyes, wash your eyes with cold water and contact your provider if irritation doesn't go away.
Don't cover the treated area with a bandage after applying desonide unless directed by your provider. This can change how the medication gets absorbed and cause more side effects.
Desonide isn't meant to be used long-term, so ask your provider how long your treatment should last. Don't use desonide skin products for more than 2 weeks (4 weeks for gel and foam) since it can cause serious side effects. Let your provider know if you haven't had any improvement in your skin condition after this time.
Desonide isn't safe to use on the face, armpits, or groin. If you have symptoms in those areas, contact your provider to discuss alternatives.
If you're using other corticosteroid-containing products, check with your provider first before using desonide. Using multiple corticosteroids can raise your risk of side effects.
Make sure to shake desonide lotion well before using.
If you're using Verdeso foam, don't apply it near an open flame or while smoking. This product can catch on fire very easily since it contains alcohol. Avoid storing the bottle near heat.
How to use Verdeso foam: Shake the bottle before use. Take off the cap, hold the bottle upside down, and press down on the dispenser. The foam will melt right away when in contact with skin, so make sure to apply the medication directly to the affected area. If you're applying desonide foam to your face, dispense the medication in your hand first then apply it to the face. This helps to avoid getting the medication into your eyes or mouth. You can rinse your hands with cold water and dry them before using to help.
Frequently asked questions about Desonide
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What are the risks and warnings for Desonide?
Desonide can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Changes in hormone levels
Risk factors: Using other topical steroids at the same time | Applying desonide for a long period of time | Applying too much desonide on your skin | Covering applied area with a bandage | Younger age
If you absorb too much topical steroid through the skin, it can interrupt your body's ability to make stress hormones and affect many bodily functions. For example, it can raise your blood sugar levels or cause your skin to bruise more easily. This is rare with desonide because it's a low-potency corticosteroid. But your risk is higher if you apply desonide for a long time or apply it over larger areas of skin. To prevent changes in hormone levels, your provider will prescribe the lowest possible dose of desonide that works well for you for the shortest amount of time. If you need to use desonide for a longer period of time or over a larger skin area, your provider might ask you to do some lab work to test whether or not your body is still able to produce the proper amount of stress hormones. Don't use desonide for longer than 2 weeks (or 4 weeks for foam and gel) unless directed by your provider.
In addition, if you suddenly stop using desonide after having done so for a long time and over a large skin area, you might experience topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Some symptoms of TSW include itchy, burning, or flakey skin. If you think you might be experiencing TSW, talk with your provider and they can suggest possible treatment options for you. Don't suddenly stop using desonide without talking to your provider first.
New or worsened skin infection
Desonide can lower your body's ability to fight infections, including infections on your skin. It is especially important to treat skin infections with an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial if you are using desonide. The longer you are using this medication, the higher your risk of this problem is. If you notice redness, pain, swelling, or pus where you are applying desonide, stop using it and talk to your healthcare provider right away.
Skin irritation
Risk factors: Using a higher dose of desonide over a longer period of time
Using desonide longer than directed by your provider can raise your risk of different skin reactions, including skin thinning, stretch marks, spider veins, burning, itching, irritation, dry skin, inflamed hair follicles, changes in skin color, or rash. To prevent severe skin reactions from happening, your provider will prescribe the lowest possible dose of desonide to treat your symptoms for the shortest amount of time. Let your provider know right away if you notice any new or worsening skin problems.
Desonide dosage forms
Typical dosing for Desonide
Desonide 0.05% topical lotion, cream, and ointment: Apply a small amount to the affected area(s) 2 to 4 times daily. Don't use for longer than 2 weeks at a time, or as directed by your provider.
Desonide 0.05% topical gel and Verdeso (desonide 0.05%) foam: Apply a small amount to the affected area(s) 2 times daily. Don't use for longer than 4 weeks at a time, or as directed by your provider.
Interactions between Desonide and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Desonide cost?
What are alternatives to Desonide?
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
Skin inflammation
Skin rashes
Eczema
Psoriasis
Insect bites
Poison ivy or oak
Skin allergies
Dry scalp
Genital or rectal irritation
Desonide images
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References
Best studies we foundAlembic Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2022). DESONIDE - desonide lotion [package insert]. DailyMed.
Almirall, LLC. (2021). VERDESO - desonide aerosol, foam [package insert]. DailyMed.
Cintex Services, LLC. (2020). DESONIDE - desonide gel [package insert]. DailyMed.
National Eye Institute. (2023). Glaucoma.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2022). Atopic dermatitis.
Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (2022). DESONIDE - desonide cream DESONIDE - desonide ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.
Trookman, N.S., et al. (2011). Randomized Controlled Trial of Desonide Hydrogel 0.05% versus Desonide Ointment 0.05% in the Treatment of Mild-to-moderate Atopic Dermatitis. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
Uva, L., et al. (2012). Mechanisms of action of topical corticosteroids in psoriasis. International Journal of Endocrinology.
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