Desonide is a medication to treat itching, swelling, and redness of the skin caused by dermatitis, eczema ( atopic dermatitis), allergies, or psoriasis . This medicine is for external use only.
Desonide belongs to the corticosteroid class of drugs . This drug works by activating natural substances in the skin that can help reduce symptoms of inflammation, such as swelling, itching, and redness.
Corticosteroids should be used as directed by a doctor. Excessive or long-term use can increase the risk of side effects.
Desonide trademarks: Apolar, Calacort, Cordeson, Dermades, Dermanide, Desolex, Desolex-N, Desnicort, Meprolar, Meprolar-N
What is Desonide
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Topical corticosteroids |
| Benefit | Relieves symptoms of inflammation, such as itching, swelling, or redness of the skin from eczema , contact dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis , allergies, or psoriasis |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Desonide for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether desonide is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Creams, ointments, and over the counter liquids (lotions) |
Warning Before Using Desonide
There are several things to consider before using desonide, including:
- Do not use desonide if you are allergic to it or to other corticosteroid drugs.
- Do not use desonide if you have acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis (irritation of the skin around the mouth), large open sores, or skin infection in the area to be treated.
- Tell your doctor if you have or currently have circulatory disorders, diabetes, hyperglycemia , immune system disorders, Cushing's syndrome , increased intracranial pressure, glaucoma , or cataracts .
- Talk to your doctor about using desonide in children.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products in anticipation of drug interactions.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effects or overdose after using desonide.
Dosage and Rules of Use Desonide
The recommended dose of desonide to relieve itching, redness and swelling of the skin for adults is 2–4 times a day. The duration of use is 4 weeks for people with eczema and 8 weeks for other conditions.
How to Use Desonide Properly
Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the instructions on the drug packaging before using desonide. Do not change the dose of desonide unless advised by your doctor.
Wash and dry your hands before using desonide. Apply a thin layer of cream, ointment, or lotion to the skin area you wish to treat. Wash your hands after applying desonide unless you are treating an area on your hand. If you use lotion, don't forget to shake the medication before use.
Do not bandage or cover areas that have been smeared with desonide cream, ointment, or lotion with a bandage or other covering, unless directed by your doctor.
Avoid contact with eyes and inside of eyes, nose or mouth. If the drug accidentally gets on these areas, rinse immediately with water.
If you forget to use desonide, use it as soon as you remember if the break with the next schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not use more desonide the next time you use it.
Desonide should not be used long term. Immediately consult a doctor if your complaint does not improve after 2 weeks of using desonide.
Store desonide in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Desonide Interactions with Other Drugs
Desonide is more at risk of causing side effects if used simultaneously with other topical corticosteroid drugs, oral or injectable corticosteroid drugs, or immunosuppressant drugs .
In order to prevent unwanted drug-to-drug interactions, be sure to consult your doctor before taking any medication with desonide.
Desonide Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that may arise from using desonide, including:
- Stinging or burning feeling on the skin
- Reddish skin
- Dry skin
- Itching of the skin
The side effects above will generally disappear after a few days of using the drug. However, stop using desonide and consult a doctor if these side effects do not subside or get worse.
Immediately see a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Stretch marks
- Thinning or discolored skin
- Pimple
- Lumps where hair grows ( folliculitis )
- Excessive hair growth