Uses

What is topical desonide used for?

Topical desonide is commonly used to relieve inflammation and itch caused by various skin conditions.

Topical desonide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does topical desonide work (mechanism of action)?

Desonide is a topical corticosteroid. Topical corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation in your skin by calming down the immune system's defense cells (white blood cells). They may also stop these cells from releasing substances that cause inflammation. These medicines may also narrow blood vessels where they are applied, which may help to reduce swelling.

How is topical desonide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Desonate
  • Desowen
  • Desrx
  • Tridesilon
  • Verdeso

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.05% topical cream
  • 0.05% topical gel
  • 0.05% topical lotion
  • 0.05% topical ointment

How should I store topical desonide?

Topical desonide should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical desonide?

The most common side effects of topical desonide are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin reactions, such as irritation, dryness, itching, burning, or redness (see below)
  • Skin swelling from fluid, hardening, or thickening
  • Skin oiliness

There may be other side effects of topical desonide that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical desonide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical desonide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical desonide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical desonide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reduced Adrenal Function. Long-term use of topical desonide can cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you apply topical desonide over a large area of your skin or if you wrap or cover your skin after applying the medicine. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Cushing’s Syndrome. Rarely, using topical desonide at high doses or for a long time may increase your risk for Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing’s syndrome is a condition that happens when your body is exposed to high levels of cortisol (a natural steroid hormone), or high levels of medicines that work like cortisol, such as topical desonide. The risk may be higher in children. Stop using topical desonide and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome.

  • A rounded, rosy color of the face
  • Weight gain, especially in the upper body
  • A fat buildup in the upper back or base of the neck
  • Thinning skin that bruises easily
  • Feeling very weak or tired
  • Depression or anxiety
  • High blood sugar
  • High blood pressure
  • Sleeping problems

Skin Reactions. Topical desonide can rarely cause skin-related side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following skin-related side effects.

  • Inflamed hair follicles or skin swelling or burning
  • Bumps or blisters on the skin that may look like acne
  • Rash around your mouth
  • Lightening of skin color
  • Skin infections where you apply the medicine
  • Skin thinning
  • Skin itching, dryness, cracking, or scaly skin
  • Stretch marks
  • Heat rash or sweat rash caused by blocked sweat glands

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical desonide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical desonide.

  • Desonide
  • Desonate
  • Desowen
  • Desrx
  • Tridesilon
  • Verdeso
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical desonide products they stock.

What should I know about topical desonide before using it?

Do not use topical desonide unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share topical desonide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep topical desonide out of the reach of children.

Topical desonide should be applied to the affected skin by gently massaging it in until the medicine disappears.

Avoid getting topical desonide in your eyes, and wash your hands before touching your eyes.

Do not use on the face, armpits (underarms), or groin area unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider.

Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the treated skin area unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider. This may increase the amount of desonide that is absorbed through your skin and increase the risk of side effects.

People who are under 18 can be at greater risk for some side effects from topical desonide. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks if you are under 18 or if you are treating someone under 18.

When treating babies, it is sometimes recommended to avoid using topical desonide in the diaper area, or to avoid tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants if it is used in this area. Always talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to use topical desonide in treating your child.

If no improvement in your skin is seen within two weeks, tell your healthcare provider right away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical desonide?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical desonide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Adrenal Gland Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease or hypocortisolism).

Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical desonide may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical desonide, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical desonide could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical desonide passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take topical desonide while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does topical desonide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical desonide and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical desonide.

Does topical desonide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using or taking any other corticosteroid, including medicines you take by mouth as well as other medicines you apply to the skin. Examples include prednisone, dexamethasone, or methylprednisolone, which are medicines for certain inflammatory conditions.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical desonide. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Desonide topical interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical desonide?

If you or someone else has used too much topical desonide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical desonide?

If you forget to apply topical desonide at the scheduled time, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next one. Do not apply double or extra doses.

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