Desonide

Key facts

• Desonide is a low-potency corticosteroid, sold as a cream, ointment, gel or foam (such as Desowen), applied to the skin to calm eczema, dermatitis and similar itchy, red rashes.
• Applied as a thin layer, usually once or twice a day, for the shortest course that controls symptoms, typically no more than two to four weeks continuously.
• Using it on large areas, under an occlusive dressing, or for long periods lets more of the drug absorb into the body, which can suppress the body's own cortisol production, especially in infants and young children.
• Seek urgent care for facial or throat swelling, widespread hives, or difficulty breathing.

What desonide treats

Desonide treats mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis), contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and other itchy, inflamed rashes. Because it is one of the least potent corticosteroids, it is often used on the face, skin folds, and in young children, where stronger steroids carry more risk. It does not treat fungal, bacterial or viral skin infections unless combined with a specific treatment for that cause.

How desonide works

Applied to the skin, desonide enters the outer layers and switches off the local chemical signals that cause redness, swelling and itching. Because it is low potency, it calms inflammation with less effect on skin thickness or the body's overall hormone balance than stronger steroids.

Before you take it

• Tell your prescriber about any skin infection, fungal, bacterial or viral, at the treatment site; steroids can mask or worsen an untreated infection.
• Avoid applying it under tight dressings, on broken or infected skin, or over large body areas unless specifically directed.
• In infants and young children, use only as directed. Their skin absorbs proportionally more medicine per body weight, raising the risk of systemic effects.
• Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, especially before use on or near the breast or over large areas.

Side effects

Common effects include mild burning or stinging on application, dryness, and temporary redness.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

• Facial or throat swelling, or widespread hives.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Rapid skin thinning, stretch marks, or visible blood vessels, which can signal overuse.

Safety essentials

• Do not use for longer than directed or over a larger area than prescribed. Skin thinning and, with extensive or prolonged use, suppression of the body's natural cortisol production are the defining risks of topical steroids.
• In children, keep strictly to the prescribed area, duration and amount, since their higher skin-surface-to-body-weight ratio increases systemic absorption.
• Stopping a topical steroid suddenly after prolonged heavy use can cause a rebound flare; taper as directed if you have used it for an extended period.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.