Compare Desonate vs. Cloderm
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats itchy, red, and dry skin rashes.
Desonate (desonide) is a cheap and effective topical treatment for mild skin rashes, but may not treat more serious skin conditions.
Treats skin irritation and skin rashes.
Cloderm (clocortolone) is a medium strength topical medication that helps treat skin irritations and skin rashes, and comes in many easy-to-use formulations.
Upsides
- Can be used in children as young as 3 months old and in adults.
- Available in cheaper, generic version.
- Compared to oral alternatives, this medicine has less side effects only if used sparingly for 4 weeks or less.
- Pregnant women can use Desonate (desonide) if approved by their doctor.
- Desonate (desonide) is mild strength so it likely won't cause many side effects.
- When used for a short amount of time, most people have very few side effects and tolerate Cloderm (clocortolone) well.
- Cloderm (clocortolone) is safe and effective for both adults and children.
- Is medium strength so will treat most inflammatory skin conditions with few side effects.
Downsides
- Using this medication long-term or using it too much can disturb your body's hormone balance.
- Must apply 2-3 times daily.
- Cannot use for more than 4 consecutive weeks at a time.
- As a milder steroid, it may not help serious skin conditions.
- May be more expensive than other medicines like it.
- Non-steroidal options may be better if you have a weakened immune system.
- Long term use can cause skin thinning and raised blood sugars.
Used for
- Steroid-reponsive dermatoses
Dosage forms
- Cream
- Gel
- Ointment
- Foam
- Lotion
- Cream
Price
Lowest price
$51.27
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$73.99
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Side effects
The Cloderm (clocortolone) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Reduced hormone production
- Prolonged use (>4 weeks) of Desonate (desonide).
- Applying Desonate (desonide) to a large area of your body (>35% body surface area).
- Applying excessive amounts of Desonate (desonide) to your skin.
- Children.
- Skin infection
- Previous skin infection.
- Skin reaction
- Excessive and inappropriate use of Desonate (desonide).
- High concentration of Desonate (desonide)
- Reduced hormone production
- High doses of Cloderm (clocortolone).
- Long-term use of Cloderm (clocortolone).
- Use in children and teens
- Infection
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Use of bandages and dressings
- Use of bandages or wound dressings over the treatment area(s)