Desonate

(desonide)

Skip to: drug prices sectionSkip to: what to expect sectionSkip to: side effects sectionSkip to: risks and warnings sectionSkip to: common concerns from users and pharmacists
ADVERTISEMENT

Treats itchy, red, and dry skin rashes.

Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.

Our bottom line

Desonate (desonide) is a cheap and effective topical treatment for mild skin rashes, but may not treat more serious skin conditions.

Quick facts about Desonate
  • Drug class: Dermatologic
  • Rx status:
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (desonide)

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.
Get our free fact sheet

What to expect from Desonate, on one page

Download Fact Sheet
Tried Desonate? Write a review!

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.
Get our free fact sheet

What to expect from Desonate, on one page

Download Fact Sheet
How it works

Desonate (desonide) is a mild to moderate strength topical corticosteroid that helps treat skin disorders by decreasing inflammation, redness, and itchiness.

Quick facts about Desonate
  • Drug class: Dermatologic
  • Rx status:
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (desonide)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Cream
  • Gel
  • Ointment
  • Foam
  • Lotion
Tried Desonate? Write a review!

Prices and coupons

Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.

What to expect when you take Desonate (desonide) for Skin inflammation disorders

Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Possible side effects
  • Burning sensation
  • Rash
  • Itchiness
  • Headache
  • Skin thinning
  • Discoloration of skin
Skip side effects section. Skip to risks and warnings section.

Side effect rates for Desonate (desonide)

From 582 clinical trials of Desonate when taken for skin inflammation disorders
  • Headache
    2%2%
    1%1%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Desonate.

Desonate (desonide)
Placebo

People taking Desonate felt side effect more

People taking Desonate felt side effect less

No difference

Risks and Warnings for Desonate (desonide)

Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.
    • Higher risk if:
    • › 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.

    Using Desonate (desonide) at high doses, for long periods of time, or in children can cause the body to make less of certain hormones that are important for many bodily functions. Use Desonate (desonide) as directed by your doctor. Avoid using this medication longer than 2 weeks. Children may need regular growth checks after taking this medication.