Desonate
(desonide)
Treats itchy, red, and dry skin rashes.
Our bottom line
Desonate (desonide) is a cheap and effective topical treatment for mild skin rashes, but may not treat more serious skin conditions.
- 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.
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What to expect from Desonate, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- 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.
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What to expect from Desonate, on one page
Download Fact SheetDesonate (desonide) is a mild to moderate strength topical corticosteroid that helps treat skin disorders by decreasing inflammation, redness, and itchiness.
- Drug class: Dermatologic
- Rx status:
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (desonide)
Dosage forms
- Cream
- Gel
- Ointment
- Foam
- Lotion
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free coupon
$116.30 - Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$127.80
What to expect when you take Desonate (desonide) for Skin inflammation disorders
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Burning sensation
- Rash
- Itchiness
- Headache
- Skin thinning
- Discoloration of skin
Side effect rates for Desonate (desonide)
- Headache2%2%1%1%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Desonate.
People taking Desonate felt side effect more
People taking Desonate felt side effect less
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.