Desonide
About
Desonide belongs to the group of medicines known as topical corticosteroids used to treat skin problems such as redness, itching and swelling. It is generally prescribed for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema), seborrheic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis.
Desonide contains 'Desonide' that works by blocking the production of certain chemical substances in the body which cause allergy and inflammation (swelling and redness). Thereby, Desonide helps to treat redness, itching, irritation, and inflammation.
In some cases, Desonide may cause common side-effects such as skin peeling, dryness, burning sensation, irritation, stinging sensation, itching and redness at the site of application. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not use Desonide for more than 4 weeks unless prescribed by a doctor. Do not use Desonide if you had a skin reaction or irritation to any steroid medicine. Consult your doctor before using Desonide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not apply Desonide on the chest if you are breastfeeding. Desonide is not recommended for children below 3 months of age as efficacy and safety have not been established.
Uses of Desonide
Medicinal Benefits
Desonide belongs to the group of medicines called corticosteroids. Desonide is used to treat mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema), seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, skin rashes, skin irritation and skin inflammation. Desonide works by blocking the production of certain chemical substances in the body which cause allergy and inflammation (swelling and redness). Thereby, Desonide helps to treat redness, itching, irritation, and inflammation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Desonide
- Skin peeling
- Dryness
- Burning sensation
- Irritation
- Stinging sensation
- Itching
- Redness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Hormonal changes were reported if Desonide is used regularly and at very high doses. It can alter adrenal glands (glands that make hormones) and can cause Cushing’s syndrome. Symptoms include a round puffy face, weight gain, hump on the back, and pink/purple stretch marks on the stomach, tiredness, muscle weakness, and weight loss. Besides this, Desonide may also cause symptoms of skin irritations like skin rash, itchy skin, swelling, blisters, and irritation. Contact your doctor if you notice these symptoms. Do not use Desonide if you are allergic to any of its components or any other topical steroids. If your skin condition does not improve even after four weeks consult your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you have heart, kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor before using Desonide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not apply Desonide on the breast or nipple if you are breastfeeding. Desonide is not recommended for children below three months of age as efficacy and safety have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Desonide may interact with antidiabetic pills (metformin), corticosteroids (hydrocortisone), and immunosuppressants (cyclosporine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interaction found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, skin infections, hyperadrenocorticism (high levels of cortisol) and adrenaline hormone problems (Cushing's syndrome).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known whether Desonide interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionDesonide is a Pregnancy Category C medicine. There are no adequate studies on the effect of Desonide on pregnancy. Hence, please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionDo not apply Desonide on the breast or nipple if you are a nursing mother. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this, your doctor will decide whether Desonide can be used by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
safe if prescribedDesonide does not affect driving.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding usage of Desonide in patients with liver impairment.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding usage of Desonide in patients with kidney impairment.
Children
safe if prescribedDesonide is safe to use in children if prescribed by the doctor. However, Desonide should not be used in children below three months.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat foods rich in quercetin (a flavonoid) such as apples, cherries, broccoli, spinach and blueberries.
- Consuming food rich in probiotics helps develop the immune system against allergies.
- Limit intake of food that might trigger allergies, such as dairy products, soy, eggs, and nuts.
- Avoid consumption of foods with excess sugar as it may flare up inflammation.
- Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and fish in your diet.
- Reducing stress and maintaining a good sleep cycle would be helpful.
- Avoid getting in contact with harsh soaps, detergents and rough fabrics.
Special Advise
- Clean and dry the affected area before using Desonide.
- Do not use Desonide on dressing, band-aids and make-up unless told by the doctor.
- If Desonide comes in contact with eyes, nose or mouth, rinse with water immediately.
- Wash your hands before and after using Desonide; however, do not wash your hands if you are applying Desonide on your hands.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Dermatitis: It is generally known as skin inflammation. Dermatitis can be of various types. Atopic dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes red and itchy. Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition which causes an itchy rash with flaky scales. Contact dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes red and inflamed after it comes in contact with any allergens (a substance which causes allergy or irritation). Symptoms of dermatitis include rashes, blisters, cracked/dry skin, itching, redness, swelling, stinging or burning sensation. Dermatitis could occur due to stress, hormonal changes, any irritating substances, or due to family history.
FAQs
Desonide works by blocking the production of certain chemical substances in the body, which cause allergy and inflammation (swelling and redness). Thereby, Desonide helps to treat redness, itching, irritation, and inflammation.
Desonide should not be used for more than four weeks unless prescribed by a doctor. If your condition does not improve despite using Desonide for four weeks, consult your doctor, he/she may prescribe you an alternate medicine.
Please do not stop using Desonide on your own. To treat your condition effectually, continue using Desonide for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while using Desonide.
Desonide can be used on the face if prescribed by the doctor. However, do not apply Desonide directly on the face. Take the required quantity of Desonide onto your finger and gently massage it onto the affected areas of your face.
Do not use Desonide after expiry. Expiry refers to the last date that the manufacturer guarantees the full potency and safety of the drug. Check the expiry date from time to time and properly discard Desonide after expiry.