Desonide (desonide)
Effectiveness:

(3.69)

Based on 23 studies

Side Effects:
Low

Image for illustration purposes only. Actual medication may appear different.

Topical
Daily
Available by Prescription
As Low as $

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Highlights

  • Shows significant improvement in 1-2 weeks
  • Up to 100% effective when combined with moisturizers
  • Safe for children and infants
  • Helps prevent disease recurrence for up to 69 days
  • Minimal impact on body's natural hormone production

What are others saying?

Since being prescribed desonide I have been putting it on my face eczema after using cerave moisturizing cleanser and then globbing Vaseline on top to lock in the medication and moisture... My face eczema has already pretty much cleared (knock on wood).

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We collect reviews of treatments from various sources including social media and are not always able to verify whether these have been written by actual patients.


How well does Desonide work?
Desonide is above average for atopic dermatitis "Steroids" treatments.
What is the evidence behind Desonide?
Desonide is effective at treating atopic dermatitis, with studies showing significant improvements in symptoms like itching and inflammation. When combined with moisturizers, it shows even better results with up to 100% effectiveness compared to 60% with desonide alone.
What does the research say?
What are others saying?
Desonide is particularly safe for children, including infants. Studies show it rarely affects the body's natural hormone (cortisol) production, making it safer than stronger steroids like betamethasone.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

Desonide hydrogel 0.05%, a low-potency steroid, was found to be safe and effective in treating children aged 6 months to 6 years with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The treatment showed good results in improving symptoms while having minimal impact on the body's hormone system.

Effect of desonide hydrogel 0.05% on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in pediatric subjects with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 40
Severity: moderate to severe
Age: 6 months-6 years
Results
Treatment was generally safe with minimal impact on the body's hormone system

Study Summary

Both desonide 0.05% ointment and hydrocortisone 2.5% ointment were found to be safe for children with atopic dermatitis when used for 4 weeks. Neither medication affected the body's natural cortisol production system.

Effect of desonide ointment, 0.05%, on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of children with atopic dermatitis
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Results
Both medications were safe for use in children and did not affect their natural cortisol production system

Study Summary

Both desonide cream 0.1% and betamethasone cream were equally effective in treating childhood atopic dermatitis. However, desonide had less impact on the body's cortisol levels, making it potentially safer for children.

[Comparative study of efficacy and effect on plasma cortisol levels of micronised desonide cream 0.1 p. 100 versus betamethasone dipropionate cream 0.05 p. 100 In the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis]
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 29
Severity: Not specified
Age: mean 13.8 months
Results
Both treatments showed similar clinical effectiveness

What are others saying?
The hydrogel form of desonide helps improve skin moisture and barrier function, with significant improvements seen in as little as 1-2 weeks of treatment.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

Desonide hydrogel 0.05% was found to be safe and effective in treating mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged 3 months to 18 years. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed significant improvements compared to the vehicle (gel without medication).

Safety and efficacy of desonide hydrogel 0.05% in pediatric subjects with atopic dermatitis
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 582
Results
The medication showed significant improvement compared to the vehicle alone

What are others saying?
When used with moisturizers, desonide can help prevent disease recurrence. Studies show this combination can extend the time before symptoms return to about 69 days compared to 49 days with desonide alone.
What does the research say?
What are others saying?

Is Desonide Right For Me?

Desonide is a low-potency topical corticosteroid cream that comes as a 0.05% preparation. It belongs to the steroid family of medications that are applied directly to the skin.
Desonide might be right for you if:
  • You have a skin condition that responds to corticosteroids

  • You need short-term treatment (up to 2 weeks)

  • You don't need to use occlusive dressings

Desonide works by reducing inflammation, redness, and itching in the skin. It does this by suppressing the body's immune response in the affected area.
Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established. Children may be at higher risk of side effects because they absorb more of the medication through their skin relative to their body size. Serious side effects have been reported in children including growth problems, delayed weight gain, and high pressure in the brain.
Unknown
Use with caution. There are no adequate studies in pregnant women. Should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies with similar medications have shown some risks.
Unknown

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