Desonide is a steroid that helps reduce inflammation in the body.

Desonide topical (for the skin) is used to treat inflammation and itching caused by eczema or skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.

Desonide topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Shake the lotion just before each use.

Wash your hands after using desonide, unless you are using this medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

This medicine is for short-term use only (such as 2 to 4 weeks). Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

You should stop using the medicine once your skin symptoms are controlled.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use.

Usual Adult Dose for Dermatitis:

Cream/ointment: Apply a thin film to the affected areas two to four times per day depending on the severity of the condition
Duration of therapy: 2 weeks

Comments:
-Treatment should be discontinued when control is achieved.
-Reassessment of diagnosis may be needed, if no improvement is observed in two weeks.
-This topical drug should not be used with occlusive dressings.

Use: Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses

Usual Adult Dose for Eczema:

Cream/ointment: Apply a thin film to the affected areas two to four times per day depending on the severity of the condition
Duration of therapy: 2 weeks

Comments:
-Treatment should be discontinued when control is achieved.
-Reassessment of diagnosis may be needed, if no improvement is observed in two weeks.
-This topical drug should not be used with occlusive dressings.

Use: Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses

Usual Adult Dose for Atopic Dermatitis:

Foam, gel: Apply a thin film to the affected areas two times a day and rub in gently.
Duration of therapy: 4 weeks

Comments:
-Treatment should be discontinued when control is achieved.
-Reassessment of diagnosis may be needed, if no improvement is observed in four weeks.
-This topical drug should not be used with occlusive dressings.

Use: Treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Atopic Dermatitis:

3 months or older:
Foam, gel: Apply a thin film to the affected areas two times a day and rub in gently.
Duration of therapy: 4 weeks

Comments:
-Treatment should be discontinued when control is achieved.
-Reassessment of diagnosis may be needed, if no improvement is observed in four weeks.
-This topical drug should not be used with occlusive dressings.

Use: Treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis

You should not use desonide if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any type of skin infection;

• diabetes; or

• a skin reaction to any steroid medicine.

It is not known whether desonide topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you apply desonide to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Some brands or forms of this medicine are for use only in adults 18 and over.

Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

High doses or long-term use of desonide topical can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Avoid getting desonide topical in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Do not use desonide topical to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Desonide topical may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening of your skin condition;

• redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin;

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or

• possible signs of absorbing desonide topical through your skin--weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Steroid medicine can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Common side effects of desonide topical may include:

• stinging or burning of treated skin;

• skin irritation, redness, itching, or hardening;

• dry, scaly, or oily skin;

• swelling in your hands or feet;

• acne, stretch marks; or

• redness or crusting around your hair follicles.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.