Desoximetasone topical (for the skin) is a potent steroid used to treat inflammation and itching caused by plaque psoriasis or skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.

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

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any type of skin infection;
• a skin reaction to any steroid medicine;
• liver disease; or
• an adrenal gland disorder.

Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

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

Desoximetasone topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Some brands or forms of this medicine can be used by people younger than 18 years.

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

Use Topicort LP (Topical) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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

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 this medicine 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.

Common side effects may include:

• rash, itching, or irritation around your mouth;
• burning, irritation, itching, or dryness of treated skin;
• redness or crusting around your hair follicles;
• increased hair growth;
• blisters, pimples, or crusting of treated skin;
• changes in color of treated skin;
• white or "pruned" appearance of the skin; or
• stretch marks.

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.

Avoid applying this medicine to your face, underarms, or groin area.

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

Avoid using other topical steroid medications on the areas you treat with desoximetasone unless your doctor tells you to.