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In this Article

• What is desonide topical (DesOwen)?
• What are the possible side effects of desonide topical?
• What is the most important information I should know about desonide topical?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using desonide topical?
• How should I use desonide topical?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while using desonide topical?
• What other drugs will affect desonide topical?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using desonide topical?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to desonide.

Before using desonide topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have any type of skin infection.

Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Topical steroid medicines absorbed through the skin may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether desonide topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication over a long treatment period.

How should I use desonide topical?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body.

Wash your hands before and after using desonide topical, unless you are using the medication to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin. Do not use this medication over a large area of skin.

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with desonide topical can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve after 2 weeks of using this medicine, or if you develop signs of a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection. It is important to use desonide topical regularly to get the most benefit.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects with long-term use, you may need blood tests. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store desonide topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep from freezing.