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Brand Names: Delonide, Desonate, DesOwen, DesOwen 2 oz, DesOwen 4 oz, LoKara, Tridesilon, Verdeso

Generic Name: desonide topical (Pronunciation: DES oh nide)

• 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 is desonide topical (DesOwen)?

Desonide is a topical (for the skin) steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.

Desonide topical is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.

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

What are the possible side effects of desonide topical?

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

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have severe irritation of any treated skin, or if you show signs of absorbing desonide topical through your skin, such as:

• blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;
• mood changes;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
• muscle weakness, feeling tired.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild skin itching, redness, burning, or peeling;
• dryness or scaly skin;
• thinning or softening of your skin;
• skin rash or irritation around your mouth;
• swollen hair follicles;
• changes in color of treated skin;
• blisters, pimples, or crusting of treated skin; or
• stretch marks.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about 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.

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.

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.

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.