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What Is Desonide Lotion?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Desonide lotion is a mild corticosteroid available by prescription for the treatment of skin irritation. In addition to the steroid, it also contains a moisturizer to hydrate the skin and make the patient feel more comfortable. It can be used safely on most of the body and is recommended for short term use only, as it can cause serious side effects, especially in younger patients. If a patient cannot tolerate desonide lotion, the doctor may prescribe a different topical corticosteroid for her skin.

This medication suppresses inflammation and slows the rate of cell growth. It should ease dry skin and resolve itching and mild rashes caused by inflammation. Patients can use the drug for approximately two weeks. If their skin does not clear up, the medication is not effective, and the patient should discontinue use. If it does, the patient can stop taking it. Once the skin irritation resolves, it is important to handle the skin carefully to prevent a recurrence.

Desonide lotion can be used to treat eczema.
Desonide lotion can be used to treat eczema.

Topical corticosteroids like desonide lotion can be very useful for the treatment of skin irritation, but they carry some risks. Patients can develop thinning in the upper layers of their skin with extended use, and they also experience immunodepression. Their immune systems will be less active, and this makes it harder to fight infections and respond to vaccines. While on desonide lotion, the patient should avoid live vaccines, and patients should not take this drug if they have any active infections, as these can flare up and become much worse.

Desonide lotion may be prescribed to soothe psoriasis.
Desonide lotion may be prescribed to soothe psoriasis.

Some patients notice side effects like stinging, skin peeling, and rashes with desonide lotion. These are signs that the skin cannot tolerate the medication, and it is necessary to try a different drug to manage the condition. Patients with a history of adverse reactions to the drug should make sure these are recorded, as otherwise a different care provider might prescribe desonide lotion for atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or another skin condition associated with inflammation and itching.

Topical corticosteroids can be used to soothe itchy, red rashes caused by eczema.
Topical corticosteroids can be used to soothe itchy, red rashes caused by eczema.

The drug typically comes in a small lotion bottle, and the user should store it in a cool, dry place. It is not intended for ingestion, and it is important to apply it to clean, dry skin. Patients should take care to avoid spreading it on healthy skin. The medication will absorb through the skin and can cause complications. It is especially important to avoid the eyes, mouth, and inside of the nose after handling this medication, because these mucous membranes are highly absorbent.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Desonide lotion can be used to treat eczema.
      By: quayside
      Desonide lotion can be used to treat eczema.
    • Desonide lotion may be prescribed to soothe psoriasis.
      By: Farina3000
      Desonide lotion may be prescribed to soothe psoriasis.
    • Topical corticosteroids can be used to soothe itchy, red rashes caused by eczema.
      By: marilyn barbone
      Topical corticosteroids can be used to soothe itchy, red rashes caused by eczema.
    • Psoriasis typically appears as scaly, reddish colored patches of skin.
      By: paulandlara
      Psoriasis typically appears as scaly, reddish colored patches of skin.
    • Topical corticosteroids like desonide lotion can help treat skin irritation, but they carry risks.
      By: 3ThousandPhotoSTD
      Topical corticosteroids like desonide lotion can help treat skin irritation, but they carry risks.