Desonide topical

What is this medicine?

DESONIDE is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Desonide topical (for the skin) 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 purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

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

To make sure desonide topical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• any type of skin infection.

Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Steroid medicines may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. You may also need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medications.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether desonide topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether desonide topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Desonide topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medication through the skin and may be more likely to have unwanted side effects.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is usually applied 2 or 3 times daily. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Do not take by mouth. Desonide topical is for use only on the skin.

Wash your hands before and after using desonide topical, unless you are using the medicine to treat the skin on your hands. Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin. Do not apply desonide topical over a large area of skin. Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to. Use desonide topical regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Call your doctor if your skin condition does not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, or if it gets worse while using desonide topical. If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests at your doctor's office.

What if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What may interact with this medicine?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied desonide. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

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.

Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body. Stop using desonide topical and call your doctor if you have:

• blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;

• uneven heartbeats;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• weight gain, puffiness in your face; or

• tired feeling.

Also stop using desonide topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe skin redness where the medicine was applied; or

• signs of skin infection (swelling, redness, warmtth, oozing).

Common side effects may include:

• stinging or burning of treated skin;

• skin itching or irritation;

• dry, scaly, or peeling skin;

• acne, skin rash;

• stretch marks;

• lightened color of treated skin; or

• folliculitis (redness or crusting around your hair follicles).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water. Do not use desonide topical on broken or infected skin. Also avoid using this medicine in open wounds. Do not use desonide topical to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.