Generic drug: desonide
Brand name: DesOwen
What is DesOwen (desonide), and how does it work?
DesOwen (desonide) is a topical (for the skin) steroid used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis. DesOwen is available in generic form.
What are the side effects of DesOwen?
Common side effects of DesOwen include burning, stinging, itching, irritation, dryness, peeling, or redness when DesOwen is first applied to the skin. These side effects should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to DesOwen. Other side effects of DesOwen include:
- 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,
- crusting of treated skin, or
- stretch marks.
Tell your doctor if you have signs of absorbing DesOwen through your skin including:
- blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights,
- mood changes,
- sleep problems (insomnia),
- weight gain,
- puffiness in your face,
- muscle weakness, or
- feeling tired.
For Dermatologic Use Only -
Not for Ophthalmic Use -
What is the dosage for DesOwen?
DesOwen Cream or Lotion should be applied to the affected areas as a thin film two or three times daily depending on the severity of the condition.
SHAKE LOTION WELL BEFORE USING.
As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary.
DesOwen Cream and Lotion should not be used with occlusive dressings.
Is DesOwen safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels.
- Some corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with DesOwen Cream or Lotion.
- It is also not known whether DesOwen Cream or Lotion can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity.
- DesOwen Cream and Lotion should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
- Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects.
- It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk.
- Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when DesOwen Cream or Lotion is administered to a nursing woman.

QUESTION
Psoriasis causes the top layer of skin cells to become inflamed and grow too quickly and flake off. See AnswerSummary
DesOwen (desonide) is a topical (for the skin) steroid used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis. DesOwen is available in generic form. Common side effects of DesOwen include burning, stinging, itching, irritation, dryness, peeling, or redness when DesOwen is first applied to the skin.
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Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that may cause large plaques of red, raised skin, flakes of dry skin, and skin scales. There are several types of psoriasis, including psoriasis vulgaris, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and pustular psoriasis. Symptoms vary depending on the type of psoriasis the patient has. Treatment of psoriasis may include creams, lotions, oral medications, injections and infusions of biologics, and light therapy. There is no cure for psoriasis.
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Is Psoriasis Contagious?
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What Is the Difference Between Eczema and Psoriasis?
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What Is the Best Treatment for Psoriasis?
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Nummular Eczema vs. Ringworm: Differences
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How Do You Stop Psoriasis From Stress?
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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.