When you go to the doctor because your skin is very itchy, red, and swollen, you may have been given a cream, lotion, or ointment. Did the name of that medicine on the tube say Desonide? If so, this article will be very important for you. Let's talk about this medicine, how to use it, and everything you need to know.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Desonide is a corticosteroid that is used topically for skin conditions. Now, the word 'steroid' may scare some people. But this is not the kind of medication that bodybuilders use. These are medications that are medically designed to control inflammation in the skin.
This means that this medication helps control the itching, redness, and swelling that your skin experiences. Doctors prescribe it for various skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. This medication can come under different brand names like DesOwen and LoKara.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
There are a few things your doctor should know before prescribing this medication. Don't hide these things, because they are very important for your own safety.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Any current infection (e.g., fungal, bacterial) | Steroid medications can worsen some infections, so the infection may require separate treatment. |
| Skin condition not improving | If you are not getting better after using medication, the cause may be something else. It is important to inform your doctor about this. |
| Large areas of burned or damaged skin | Applying the medicine to large areas can cause it to be absorbed more into the body and cause side effects. |
| Thinning or weakening of the skin | Prolonged use of this medication can cause the skin to become thinner. Therefore, it is imperative to inform the doctor if you already have such a condition. |
| Allergy to Desonide or other medicines, foods, or dyes | If you are allergic to this medicine or any of its ingredients, using it may cause severe reactions. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Any medication during pregnancy should only be used on the advice of a doctor. |
| Breastfeeding the baby | You should talk to your doctor about whether the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk or not. |
How exactly do you use this?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to know how to use it correctly.
- First of all: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
- How much to apply: This medicine should be applied in a very thin layer . Applying too much medicine will not heal the skin faster. So apply it thinly.
- Where to apply: Apply only to the area of the disease as directed by the doctor. Do not apply this medicine to healthy skin.
- Closure: Do not apply a bandage or plaster over the medication, unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor.
- Be careful with your eyes: Do not let this medicine get into your eyes under any circumstances. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse them thoroughly with clean water.
- Recommended frequency: Do it as many times a day as your doctor tells you to. Don't do it more than that.
Remember, applying more than the prescribed amount of this medicine will only cause side effects. So always apply it sparingly, and only to the intended area.
When used on children and adults...
If you are using this medicine on young children, you should talk to your pediatrician about it. Their skin is sensitive and requires special care.
Also, older people's skin may be thinner and more damaged with age. Therefore, they are more likely to experience side effects. They should only use this medicine for a very short period of time and under the close supervision of a doctor .
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, it is best to call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Never take a double dose.
Possible side effects of this medicine
Like any medicine, Desonide can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, some are not so serious. It is important to be aware of these.
| Types of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash , severe itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Vision changes | Things like blurred vision. |
| Skin condition not improving | If there is no improvement within a week of taking the medicine or the condition worsens. |
| Hair follicle infection | Painful, red, pus-filled blisters form in hair follicles. |
| Thin skin and easy bruising | With prolonged use, the skin becomes thinner and bruises can occur even if something small hits it. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Skin irritation or irritation | A slight burning sensation and warmth on the skin during the initial application of the medicine. |
| Increased redness or flaking | Increased redness or peeling of the skin. |
How do you store the medicine?
- Keep away from children. This is very important.
- Store at room temperature (between 2 and 30 degrees Celsius), away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Never store in the fridge or freezer.
- Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date.
Finally, this article is only a basic summary. If you have any further questions about this medication, please discuss them with your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine should only be used if prescribed by your doctor.
- When applying the medicine, always apply it in a thin layer, only to the affected area.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as skin thinning or allergies, stop taking the medication and see a doctor immediately.
- This is a medicine given only to you. Never share your medicine with others.
- Always keep medicines out of the reach of small children.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What are Desonide creams and ointments (Desonide / Desonate) used for?
This is a 'low-potency corticosteroid' steroid ointment for skin diseases! It is mostly used to quickly heal the inflammation of eczema (Atopic dermatitis), skin allergies (Allergies), and pruritus/inflammation. Since this is a mild medicine, many doctors recommend it for use on the face/groin (thin skin areas).
💬 How does this cream (Desonide / steroid) reduce skin inflammation and itching?
The skin itches or turns red because our immune system launches a chemical attack (Prostaglandins/Leukotrienes). As soon as this (Desonide) cream is absorbed into the skin, it talks to the DNA inside our skin cells and blocks/stops the production of those chemicals that cause inflammation/itching 100% (Anti-inflammatory Action). The skin returns to normal/calm within minutes.
💬 Even though the medicine is mild, what will happen to the skin if you keep applying it?
This is a mild steroid! So if you apply it for more than 2 weeks (or more often), your skin will become permanently thin like tissue paper and veins will become visible like an internet (Skin Atrophy/Telangiectasia). Also, there is a high chance of skin discoloration (Hypopigmentation) and, if you apply this to a wound that has a germ, the bacteria/fungus will get worse and the entire skin will be destroyed (Infection masking).
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