Desonide Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 19, 2024.

Applies to desonide topical: topical application cream, topical application foam, topical application gel/jelly, topical application lotion, topical application ointment.

Common side effects of desonide topical

Some side effects of desonide topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• body aches or pain
• chills
• cough
• difficulty with breathing
• ear congestion
• fever
• headache
• loss of voice
• runny or stuffy nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects

• hoarseness
• irritability
• noisy breathing
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• tightness in the chest
• trouble with swallowing
• voice changes

Incidence not known

• acne or pimples
• burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters
• burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair
• lightening of normal skin color
• lightening of treated areas of dark skin
• reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin

Serious side effects of desonide topical

Along with its needed effects, desonide topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking desonide topical:

Less common side effects

• blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
• burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site
• flushing or redness of the skin
• irritation
• itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
• peeling of the skin
• raised, dark red, wart-like spots on the skin, especially when used on the face
• stinging and burning
• unusually warm skin

Incidence not known

• blindness
• blurred vision or other change in vision
• decreased vision
• eye pain
• headache
• loss of vision
• nausea
• redness and scaling around the mouth
• tearing
• thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together (eg, between the fingers)
• vomiting

For healthcare professionals

Applies to desonide topical: compounding powder, topical cream, topical foam, topical gel, topical kit, topical lotion, topical ointment.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were headache, insomnia, impetigo, skin infection, and rash.^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Allergic reaction including facial edema^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Impetigo, skin infection, rash
• Frequency not reported: Folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, miliaria
• Postmarketing reports: Pruritus, skin disorder^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Burning, itching, irritation, dryness^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Flu syndrome aggravated^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, insomnia^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Hyperglycemia, glucosuria, latent diabetes mellitus^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What is Desonide cream used for?

Further information

Desonide topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer