Desonide (Desowen) Uses

Desonide is a mild corticosteroid. It is prescribed for inflammatory and pruritic manifestations (swelling, redness, itching) in skin disorders that respond to steroid medicines, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and other disease processes that cause inflammation. 

There may be other uses of desonide—your doctor or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

Desonide (Desowen) Mechanism of Action

Topical corticosteroids such as desonide work by lowering natural substances in the skin that cause inflammation (swelling, redness, itching). These drugs inhibit the release of common precursor arachidonic acid, which is needed to make prostaglandins and leukotrienes (which are key mediators of inflammatory reactions). Desonide also suppresses the body’s immune response and therefore helps with skin problems that occur due to an overactive immune system.

Desonide (Desowen) Doses

Desonide comes as a 0.05% cream, ointment, lotion, gel, and foam to be applied to affected skin 2-4 times a day.