Products
Desonide was commercially available as a cream (Locapred). It had been approved in many countries since 1983. It was discontinued in 2020.
Structure and properties
Desonide (C24H32O6, Mr = 416.5 g/mol) is a nonfluorinated, fused glucocorticoid. It exists as a white and odorless powder that is practically insoluble in water.
Effects
Desonide (ATC D07AB08) has anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antipruritic, and immunosuppressive properties. The effects are due to interaction with intracellular glucocorticoid receptors.
Indications
For the treatment of inflammatory, allergic, and pruritic skin conditions that respond to topical glucocorticoids.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The cream is applied a maximum of twice daily. Because of the potential for adverse effects, dermocorticoids should be used for as short a time as possible and applied only thinly. The duration of application is dictated by the professional information. If dermocorticoids are needed for a longer period of time, breaks in therapy must be taken or cortisone-free skin care products must be applied in the meantime. Topical glucocorticoids should not be applied over large areas and should not be overdosed.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Bacterial and viral infections, fungal and parasitic skin infections.
- Vaccination reactions
- Ulcerating wounds
- Acne, rosacea and perioral dermatitis
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Drug interactions
Drug-drug interactions are not known.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include:
- Local skin reactions such as skin irritation, burning, itching, dry skin.
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Infections
Improper use of dermocorticoids can lead to skin damage such as thinning of the skin (atrophy), skin striae, and telangiectasias. In addition, systemic glucocorticoid side effects are possible; see topical glucocorticoids.
