Desowen (Desonide 0.05%) Cream

Desowen general information

What is Desowen used for?

Desowen Cream 0.05% is used as a topical treatment for inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema.  There is a predisposition for eczema due to an inherited atopic tendency where the skin reacts abnormally to irritants and it is common in children.  Eczema is characterised by patches of red itchy scaly inflamed skin.  Desowen Cream 0.05% is also used to treat psoriasis, which is chronic inflammatory autoimmune skin disease, with a genetic predisposition, caused by hyperactivity of the immune system which then attacks self.  Psoriasis is characterised by the appearance of red raised patches of thickened skin covered in a dry silvery scaly rash usually on the skin of the elbows, knees and lower back.  Desowen Cream 0.05% is also used to treat lichen simplex a form of dermatitis made worse by constant itching and scratching.  Desowen Cream 0.05% helps relieve symptoms common to inflammatory skin conditions such as itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling and discomfort.   

How does Desowen work?

Desowen Cream 0.05% contains desonide, a synthetic low potency corticosteroid that is used as a topical treatment for chronic inflammatory skin condition, with anti-inflammatory with anti-pruritic properties (anti-itching) and vasoconstrictive (causes blood vessels to contract and narrow) properties.  Desonide in Desowen Cream 0.05% works by inhibiting the action of phospholipase A2, the first enzyme in the pathway of prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis, which are hormone-like substances involved in the inflammatory process.  Desonide in Desowen Cream 0.05% is thought induce the production of lipocortin, a protein that blocks the release of arachidonic acid from the cell membrane by the action of phospholipase A2.  Arachidonic acid is the common precursor for leukotrienes and prostaglandins.  Blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals prevents the swelling and redness characteristic of inflammation and the itching and rash formation that occurs as a result of inflammation. 

What does Desowen contain?

Desowen Cream 0.05% contains the active ingredient desonide, a corticosteroid that is used as a topical treatment for chronic inflammatory skin conditions.  It also contains a cetyl alcohol, edetate sodium, glyceryl stearate SE, light mineral oil, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sodium lauryl sulfate, sorbitan monostearate, and stearyl alcohol, with citric acid and/or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment. 

Treating dermatitis and eczema with Desowen

Desowen Cream 0.05% contains desonide, a corticosteroid that is used as a topical treatment for chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema.  Atopic dermatitis is common in children and is characterised by patches of red itchy scaly inflamed skin.  This skin condition has a predisposition, due to an inherited atopic tendency where the skin reacts abnormally to irritants and chemicals.  Desonide in Desowen Cream 0.05% works by blocking the enzymes involved in the production of hormone-like substances called leukotrienes and prostaglandins, which cause inflammation.  Desowen Cream 0.05% helps relieve symptoms common to inflammatory skin conditions such as itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling and discomfort.

What are the side effects of Desowen?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Desowen Cream 0.05% include burning, itching, irritation and dryness at the site of application, thinning or discolouration of the skin.  Long-term use of topical steroid creams like Desowen Cream 0.05% may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently and this may slow down the growth rate in children.

When should Desowen not be used?

You should not use Desowen Cream 0.05% if you:

• are allergic to desonide or any ingredients in Desowen
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding without discussion with your doctor
• have a viral infection of the skin, tuberculosis, acne rosacea (a chronic skin condition), perioral dermatitis (facial rash around the mouth), fungal skin infections and ulcerative conditions
• have damaged skin

How should Desowen be used?

You should apply a small amount of your Desowen Cream 0.05% to the affected area of skin twice daily or as recommended by your doctor.  Gently rub into the skin and always wash your hands after applying the medication to make sure you don’t get any in your eyes, nose or mouth.  Do not cover with an occlusive dressing unless recommended by your doctor.  You should continue to use your Desowen Cream 0.05% for as long as recommended by your doctor, however, Desowen Cream 0.05% is intended for short term use and should not be used for more than 4 weeks, without visiting your doctor, as long term continuous use can cause problems, particularly in children. 

How long should you take Desowen?

You should continue to use your Desowen Cream 0.05% for as long as recommended by your doctor, however, Desowen Cream 0.05% is intended for short term use and should not be used for more than 4 weeks, without visiting your doctor, as long term continuous use can cause problems, particularly in children. 

Missed dose of Desowen

If you miss a dose of Desowen Cream 0.05% apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should Desowen be stored?

You should store your Desowen Cream 0.05% below 25°C in a cool dry place.