Desonide

The Basics

What is Desonide?

A low-potency topical corticosteroid anti-inflammatory primarily used to treat atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and psoriasis.

Brand names for Desonide

Desonate

How Desonide is classified

Corticosteroids – Topical, Glucocorticoids, Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Desonide During Pregnancy

Desonide pregnancy category

Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Desonide while pregnant

N/A

Taking Desonide While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Desonide?

Desonide has not been studied during breastfeeding. Since only extensive application of the most potent corticosteroids may cause systemic effects in the mother, it is unlikely that short-term application of topical corticosteroids would pose a risk to the breastfed infant by passage into breastmilk. However, it would be prudent to use the least potent drug on the smallest area of skin possible. It is particularly important to ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[1] Desonide cream or foam are acceptable to use on the nipple.[2] Any topical corticosteroid should be wiped off thoroughly prior to nursing if it is being applied to the breast or nipple area.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Desonide has not been studied during breastfeeding. Since only extensive application of the most potent corticosteroids may cause systemic effects in the mother, it is unlikely that short-term application of topical corticosteroids would pose a risk to the breastfed infant by passage into breastmilk. However, it would be prudent to use the least potent drug on the smallest area of skin possible. It is particularly important to ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[1] Desonide cream or foam are acceptable to use on the nipple.[2] Any topical corticosteroid should be wiped off thoroughly prior to nursing if it is being applied to the breast or nipple area.

Possible effects of Desonide on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Desonide

Hydrocortisone, Topical.