Desocort

Indications

Desoximetasone is a strong corticosteroid applied to the skin. It is used to relieve redness, swelling, itching and scaling in skin conditions that respond to steroids, such as:

• Eczema and atopic dermatitis
• Psoriasis (including plaques on the body and scalp)
• Contact dermatitis (skin reaction to something touched)
• Other inflammatory skin rashes as advised by a doctor

How It Works

Desoximetasone acts inside skin cells to switch off chemical signals that cause inflammation. It also narrows small blood vessels in the skin, which reduces redness and swelling, and slows the overactive skin cell growth seen in psoriasis.

Dosage and Administration

Adults: apply a thin layer to the affected skin twice a day and rub in gently, or as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands after use unless the hands are being treated. Do not cover the area with tight dressings unless told to. Use for the shortest time needed, usually not more than 2 weeks without review. Use in children only if prescribed, and for a short time.

Interactions

Few interactions are expected because little is absorbed. Avoid using other steroid creams on the same area at the same time. If large areas are treated for a long time, enough may be absorbed to affect blood sugar control in diabetes and to interact with other corticosteroid medicines.

Contraindications

• Allergy to desoximetasone or any ingredient
• Untreated bacterial, fungal or viral skin infections (such as ringworm, cold sores, chickenpox)
• Acne, rosacea and the rash around the mouth called perioral dermatitis
• Use on broken skin or open wounds

Side Effects

Burning, stinging, itching or dryness may occur where it is applied. Long or heavy use can cause thinning of the skin, stretch marks, visible small blood vessels, lightening of skin colour, acne-like spots and increased hair growth. Rarely, if absorbed in large amounts, it can affect the body's own steroid hormones.

Get urgent medical help if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, or if the skin becomes very red, hot, swollen or oozes pus, which may mean infection.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use in pregnancy only if a doctor advises, on small areas and for a short time. If breastfeeding, do not apply to the breasts, and use only as directed by your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

• For skin use only; keep away from the eyes, mouth and inside the nose.
• Avoid long-term use on the face, armpits and groin, where skin is thin.
• Children absorb more through the skin; use only when prescribed.
• Do not stop suddenly after long use on large areas; your doctor may reduce use gradually.
• See a doctor if the condition does not improve within 2 weeks.

Overdose

Using too much on the skin for a long time can cause the side effects above. If swallowed, contact a doctor or poison centre for advice.

Therapeutic Class

Topical corticosteroid (potent).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze.