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What Is Desoximetasone Used For?
Desoximetasone is prescribed to treat dermatitis, eczema, and various other conditions of the skin in adults. It is a type of steroid and works by decreasing inflammation and suppressing an overactive immune system. In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend desoximetasone for off-label uses, such as treating vitiligo and penile or labial adhesions.
Desoximetasone (Topicort®) is a prescription skin medication used to treat inflammation and itching due to a wide variety of conditions. Some of these conditions include but are not limited to:
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Poison ivy
- Seborrhea.
Desoximetasone is approved to treat any skin condition that is responsive to corticosteroids.
Desoximetasone comes in three forms: a cream, an ointment, and a gel. The ointment is greasy, while the gel and cream are easier and less messy to apply. The gel tends to be more drying and more irritating to the skin than the ointment or cream. The different products also vary in their potency.
The following desoximetasone products are "Class II" (high potency) steroids:
- Desoximetasone 0.25% cream
- Desoximetasone 0.25% ointment
- Desoximetasone 0.05% gel.
Desoximetasone LP 0.05% cream is a "Class IV" (medium potency) steroid.
Desoximetasone is part of a group of medications known as glucocorticoids, which are a type of corticosteroid (or "steroid" for short). Although glucocorticoids have numerous effects in the body, they are used mostly for their anti-inflammatory or immune-suppressing properties. Desoximetasone works for most conditions by decreasing inflammation or suppressing an overactive immune system.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD