Desowen Ointment is used to help relieve redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions. This medicine is a corticosteroid available only with your doctor's prescription.

Use Desowen Ointment only on the skin.

• Wash your hands. Before applying the medication, clean and dry the affected area.
•  Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area and gently rub it in, usually 2-3 times daily or as directed by your doctor.
• Do not bandage, wrap, or cover the area unless you are instructed to do so by your doctor. If used in the diaper area on an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.
• After applying the medication: Wash and dry your hands unless you use this medication to treat the hands.
• When applying this medication near the eyes, avoid getting it in the eyes because it may worsen, cause glaucoma, or cause irritation.
• Avoid getting this medication in the nose or mouth. If you get this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse it immediately with plenty of water.
• Use this medication only for the condition prescribed.
• Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse after two weeks.

Before using Desowen Ointment, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, other corticosteroids, or any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. 

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: poor blood circulation, diabetes, immune system problems, and other skin conditions.

Do not use it if there is an infection or sore in the area to be treated.

Children may be more sensitive to the effects of too much corticosteroid medication. Consult your doctor for more details.

During pregnancy, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. 

Stinging, burning, itching, irritation, dryness, or redness may occur when applied to the skin. If these effects last or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. As your body adjusts to the Desowen Ointment, this should disappear in a few days.

Tell your doctor immediately if you have any serious side effects, including stretch marks, skin thinning/discoloration, acne, excessive hair growth, and small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis).

Skin infections can become worse when using this medication. Notify your doctor promptly if redness, swelling or irritation does not improve.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help immediately if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice other effects not listed above.

Can Desowen Ointment cause acne?

Desowen Ointment can cause acne, especially in the areas where you apply the medication. If you have a history of acne problems, you should talk to your provider before starting this medication or any other topical steroids.

Desowen Ointment is it safe to use on the face?

Do not use Desowen Ointment anywhere on the face unless your provider has specifically told you to do so. The skin on your face is more sensitive and likely to get unwanted side effects, so you want to use it only when necessary.

What side effects should you report to my doctor right away?

Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking Desowen Ointment. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs:

• High blood sugar, like confusion, feeling sleepy, thirst, more hungry, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
• A weak adrenal gland includes a very bad upset stomach or throwing up, bad dizziness or passing out, muscle weakness, tiredness, mood changes, not being hungry, or weight loss.
• Cushing's disease like weight gain in the upper back or belly, moon face, bad headache, or slow healing.