From the Guidelines
Desonide can be safely used on a child's face for inflammatory skin conditions, but it's essential to follow guidelines and use it with caution to minimize potential side effects. According to the most recent guidelines, desonide is considered a low to medium potency topical corticosteroid, which can be used for longer periods to treat chronic atopic dermatitis involving the trunk and extremities, but high potency corticosteroids should be used with caution on highly sensitive skin areas like the face, neck, and skin folds to avoid skin atrophy 1. For facial application, it's recommended to use a low potency corticosteroid like desonide, especially in infants and young children, as they have an increased risk of adrenal suppression from potent corticosteroids 1.
When using desonide on a child's face, apply a thin layer of desonide cream or ointment (0.05%) to the affected areas 1-2 times daily for up to 2 weeks, using only the amount needed to cover the affected area lightly. Gently wash your hands before and after application unless treating the hands, and avoid contact with eyes, inside the nose, or mouth. Desonide works by reducing inflammation, itching, and redness by suppressing the immune response in the skin, and it's considered safer for delicate areas like the face because it's less potent than other corticosteroids, reducing the risk of skin thinning or other side effects 1. However, you should discontinue use and contact your doctor if irritation develops or if the condition worsens. Long-term continuous use should be avoided, especially on a child's face, as it may cause skin thinning or absorption into the bloodstream.
Some key considerations when using desonide on a child's face include:
- Using the lowest potency corticosteroid effective for the condition
- Applying the corticosteroid for the shortest duration necessary to achieve the desired effect
- Avoiding use on highly sensitive skin areas, such as the face, neck, and skin folds, for extended periods
- Monitoring for potential side effects, such as skin atrophy, adrenal suppression, and absorption into the bloodstream
- Discontinuing use and consulting a doctor if irritation develops or if the condition worsens.
From the FDA Drug Label
Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from equivalent doses due to their larger skin surface to body mass ratios
The use of Desonide on a child's face is not recommended due to the potential for systemic toxicity and HPA axis suppression. Children have a larger skin surface to body mass ratio, making them more susceptible to these adverse effects.
From the Research
Desonide for Child's Face
- Desonide is a low-potency topical corticosteroid that can be used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis in children 2, 3, 4.
- When prescribing topical corticosteroids for use in children, lower potencies and shorter durations should be used to minimize the risk of adverse effects 5.
- Desonide has been shown to be safe and effective in pediatric subjects with atopic dermatitis, with no significant suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis 2, 6.
- The safety and efficacy of desonide hydrogel 0.05% has been substantiated in phase III clinical trials in mild to moderate atopic dermatitis subjects aged 3 months to 18 years 2.
- Desonide foam is a newly approved topical corticosteroid preparation that has been shown effective compared with vehicle placebo in the treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis in both pediatric and adult populations 4.
Application and Dosage
- The quantity of corticosteroid prescribed depends on the duration of treatment, the frequency of application, the skin location, and the total surface area treated 5.
- Topical corticosteroids are applied once or twice per day for up to three weeks for super-high-potency corticosteroids or up to 12 weeks for high- or medium-potency corticosteroids 5.
- There is no specified time limit for low-potency topical corticosteroid use, such as desonide 5.