Is hydrocortizone the same as desonide 05?

Answer 1

They are both steroids - typically used topically for skin problems. Hydrocortisone 2.5% (prescription) and 1% (over-the-counter) are group VII, the weakest class of topical steroids. Desonide, even at a much lower .05% concentration is actually a stronger group VI or V topical steroid. The group VI vs V classification difference appears to be related to the medium the drug is suspended in. Whether the steroid is applied in a lotion, cream, or ointment affects how potent it is to the skin of a patient.