KENACOMB combines the potent corticosteroid triamcinolone acetonide with the antifungal antibiotic nystatin and the wide spectrum antibacterial activity of neomycin and gramicidin. KENACOMB reduces inflammation, relieves pruritis and combats or prevents monilial and bacterial infections. Pharmacokinetics The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and the use of occlusive dressings. Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin, inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption. Nystatin and gramicidin are not absorbed from intact skin or mucous membranes. Neomycin can be absorbed through inflamed skin. Once absorbed, it is rapidly excreted unchanged through the kidneys. The half-life is approximately 2 to 3 hours. Microbiology Nystatin acts by binding to sterols in the cell membrane of susceptible species resulting in a change in membrane permeability and the subsequent leakage of intracellular components. Nystatin exhibits no activity against bacteria, protozoa, or viruses. Neomycin exerts its bacterial activity against a number of gram-negative organisms by inhibiting protein synthesis. It is not active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and resistant strains of gram-negative bacteria may develop. Gramicidin exerts its antibacterial activity against many gram-positive organisms by altering cell membrane permeability. INDICATIONS KENACOMB is indicated for use in corticosteroid responsive dermatoses complicated or threatened by secondary monilial and/or bacterial infections, such as: Atopic dermatitis Seborrhoeic dermatitis Lichen simplex chronicus Psoriasis (particularly of the face and body folds) Allergic contact dermatitis KENACOMB CREAM permits use in moist intertrigenous areas.