pimecrolimus + topical corticosteroid

Pimecrolimus + topical corticosteroid refers to the combination of two classes of topical anti-inflammatory agents used in dermatology, particularly for inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Pimecrolimus is a topical calcineurin inhibitor that suppresses T-cell activation and cytokine release by inhibiting the enzyme protein phosphatase 3 catalytic subunit alpha, thereby reducing inflammation without causing skin atrophy[1][2][6][8]. Topical corticosteroids are synthetic analogs of natural glucocorticoids that act primarily by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor and modulating gene expression to suppress multiple inflammatory pathways. This combination may be used sequentially or intermittently in patients with moderate-to-severe eczema who do not respond adequately to monotherapy, aiming to maximize efficacy while minimizing side effects associated with long-term steroid use.