Kenalog for acne is diluted with saline or anesthetic to reduce concentration and minimize side effects.

Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) is diluted before injection for acne cysts to reduce its potency and prevent complications like skin atrophy. The typical dilution involves mixing Kenalog with saline solution or lidocaine to achieve a concentration of 2.5-10 mg/mL, depending on the severity of the lesion and injection site. Proper dilution ensures effective treatment while minimizing risks.

Common Dilution Ratios for Kenalog Injections

• 1:1 ratio: 2.5 mg/mL (equal parts Kenalog and diluent)
• 1:2 ratio: 1.67 mg/mL (one part Kenalog to two parts diluent)
• 1:3 ratio: 1.25 mg/mL (one part Kenalog to three parts diluent)

Step-by-Step Dilution Process

1. Clean the vial tops with alcohol swabs
2. Draw desired amount of Kenalog into syringe
3. Add appropriate volume of saline or lidocaine
4. Mix gently by inverting syringe 5-10 times
5. Check final concentration before injection

Comparison of Dilution Methods

Safety Considerations

Always use aseptic technique when handling Kenalog and diluents. Store diluted solution for no more than 24 hours and label with concentration and expiration. Inject slowly to prevent tissue damage and avoid superficial injections to prevent visible atrophy.