A Practical Derm Pearl

     Make no mistake, steroid creams of varying potency are a mainstay in urgent care rash treatment. Knowing the exact amount of cream/ointment to prescribe for though, can be a bit of a 'guessing game."  Too much, and you risk an overzealous patient using the cream 6 months later on their jock itch (We have met the enemy-it is ourself.). Too little leads to needless patient suffering, extra trips to the pharmacy, and even more copays. Below is a table, based on body region, estimating the necessary amount of topical steroid needed to cover a 2 week period. ENJOY!

Estimating the Necessary Amount of Topical Corticosteroid for Adults

                        Area                                            Amount Needed for BID dosing x 2wks 

                Face and Neck                                                       36g

                Trunk (front and back)                                        186g

                One Arm                                                                48g

                One Hand                                                               17g

                One Leg                                                                  81g

                One Foot                                                                25g

(Source:Long CC, Finlay AY. The Finger Tip Unit-A New Practical Measure. Clinical Exp Dermatology 1991; 16(6):444-447.)