Fingertip Units for Topical Steroids

What are topical steroids and how do they work?

Topical steroids are creams, ointments and lotions which contain steroid drugs. Topical steroids work by reducing inflammation in the skin. They are used for various skin conditions such as atopic eczema. Unlike many other creams and ointments, it is important to get the dose right when using topical steroids. This is why a standard measure is often used - the fingertip unit.

Fingertip units

Fingertip units and children

An FTU of cream or ointment is measured on an adult index finger before being rubbed onto a child. Again, one FTU is used to treat an area of skin on a child equivalent to twice the size of the flat of an adult's hand with the fingers together. You can gauge the amount of topical steroid to use by using your (adult) hand to measure the amount of skin affected on the child. From this you can work out the amount of topical steroid to use.

The following gives a rough guide:

For a 3-6 month old child

• Entire face and neck - 1 FTU
• An entire arm and hand - 1 FTU
• An entire leg and foot - 1.5 FTUs
• The entire front of chest and abdomen - 1 FTU
• The entire back including buttocks - 1.5 FTUs

For a 1-2 year old child

• Entire face and neck - 1.5 FTUs
• An entire arm and hand - 1.5 FTUs
• An entire leg and foot - 2 FTUs
• The entire front of chest and abdomen - 2 FTUs
• The entire back including buttocks - 3 FTUs

For a 3-5 year old child

• Entire face and neck - 1.5 FTUs
• An entire arm and hand - 2 FTUs
• An entire leg and foot - 3 FTUs
• The entire front of chest and abdomen - 3 FTUs
• The entire back including buttocks - 3.5 FTUs

For a 6-10 year old child

• Entire face and neck - 2 FTUs
• An entire arm and hand - 2.5 FTUs
• An entire leg and foot - 4.5 FTUs
• The entire front of chest and abdomen - 3.5 FTUs
• The entire back including buttocks - 5 FTUs

Further help and information

National Eczema Society

Hill House, Highgate Hill, London, N19 5NA
Tel (Helpline): 0800 089 1122 Web: www.eczema.org