Recommendations / 28/08/2020

How many grams of cream do I need to cover my body?

It takes 20–30 g of cream or ointment to cover an adult’s total body once.

How is ointment measured?

An FTU of cream or ointment is measured on an adult index finger before being rubbed on to 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.

How do you apply topical cream?

Topicals should be applied directly to the skin. Apply a thin layer of the cream, spreading evenly over the affected area. They should be spread gently on the skin, not smoothed or rubbed.

Is cream or ointment better?

In general, creams are better than ointments for treating oozing or wet skin conditions like eczema. Creams evaporate much quickly than ointments and thus heals such conditions faster. Ointments are thicker. Since they stay longer on your skin’s surface, they can add moisture to your skin and keep it hydrated.

How do you calculate day supply of cream?

Using a conversion factor of 20 drops per milliliter, calculate the days’ supply by dividing the total number of drops dispensed by the number of drops required for each day’s dose. For example, consider an ophthalmic product to be dosed one drop in each eye twice daily and dispensed in a 2.5 milliliter bottle.

Can topical steroids burn your skin?

If you use them correctly, topical corticosteroids rarely have serious side effects. The most common side effect of topical corticosteroids is a burning or stinging sensation when the medicine is applied. However, this usually improves as your skin gets used to the treatment.

What’s the proper way to apply a topical medicine?

Always wear gloves and maintain standard precautions when administering topical medications to the skin, mucous membranes, and tissues. Do not touch any preparations to your own skin, and turn your face away from powdered applications. Always clean the skin or wound before applying a new dose of topical medication.

How much ointment do you need for one application?

1 Fingertip unit needed for one application: 2.5 units 2 Ointment weight needed per application: 1.25 grams for an adult 3 Ointment weight needed for two weeks (twice daily): 35 grams 4 Prescribe Adult: 30 grams Older child: 30 grams Younger child: 15 grams Infant: 15 grams

How to use your topical corticosteroid cream or ointment?

Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it. Apply the cream or ointment thinly and evenly to the affected area(s). Gently massage the cream or ointment into the skin until it has all disappeared. Replace the cap on the tube.

How much is one fingertip unit of ointment?

One fingertip unit (FTU) is equivalent to 0.5 grams of ointment. One Finger Tip unit covers two adult hand prints (2% of body surface area) Topical medications are often most cost effective in standard tube sizes (15g, 30g, 45g, 60g) Prescribed amounts are rounded up to available tube sizes.

How much cream or ointment to use on infected skin?

It is helpful to have an appreciation of the amount of cream or ointment needed to treat a specific infected area: 1 g of cream will cover about a 10 cm x 10 cm area of skin; 1 g of ointment will cover an area 5%-10% larger. Nonbullous impetigo results from infection with Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus or both.

How often should I apply topical ointment to my face?

For topical dosage form (ointment): For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions: Adults—Apply to the affected area 3 or 4 times a day. The largest amount of ointment that should be used in a single application is 5 grams.