Under-treatment of eczema with topical corticosteroids is common, often because patients fear steroids and apply too little. One fingertip unit is the amount squeezed from a standard tube along the distal crease to the tip of an adult index finger, about 0.5 g. It covers an area about twice the size of an adult palm.
Writing the number of fingertip units for each body area on the prescription, and showing a parent once, makes dosing understandable and reduces both under-use and overuse. Pair it with a plan for how long to use a strength before stepping down.
- One fingertip unit is about 0.5 g and covers about two adult palms.
- Write the number of fingertip units per area on the prescription.
- Show a parent once how much one fingertip unit is.
- Give a clear duration and step-down plan for each steroid strength.
Why it matters
'Apply thinly' leads many families to use too little, and the eczema is then judged steroid-resistant.
Read the rest in the app
You have read your two free briefings this month. The app carries all 27 specialties, every morning, free — and this finding is waiting in it.
Scan to keep reading on your phone. No account needed to start.
Tomorrow morning, before your first patient
One edition a day for dermatology, written by the desk, every claim tied to its paper. Six minutes.
Get the app — free