Guidelines for Topical Cream and Ointment Application Amounts

Fingertip Unit Method

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that 1 FTU equals approximately 0.5 grams and covers approximately 2% body surface area, with specific application amounts for different body areas, such as 2.5 FTU for the face and neck, 1 FTU for one hand, 4 FTU for one entire arm, 8 FTU for one entire leg, 8 FTU for the trunk, 3 FTU for the scalp, 0.5 FTU for the genitalia, and 4 FTU for the buttocks 1, 2

For single application, the recommended FTU amounts are: 2.5 FTU for the face and neck, 1 FTU for one hand, 4 FTU for one entire arm, 8 FTU for one entire leg, 8 FTU for the trunk, 3 FTU for the scalp, 0.5 FTU for the genitalia, and 4 FTU for the buttocks, with corresponding gram amounts of approximately 1.25 grams, 0.5 grams, 2 grams, 4 grams, 4 grams, 1.5 grams, 0.25 grams, and 2 grams, respectively 1, 2

For emollients and maintenance therapy, the recommended amounts per 2 weeks for single daily application are: 15-30 grams for the face and neck, 15-30 grams for both hands, 15-30 grams for the scalp, 15-30 grams for the groins and genitalia, 30-60 grams for both arms, 100 grams for both legs, and 100 grams for the trunk 3, 4

For potent topical corticosteroids used in extensive disease, the British Association of Dermatologists recommends specific dosing, including 10 grams once weekly for maintenance therapy and 10-30 grams daily for active disease control, depending on the extent of the disease 5
The British Association of Dermatologists also recommends observing maximum surface area limits for specific medications with toxicity concerns, such as 5-Fluorouracil 5%, Ingenol mebutate, and Imiquimod 5%, with corresponding maximum treatment areas of 500 cm², 25 cm², and 1cm margin, respectively 6