Download Patient Inform ation - Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Patient Information
Use of Steroid creams - How much to apply
Topical corticosteroid creams and ointments are applied to the
skin to reduce inflammation in conditions such as eczema and
psoriasis. Used correctly, topical steroids are safe and effective.
Topical steroids vary in potencies (strengths):
•
Mild- e.g. Hydrocortisone 1%- Use for babies and children
and delicate areas of skin such as the face and neck.
Psoriasis under breasts, behind elbows and knees.
•
Moderate- e.g. Clobetasone butyrate 0.05%- Use for older
children or adults
•
Potent- e.g. Betamethasone valerate 0.1%- Use for
eczema that has not responded to less potent steroids and
psoriasis of scalp, hands and feet
•
Very potent- e.g. Clobetasol propionate 0.05% - Use for
severe eczema or psoriasis not responding to other
steroids.
You may need to step up to a more potent (stronger) steroid if
there is no response but in general, use the lowest strength,
which works. Your doctor or pharmacist can explain the
differences between the preparations available.
Dosage
The amount of ointment you should use can be measured as an
Adult Fingertip Unit (FTU). Use your index finger (first finger, next
to your thumb) as a measure. Squeeze the ointment from the tube
along your index finger from the tip to the first joint - this is a
fingertip measure.
Number of Adult Fingertip Units
1. An adult -Face and neck- 2.5; Arm and hand- 4; Leg and foot8; Trunk (front)-7; Trunk (back) including buttocks-7
2. Child (3-6 months) Face and neck- 1; Arm and hand- 1; Leg
and foot-1.5; Trunk (front1; Trunk (back) including buttocks-1.5
3. Child (1-2 years)- Face and neck- 1.5; Arm and hand- 1.5; Leg
and foot-2; Trunk (front)-2; Trunk (back) including buttocks-3
4. Child (3-5 years)- Face and neck- 1.5; Arm and hand- 2; Leg
and foot-3; Trunk (front)-3; Trunk (back) including buttocks-3.5
5. Child (6-10 years)- Face and neck- 2; Arm and hand- 2.5; Leg
and foot-4.5; Trunk (front)-3.5; Trunk (back) including buttocks-5
As a rough guide:
•
15g tube is equivalent to 30 ftu
•
30g tube is equivalent to 60 ftu
•
100g tube is equivalent to 200 ftu
Therefore an adult requires about 40ftu for 1 total body treatment i.e.
about 35 to 40g per day
•
•
•
Apply the topical steroid once or twice a day, depending on the
preparation.
Always try to leave a gap of at least 10-15 minutes after
applying emollient before applying the steroid otherwise you
may dilute the effect of the steroid.
If you are using a moderate potency or higher, step down to a
less potent steroid to maintain the condition until completely
controlled and then continue with emollient. This reduces the
chance of a rebound flare-up reaction.
For further information please contact the Dermatology department on
Tel: 01246 512140
We would like to thank NHS Direct for allowing us to reproduce the
information in this leaflet. If you would like any further information
please visit their website at
http://cks.library.nhs.uk/patient_information_leaflet/corticosteroids