Determining the required amount (mass) of topicals

Determining the required amount of medication (creams, ointments, lotions, gels or foam) for topical application.

Affected area

Indicate the number of hands corresponding to the affected skin areas:

Hands

Application frequency

How many times a day should it be applied?

times

Application time

How long to apply?

Days

Area affected

BSA (%)

Amount

Required amount of topical per application (g):

Number

Corresponding number of finger tips:

Total amount required

About (g) are needed:

Prescription of a cream / amount

Please wear the cream/amount

times daily

thinly for

days

day thin on.

Use approximately

fingertip(s)

per application.

Save

For explanation

Area affected

BSA (%)

1 palm incl. fingers = 1% BSA

Amount

Required amount of topical per application (g):

1 palm = 1% BSA (body surface area)

Number

Corresponding number of finger tips:

1 fingertip of cream/ointment is enough for 2% BSA

The algorithm is as follows:

Area affected (in % BSA) determines topical treatment needed per day

--> here 1% BSA (1 hand) equals the need for 0,25 g topical

Topical treatment needed per day determines fingertips needed for application

--> here 0,25 g equals 1/2 fingertip unit

Dear patient, you are scheduled for a topical treatment.

A fingertip is meant like this:

Homayoon D, Dahlhoff P, Augustin M: Passende Verordnungsmenge und Applikation von Topika. Wie kann das richtige Volumen bei der Verordnung ermittelt werden?. Hautarzt 2018; 69 (6): 478-483

Device