<s>[INST] How much topical steroid should I apply? [/INST] There are guidelines on the amount of topical steroid required to cover different body areas affected by eczema. These are based on the Finger Tip Unit (FTU), which is the amount of cream or ointment that covers the end of an adult finger from the tip to the crease of the first joint when squeezed from an ordinary tube nozzle. One FTU is enough to cover an area of skin the size of one adult hand.

Different parts of the body require different amounts of topical steroid. For example, in an adult, one arm will need 3 FTU while a 4-year-old child will require 2 FTU for an arm and hand. Adjustments will be required if only a small part of the larger area is affected by eczema. Further information is often provided in the leaflet supplied with your treatment. We also have more detailed information in our Topical steroids factsheet.

Any unused steroid cream or ointment should be discarded after the course of treatment is completed. Wash your hands after applying steroids unless you are using them to treat hand eczema. Source: National Eczema Society. Link: https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/faqs/. Field: Dermatology. Disease: Eczema </s>