How to use topical corticosteroids

Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, follow the directions on the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication. This will give details of how much to apply and how often.

Most people only need to use the medication once or twice a day for a week or two, althoughoccasionally your doctor may suggest usingit less frequently over a longer period of time.

The medication should only be applied to affected areas of skin. Gently smooth it into your skin in the direction the hair grows.

If you're using both topical corticosteroids and emollients , you should apply the emollient first. Then wait about 30 minutes before applying the topical corticosteroid.

Fingertip units

Sometimes,the amount of medication you're advised to use will be given in fingertip units (FTUs).

A FTU (about 500mg) is the amount ofmedication needed to squeeze a line from the tip of an adult finger to the first crease of the finger.It should be enough to treat an area of skin double the size of the flat of your hand with your fingers together.

The recommended dosage will depend on what part of the body is being treated. This is because the skin is thinner in certain parts of the body and more sensitive to the effects of corticosteroids.

For adults, the recommended FTUs to be applied in one single dose are:

  • 0.5 FTU for genitals
  • 1 FTU for hands, elbows and knees
  • 1.5 FTUs for the feet, including the soles
  • 2.5 FTUs for the face and neck
  • 3 FTUs for the scalp
  • 4 FTUs for a hand and arm together, or the buttocks
  • 8 FTUs for the legs and chest, or legs and back

For children, the recommended FTUs will depend on their age. Your GP can advise youon this.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018