title: The finger-tip unit--a new practical measure.
abstract: A finger-tip unit (FTU) is the amount of ointment expressed from a tube with a 5 mm diameter nozzle, applied from the distal skin-crease to the tip of the index finger. Thirty adult-patients treated various anatomical regions using FTU's of ointment. The number of FTU's required was: face and neck 2.5 (s.d. +/- 0.8); front of trunk 6.7 (s.d. +/- 1.7); back of trunk 6.8 (s.d. +/- 1.2); arm and forearm 3.3 (s.d. +/- 1.0); hand 1.2 (s.d. +/- 0.4); leg and thigh 5.8 (s.d. +/- 1.7); foot 1.8 (s.d. +/- 0.6). One FTU covers 286 cm2 (s.d. +/- 80, n = 30). In males one FTU covers 312 cm2 (s.d. +/- 90, n = 16) and in females 257 cm2 (s.d. +/- 55, n = 14). The use of the FTU in dermatological prescribing provides a readily understandable measure for both patients and doctor.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff.
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: A Y
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Finlay
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004485:Eczema / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009824:Ointments; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D009824:Ointments; D001623:Betamethasone