How much of a topical agent should be prescribed for children of different sizes?
BACKGROUND
Compared with guidelines for the quantity of topical corticosteroids to apply in adults, standards for the use of topical corticosteroids in children are not well described.


OBJECTIVE
To devise simple-to-use guidelines for topical corticosteroid quantities needed in infants, children, pre-teens, and adults.


METHODS
We determined body surface area (BSA) using mean heights and weights in order to calculate the appropriate quantities of medication to be prescribed.


RESULTS
As a rough estimate, infants require one-fifth of adult doses, children two-fifths of adult doses, and adolescents two-thirds of adult doses. However, the assessment of BSA may vary considerably between clinicians. Patients may also vary in how thickly they apply topical medication.


CONCLUSIONS
A simple guideline for how much topical corticosteroid to prescribe may facilitate the treatment of young children with skin disease.
Nelson
Andrew A
AA
Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1071, USA.
Miller
Alicia D
AD
Fleischer
Alan B
AB
Balkrishnan
Rajesh
R
Feldman
Steven R
SR
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000328:Adult; D001830:Body Surface Area; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones