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The finger-tip unit--a new practical measure.

C C Long1, A Y Finlay

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff.

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
|November 1, 1991
PubMed
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A finger-tip unit (FTU) is a standardized measure for topical medication application. This study quantifies FTU amounts for different body areas, aiding accurate dermatological prescribing.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Topical medication dosing can be imprecise.
  • A standardized unit of measurement is needed for ointments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish and validate the finger-tip unit (FTU) as a quantitative measure for topical ointment application.
  • To determine the number of FTUs required for various anatomical regions.
  • To assess the surface area covered by one FTU.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty adult patients applied ointments to different body areas using the FTU method.
  • The number of FTUs for each region was recorded.
  • The surface area covered by one FTU was measured.

Main Results:

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  • Specific FTU quantities were determined for face/neck (2.5), trunk (6.7-6.8), limbs (3.3-5.8), hands (1.2), and feet (1.8).
  • One FTU covers an average of 286 cm².
  • Males required more FTUs per area than females.

Conclusions:

  • The finger-tip unit (FTU) provides a practical and understandable method for prescribing and applying topical medications.
  • This standardized approach can improve treatment consistency and patient adherence in dermatology.