Choosing and using a vehicle

The amount of topical medication needed to cover the body thinly by self-application was measured in twenty-nine adults. It averaged 22 gm and varied with surface area and size of container, but not with sex or instruction. There was no difference in amount used between cream and ointment or between alcoholic liquid and creamy liquid. Application by a trained attendant required less medication than self-application. Self-application of a fluorescent sunscreen skipped many areas.