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.
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.
Authors: Lawrence F Eichenfield; Wynnis L Tom; Timothy G Berger; Alfons Krol; Amy S Paller; Kathryn Schwarzenberger; James N Bergman; Sarah L Chamlin; David E Cohen; Kevin D Cooper; Kelly M Cordoro; Dawn M Davis; Steven R Feldman; Jon M Hanifin; David J Margolis; Robert A Silverman; Eric L Simpson; Hywel C Williams; Craig A Elmets; Julie Block; Christopher G Harrod; Wendy Smith Begolka; Robert Sidbury Journal: J Am Acad Dermatol Date: 2014-05-09 Impact factor: 11.527