How much steroid ointment should I apply? Cover the entire area with a amount about the size of two fingers.

Steroid ointments, when used properly, quickly improve skin conditions.

Director Seo Dong-hye of Beautiful Country Dermatology said, "To see the full efficacy, you should not judge the symptoms of skin diseases yourself when they occur, but consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and follow the prescribed dosage."

However, even when prescribed steroid ointment, there are times when I'm confused about how much to apply.

Director Seo said, "People often apply less out of concern about side effects, but this can be harmful," adding, "If less than the necessary amount is absorbed, the treatment period lengthens and symptoms worsen."

How much is the appropriate amount of steroid ointment?

First, the absorption rate of steroid ointments varies depending on the thickness of the skin and the properties of the keratin in different body parts. It is important to apply the prescribed amount, but it can be difficult to get the right dose. It is helpful to know which areas absorb the medication more effectively.

The area with the highest absorption rate of ointments is the genitals and eyelids (30%). Next are the face, forearms, and soles of the feet, in that order, with good absorption. The palms have the lowest ointment absorption rate (0.1%). Even when the same amount of steroid ointment is applied, the amount absorbed through the eyelids differs from that absorbed through the palms.

The recommended usage amount is determined based on applying the product to the entire area of each body part. The recommended single-use amount for the face, 1g, means that the entire face should be covered with 1g of the product. Approximately, 1g is the amount of ointment when squeezed into a line about two finger joints (5 cm) long.

If a skin lesion the size of a 500-won coin appears on the face, it corresponds to one-hundredth of the average adult male face area. It can be treated by applying a bandage about 0.5 mm in length, which is approximately one-hundredth of the length of two finger joints.

Meanwhile, the appropriate single-use amount of ointment for the entire scalp is 2g, for one arm is 3g, for one leg is 5g, and for the torso is 8g.