THE WEIGHTS OF TOPICAL PREPARATIONS REQUIRED FOR TOTAL AND PARTIAL BODY INUNCTION

[摘要] When an ointment or cream is applied to the whole body or to specific body parts, the weights required are essentially the same for either type vehicle when appliec by the same method. Trained operators under controlled conditions can apply repeatedly consistent and reproducible weights of ointments or creams to the whole body or to delineated areas of the body. The weights of topical vehicles needed to inunct the whole body when self-applied by a superficially-instructed individual are larger and more variable than the amounts required by the well-instructed or semi-trained operator. Under controlled conditions, the range of 12.2 low to 26.6 g high probably depicts best how much unguent (vehicle is needed to cover the average male when applied sparingly or without excess. When the total body is treated under ad lib conditions, the weights of topical vehicles utilized may range from as low as 7.7 gm to a high of 114.8 g. This rather wide range represents a possibly large source of variation and emphasizes the need for investigators to control the proceudres for application when conducting qualitative and quantitative studies with dermatologic preparations.