Palm Method:
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Body Surface Area (BSA) assessment in eczema measures the percentage of skin affected by the condition. The palm method (1 palm ≈ 1% BSA) is a practical way to estimate affected areas.
The calculator uses the palm method equation:
Where:
Explanation: This method provides a quick, practical estimate of eczema severity based on affected surface area.
Details: BSA assessment helps determine eczema severity, guide treatment decisions, and monitor disease progression or treatment response.
Tips: Count how many palm-sized areas are affected (1 palm = patient's own palm size). You can add additional percentage for more precise measurement if needed.
Q1: How accurate is the palm method?
A: It provides a good estimate for clinical purposes, though exact measurements may vary slightly between individuals.
Q2: What's considered mild, moderate and severe eczema by BSA?
A: Generally: mild (<10%), moderate (10-30%), severe (>30%), but clinical judgment is also important.
Q3: Should I include unaffected skin between lesions?
A: Only include areas with active eczema, not the unaffected skin between lesions.
Q4: How does this differ for children?
A: Children have different body proportions - their palms represent a slightly higher percentage of total BSA than adults.
Q5: Are there more precise methods?
A: Yes, the Rule of Nines or Lund-Browder charts are more precise but require more time and training to use.