1. What is the Palm Method for BSA Estimation?

The palm method is a simple way to estimate the percentage of total body surface area (BSA) affected by burns or skin conditions. In this method, the patient's palm (including fingers) represents approximately 1% of their total BSA.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the palm method formula:

Where:

• 1 palm = approximately 1% of total body surface area
• Palms should be measured with fingers together
• The patient's own palm should be used for most accurate estimation

Explanation: This method provides a quick visual estimation of affected body surface area, particularly useful in emergency situations like burn assessment.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: Accurate BSA estimation is crucial for determining burn severity, guiding fluid resuscitation, assessing prognosis, and planning treatment in dermatological conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Count how many palm-sized areas are affected (can use fractions like 0.5 for half-palm). Enter this number to get the percentage of total BSA affected.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is the palm method?
A: It provides a rough estimate. For precise measurements, more detailed methods like the Lund-Browder chart are preferred.

Q2: Whose palm should be used for measurement?
A: Ideally the patient's own palm. If unavailable, an average adult palm represents about 0.5% of BSA in children.

Q3: What about irregularly shaped areas?
A: Mentally divide them into palm-sized portions or estimate fractions of a palm.

Q4: How does this compare to the "rule of nines"?
A: The palm method is more precise for smaller, scattered areas while the rule of nines is better for large contiguous areas.

Q5: When is this method most useful?
A: Particularly valuable in pre-hospital settings and for quick initial assessments before more precise measurements can be made.