1. What is Body Surface Area Percentage?

The Body Surface Area Percentage (%BSA) is a measurement used in medicine to estimate the extent of burns or skin involvement in various conditions. It helps guide treatment decisions and fluid resuscitation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator sums the percentages of affected areas:

Rule of Nines: Common estimates for adults:

• Head: 9%
• Torso (front): 18%
• Torso (back): 18%
• Each arm: 9%
• Each leg: 18%
• Genitalia: 1%

Palm Method: Patient's palm (including fingers) ≈ 1% of BSA

3. Importance of %BSA Calculation

Clinical Significance: Accurate %BSA estimation is crucial for burn management, determining fluid resuscitation needs, and assessing severity of skin conditions like psoriasis or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions: Enter the percentage for each body area affected. Values should be between 0-100%. The calculator will sum all values to give total %BSA affected.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between Rule of Nines and Lund-Browder chart?
A: Rule of Nines is quicker but less accurate, especially in children. Lund-Browder accounts for age-related body proportion changes.

Q2: How accurate is the palm method?
A: The palm method (1% per palm) is reasonably accurate for small burns (<15% BSA) or scattered burns.

Q3: Why is %BSA important in burns?
A: %BSA determines fluid resuscitation needs (Parkland formula: 4mL × %BSA × weight in kg) and helps predict mortality risk.

Q4: How does %BSA differ between adults and children?
A: Children have proportionally larger heads and smaller legs compared to adults, requiring age-adjusted charts.

Q5: What about obese patients?
A: Obesity doesn't significantly change external BSA proportions, though actual total BSA is larger.